Today, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) granted six people with its Honorary AIA membership, recognizing individuals with "notable contributions to the advancement of the architecture profession but are not otherwise eligible for AIA membership," according to an AIA press release.

To be considered for the honorary membership status, one must be nominated by members of the AIA board of directors, strategic council, chapters, or knowledge communities in addition to meeting a "a host of criteria," according to the same release. The jury for 2020 AIA Honorary Membership comprised chair Sylvia Kwan, FAIA, of DLR Group Kwan Henmi in San Francisco; Joan Soranno, FAIA, of HGA in Minneapolis; and Melanie Ray, AIA, of Hord Coplan Macht in Baltimore, Md.

The winners of the 2020 AIA Honorary Membership are:

Valerie Brown, Hon. AIA
Matthew Kiefer, Hon. AIA
Lisa Richmond, Hon. AIA
Janet Rumbarger, Hon. AIA
Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIA
Eric White, Hon. AIA

To see more winners of the 2020 AIA Honor Awards, click here.