Statement on Emanuel Kelly, FAIA

On behalf of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Philadelphia), we express our deepest condolences on the passing of Emanuel Kelly, FAIA, a distinguished architect, and advocate for social equity. His vision, expertise, and commitment to community and our profession leaves a lasting legacy for us all.

Mr. Kelly was not only a respected architect with over 40 years of experience but also a valued educator, imparting his knowledge to countless students during his tenure as a professor at Temple University. His commitment to community engaged design throughout our region was unwavering, and he used his platform to champion this cause throughout his career. He was reputably known as one of the co-founders of the Community Design Collaborative.

As a Fellow of the AIA, Kelly's dedication to the profession was recognized at the highest level, demonstrating his profound impact on our industry. He served as President of AIA Philadelphia in 1993 and was the recipient of the AIA Philadelphia Frederick Harbeson Award in 2009, an accolade bestowed upon architects who have significantly influenced the city, region, and the profession of architecture at local, state, and national levels.

His accolades and awards are only outnumbered by the number of people who have been impacted by the great Emanuel Kelly. In his obituary, his wife stated that, “everyone had something good to say about Kelly.” We know that to be true. Kelly is beloved by his peers across the country, but especially in his hometown. His passing is a huge loss.

We join the architectural community in mourning his loss and extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, colleagues, and students. His memory will continue to guide us as we strive to uphold the standards of excellence and inclusivity he set in the field of architecture.

- 2024 AIA Philadelphia Board of Directors

Obituary Link: HERE