AIA National Elevates 2 Local AIA Philadelphia Architects to the College of Fellows

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is elevating two local members from AIA Philadelphia to its prestigious College of Fellows, AIA’s highest membership honor, for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. 

The fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level. Architects who have been elevated to fellowship can be identified by the designation FAIA after their name. Congratulations to the new local Fellows below! 🎉

Efrie Escott, FAIA

Schneider Electric

Object Two: To advance the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of practice.

Efrie Escott, FAIA, LFA, LCACP, LEED Fellow, is the Technical Thought Leader for Digital Energy at Schneider Electric, advocating for Zero Carbon strategies to expedite the transition to a decarbonized built environment. As a licensed architect and LCA practitioner, Efrie’s prior experience includes being a Principal at the KieranTimberlake Research Group, where she was a founding member of the Tally development team, the first BIM-integrated LCA tool. Efrie’s research has been published in several internationally-recognized, peer-reviewed academic journals. She was a member of the USGBC Materials + Resources and ILFI Energy + Carbon Technical Advisory Groups, founded Philadelphia’s Dynamo User Group, co-chaired the AIA Philadelphia Women in Architecture Committee, and is a member of the ILFI Board of Directors, AIA Committee on Climate Action and Design Excellence, and the ASHRAE/ICC SPC 240p Committee. Efrie lectures internationally and teaches at the University of Pennsylvania.

John H. Cluver, FAIA

Voith & Mactavish Architects, LLP

Object Two: To advance the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of practice.

John is a preservation architect recognized nationally for advancing the integration of sustainability, accessibility, and contemporary performance standards within historically significant buildings. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has established a reputation for thoughtful stewardship that respects historic integrity while enabling buildings to meet modern needs. 

As Senior Partner and Director of Preservation at Voith & Mactavish Architects, John has led the rehabilitation of numerous historic structures, including National Historic Landmarks and prominent academic, cultural, and civic buildings. His work is characterized by a balanced approach that is equally comfortable employing traditional detailing and innovative technical solutions. Representative projects include award-winning work at Drexel University, the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, and Lincoln University. 

John is a registered architect in eight states, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a Certified Passive House Consultant. He holds a professional degree in architecture from the University of Notre Dame and a Certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania. His contributions to the profession extend beyond practice through nationally published articles, invited presentations, guest lectures and project juries, and long-standing service on historical commissions and advisory boards, including the City of Philadelphia’s Historical Commission Architectural Advisory Committee and the Board of Advisors for the Master of Science in Historic Preservation program at the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture. 

Both individuals have contributed greatly to AIA Philadelphia and to the profession through sustainability, equity, and preservation. They mean a great deal to our chapter and community, and we’re excited to celebrate their achievement!

Check out the full list of Fellows on AIA's website: https://www.aia.org/design-excellence/college-of-fellows