Date Posted: 02.24.2017
Two Mithun leaders, Bruce Williams and Richard Franko, have been elevated to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows. The AIA Fellowship program was developed to honor architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession. Election to fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of architects as individuals, but also their significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level. Out of a total AIA membership of more than 90,000, approximately 3 percent of members are recognized as fellows.
Bruce Williams FAIA, LEED AP is a partner at Mithun. As the firm’s chief operating officer for 15 years, he was instrumental in establishing Mithun’s national leadership in sustainable design and creating a collection of groundbreaking projects with continuing impact on integrated design practice nationally. Under Bruce’s leadership, the firm has been honored with more than 200 awards for excellence in planning and design, including five AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) Top Ten Green Project awards. An active member of the AIA Documents Committee, Bruce advances architectural practice throughout the nation through expert contributions to AIA documents supporting risk management in multifamily residential and mixed use projects, sustainability and design collaboration.
Richard Franko FAIA, LEED AP is a design partner and leads the firm’s sustainability initiatives. Through the integrated design of highly sustainable, experientially layered projects, Rich advances cultural heritage, environmental learning and sustainable design. His diverse body of work includes a new museum for the Wanapum band, the new Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle, IslandWood environmental education campus and Louisiana Children’s Museum in New Orleans City Park, and has been honored with national AIA and ASLA awards. Each of Rich’s designs define immersive environments that animate stories of diverse cultures, engage children and manifest natural systems. He has lectured and taught internationally from Germany to Australia, and is a co-author of Developing Sustainably Planned Communities.
The 2017 Fellows will be honored at an investiture ceremony at the AIA Conference on Architecture in Orlando, April 27-29, and celebrated at an evening reception hosted by AIA Seattle on June 3.
