Suzanne Klein elevated to AIA’s College of Fellows
With over 35 years of experience in architecture and planning, Suzanne Klein, FAIA, LEED-AP, WELL-AP, has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities academic institutions face in the 21st century. She strives to create campus environments that foster learning, discovery and well-being for higher education clients across the country. In addition to her focus on design excellence and sustainability, Suzanne provides thought leadership and mentorship to architects at AECOM and throughout the higher education sector.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elevated Suzanne, who leads our Buildings + Places Education Practice in the U.S. East and Latin America, to its prestigious College of Fellows. This distinction is the AIA’s highest membership honor, recognizing architects who have made significant contributions to the field and achieving a standard of excellence in their profession.
We invited Suzanne to tell us more about her career, the lessons she’s learned along the way and what she sees for the future of the industry.
What does it mean to you to receive this distinction from the AIA?
Receiving Fellowship in the AIA is a profound honor that represents not just personal achievement, but also recognition of the collective impact of my work on the profession, educational institutions and the broader community. I have committed to advancing architectural practice in higher education throughout my career, from fostering innovative design solutions that enhance learning environments to mentoring emerging leaders in the field. This distinction affirms the value of that work and reinforces my responsibility to continue shaping the profession by sharing knowledge, elevating design excellence, and championing sustainability and inclusivity in academic architecture.
Over the course of your career, what has been your most memorable moment as an architect, or what moment has shaped your approach/philosophy?
One of the most defining moments in my career was leading the McLeod Tyler Wellness Center project at the College of William & Mary. This project challenged me to rethink how architecture can holistically support student well-being, blending clinical, counseling and wellness spaces into a seamless, welcoming environment. By integrating evidence-based design strategies — such as biophilic elements, natural light and adaptable spaces — we created a facility that actively reduces the stigma of seeking support while fostering a sense of belonging and resilience. Seeing students embrace this facility and knowing it has a measurable impact on their mental and physical well-being reinforced my belief that architecture is not just about buildings — it is about shaping experiences that empower individuals and communities to thrive.
(Credit: David Sundberg and Esto)
How do you define successful architecture in the context of educational facilities? Is that definition changing as we look toward future trends?
Successful architecture in educational settings is about more than just function — it must foster a sense of belonging, inspire intellectual curiosity and enhance student outcomes. A well-designed academic environment seamlessly integrates flexibility, sustainability and technology while supporting diverse pedagogical approaches. The definition of success is evolving as campuses adapt to shifting learning models, emerging technologies and the growing emphasis on well-being. Today, the best educational facilities prioritize adaptability, interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring that spaces not only serve immediate needs but also remain relevant for future generations. My work at institutions like James Madison University, Prince George’s Community College and The College of New Jersey exemplifies this forward-thinking approach, where strategic planning and evidence-based design create transformative environments that support both students and educators.
(Credit: Erin Kelleher Photography)
Other articles by this author