The American Academy of Arts and Letters awards three architects and three landscape architects as new Academy members. Founded in 1898, each selected cohort becomes a part of an honors society comprised of architects, artists, composers, and writers. Once elected, they become members for life

Twenty-nine new members have been inducted as honorary members for their work and contributions. The Academy's board shares they are "committed to creating a more inclusive membership that truly represents America, and believes that expanding the Academy's membership will allow the Academy to more readily achieve that goal. The increase also reflects the growth in population over the past century. The expansion will be realized incrementally over the next five years."

Meejin Yoon of Höweler + Yoon Architecture

Founder partner of Höweler + Yoon Architecture alongside Eric Höweler, Yoon is also the first female Dean at the College of Architecture, Art and Planning of Cornell University.

Marlon Blackwell of Marlon Blackwell Architects

Architect Marlon Blackwell is the founder of Marlon Blackwell Architects, the E. Fay Jones Chair in Architecture at the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design in Arkansas, and a recent recipient of the 2020 AIA Gold Medal.

Nader Tehrani of NADAAA

Nader Tehrani is the founding principal of NADAAA as well as the dean of Cooper Union’s Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture. 

Walter Hood of Hood Design Studio

Landscape architect and design advocate Walter Hood is the founder of Hood Design Studio. He was recently recognized as a 2021 USA Fellow and Harvard GSD Senior Leob Fellow.

James Corner of James Corner Field Operations

Recognized for his work and contributions within urban design, sustainability, and notable high line projects, James Corner is the founder and CEO of James Corner Field Operations. 

Kathryn Gustafson of Gustafson Guthrie Nichol (GNN)

During her impactful 30 year career, notable Landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson has worked on internationally-acclaimed projects such as the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park, London, and the Gardens of Imagination in Terrasson, France. She is the founder of Gustafson Guthrie Nichol alongside Jennifer Guthrie and Shannon Nichol. She was also part of the landscape architecture firm Gustafson Porter + Bowman.

Artist Theaster Gates was also inducted into Academy for his work and contributions to the Arts. Also celebrated Indian architect and 2018 Pritzker Prize laureate Balkrishna Doshi was inducted as a Foreign Honorary Member. 

To learn more about this year's Arts and Letters Awards and the full list of newly elected members click here.