The 2020 Jury of Fellows from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is elevating Margaret (Meg) Parsons, Cuningham Architecture Principal, to Fellowship (signified by the letters FAIA). Parsons is being elevated because of her groundbreaking approach to community engagement and pioneering efforts within educational facility planning.

Since 1989, Parsons has specialized in architecture for K-12 education. She is a national leader in developing new tools for public participation and deeper listening and facilitation skills for architects. Her leadership in education design spans national and international borders, including projects in 13 states and five countries. She has impacted hundreds of communities and more than 250,000 students nationally and Internationally.

Parsons is known for promoting the process of “Designing With, Not For.” Her creation of numerous effective community engagement tools has transformed the way many architects approach the design and facilitation of 21^st Century learning environments.

In his nomination of Parsons, Gary Demele, FAIA, writes: “[Meg’s] long term commitment to transforming education has been demonstrated in educating and mentoring students, licensure candidates in the firm, colleagues and allied educational planning professionals. Meg has championed the careers of both men and women by leading the way on parental leave, firm support of licensure candidates and helping the firm adjust to the professional needs of a new generation and the practice of architecture today.”

Parsons was one of 116 member architects elevated to the prestigious College of Fellows this year, and will receive her Fellowship medal on May 15 during an investiture ceremony at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2020 in Las Vegas.