American Institute of Architects elevates ASU's Ed Soltero to the College of Fellows

The 2016 Jury of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) elevated Ed Soltero, Arizona State University architect and assistant vice president, to its prestigious College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to the profession. 

Soltero will be honored at an investiture ceremony at the 2016 National AIA Convention this May in Philadelphia.

“Election to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows is a fitting recognition of Ed Soltero’s body of work, including the substantial contributions he has made to the university’s built environment over the last four years," said Morgan R. Olsen, ASU executive vice president, treasurer, and CFO. “His notable ability to balance aesthetic, programmatic, financial and sustainability objectives in our many capital projects is reflected in the distinctive buildings and environments now being enjoyed by the ASU community across our four Valley campuses. We join his professional colleagues in congratulating him on this rare career accomplishment.” 

The Fellowship program was developed to elevate those 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.

“The recently completed College Avenue Commons building and the Student Pavilion project, now under construction, are two projects which assume didactic roles within the larger educational mission at ASU,” Soltero said.

Out of a total AIA membership of nearly 88,000, there are fewer than 3,100 distinguished with the honor of fellowship and honorary fellowship. The elevation to fellowship is conferred on architects with at least ten years of membership in the AIA in one or more of the following nomination categories:

1. Promoted the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession

2. Advanced the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education, training and practice

3. Coordinated the building industry and the profession of architecture through leadership in the AIA and other related professional organizations

4. Advanced the living standards of people through an improved environment

5. Made the profession of ever-increasing service to society 

Soltero is a registered architect in several states, is an NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards)-certified architect with reciprocity. He has 31 years of combined experience in design and facilities management and is a LEED-accredited professional with the United States Green Buildings Council. 

Soltero joined ASU in March 2012 from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where he was the director/university architect, Office of Design, Planning and Construction since 2005.

Soltero previously was a principal at two different firms in Texas where he led the design of multiple projects across the country. Soltero played a key leadership role in UTEP’s ongoing transformation into a national research university, including the design and construction oversight of new buildings for chemistry and computer science, nursing, healthcare professions and bioscience and the recently completed Centennial Plaza campus transformation project.

About The American Institute of Architects

Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.