Richmond Architect, Richard L. Ford, Jr., Named AIA Fellow

February 17, 2011

Richard (Dick) L. Ford, Jr., FAIA, principal emeritus at Commonwealth Architects, is one of 104 architects nationwide elevated by The American Institute of Architects (AIA) to its prestigious College of Fellows.

Ford is one of four architects in Virginia to receive the honor this year and is the only one from a Richmond, VA, architecture firm. Out of a membership of over 80,000, there are fewer than 2,700 AIA members distinguished with the honor of fellowship.

Fellowship is one of the highest honors the AIA can bestow upon a member. Elevation to Fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of the architect as an individual but also elevates before the public and the profession those architects who have made significant contributions to architecture and to society.

For more than 40 years, Ford has been a focused leader serving the profession, the Institute and the community. Early in his career he led in the formation of a new AIA chapter, served as a leader for the Society, led in the formation of the Region of the Virginias, and served as an Institute director. He also has served on a number of boards and community advisory committees, including 10 years as the Chairman of Virginia's Art and Architecture Review Board.

As the Director of Governmental and Academic Architecture for Commonwealth Architects, Ford led the firm's efforts in state and municipal work, designing educational, office and administrative spaces.

The new Fellows, who are entitled to use the designation "FAIA" following their names, will be invested in the College of Fellows at the 2011 AIA National Convention and Design Exposition in New Orleans on May 13.