HED Architects Elevated to AIA College of Fellows

Event summary

  • Mary Ruppenthal and Jack Bullo, principals at HED, elevated to AIA College of Fellows on March 3, 2026.
  • Fewer than 3% of AIA members hold the FAIA distinction.
  • Ruppenthal leads PreK-12 educational environments; Bullo focuses on higher education planning and design.
  • Formal recognition to occur at AIA Conference on Architecture 2026 in San Diego.

The big picture

The elevation of Ruppenthal and Bullo to the AIA College of Fellows underscores HED's strategic focus on education-focused design, a sector increasingly prioritizing innovative, community-driven architecture. This recognition aligns with broader industry trends toward specialized expertise in creating adaptable, future-ready educational environments. As one of the top 200 design firms in the U.S., HED's ability to highlight such distinctions could enhance its market differentiation and client acquisition capabilities.

What we're watching

Industry Influence
How HED's elevated status will impact its competitive positioning in the education architecture sector.
Client Attraction
Whether the recognition will translate into higher-profile projects or institutional partnerships.
Talent Retention
The pace at which HED can leverage this prestige to attract and retain top architectural talent.