Russell Perry, M.Arch ’77, FAIA, LEED AP, and managing director of SmithGroup’s Washington, D.C. office, was recently elevated to the prestigious College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). This honor comes as a result of Rus’s significant contribution to architecture and society and his achievement of a standard of excellence in the profession. He will receive his medal of fellowship on June 11, 2010 at the Investiture of Fellows Ceremony during the 2010 National AIA Convention and Design Expo in Miami. Advancement to fellowship is the highest honor bestowed on a member of the AIA. Out of the almost 81,000 AIA members, fewer than 2,600 have been distinguished with the honor of fellowship.

Before attending the University of Michigan, Perry earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Virginia. He joined SmithGroup in 2005 after serving eleven years with William McDonough + Partners, which he co-founded. He has been recognized internationally for his sustainable design and planning expertise. He currently serves as the green advisor to the integrated team for the California Pacific Medical Center Cathedral Hill Hospital in San Francisco. He contributed to master plans for the Department of Homeland Security at St. Elizabeths in Washington, and two campuses for Indiana University.

Also being elevated to fellowship this year are Michigan alumni Mike Corby, B.S.’82, M.Arch.’84, of Integrated Architecture in Grand Rapids and Jim Bershof, B.S.’72, AB’73, M.Arch’73, of Oz Architecture in Denver, CO.