The AIA Chicago has honored one of its own with a Presidential Citation Award. Current AIA National President Peter Exley, FAIA, RIBA was recognized Wednesday for his ongoing work advancing the architectural profession begun more than three decades ago when the young Newcastle University and University of Pennsylvania graduate took a role in the Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. 

Exley was commended by chapter President Jessica Figenholtz for his “spirited service to the Institute and our profession; advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion; leading the architectural charge against climate change; and representing Chicago with the upmost professionalism.”

Exley served as President of the Chicago chapter in 2013, and has since risen to the highest national position within the organization after being named the AIA National President in 2020. Exley has lectured at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for 29 years and keeps an office in the city through his firm Architecture is Fun, which was founded in 1994 named the 2017 AIA Chicago Firm of the Year.

“While I’m not naïve to the challenges our profession, industry, and society have been dealt in the face of the pandemic, I would like my tenure in 2021 to facilitate hope,” Exley said at his inauguration a year ago. “Architects have a critical role to play in helping our society create a healthy and prosperous world that promotes racial justice and moves the needle on climate action. I am optimistic about the difference architects can make with our colleagues in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry to address the issues of our time.”