Howard University architecture lecturer Nea Maloo was recently elevated to the 2023 College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, a distinction only earned by 3% of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) members. There are currently over 95,000 AIA members nationwide.

“I am honored to be part of the college of the Fellows of American Institute of Architects. I am grateful to my wonderful students, administration, collaborators and peers who have always had trust in my work,” said Maloo.

The AIA fellowship program was developed to elevate architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in their profession and made a significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level.

In addition to a minimum of holding AIA membership for a decade, fellowship candidates demonstrate influence in promoting efficiency, advancing planning, building and living standards, architectural education and training standards, and/or increasing services to society.

Maloo primes HBCU students for leadership, creating an essential pipeline for diversity and environmental justice. Her inclusive teaching integrates global equity with climate action and transforms architectural education to advance the profession worldwide.

“Professor Maloo’s elevation to FAIA is a wonderful acknowledgement of her dedicated work to advance Howard University students in the field of Architecture,” said Bradford Grant, interim chair of the Howard University Department of Architecture.

With a strong focus on environmental justice and sustainable architecture, Maloo is also recipient of the 2022 Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture Course Development Prize issued in collaboration with the Columbia University’s Temple Hoyne Buell Center for the Study of American Architecture.

Her winning course proposal, Environmental Justice (EJ) + Health + Decarbonization, was offered for the first time this semester, along with her newly developed Equitable High-Performance Buildings course. 

Through the development of Equitable High-Performance Buildings, a new, interdisciplinary course to teach the critical skills needed for sustainable design, climate change mitigation and equitable development, Maloo initiated the designation of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Design Designation for the Howard University Master of Architecture program.

Most recently, Maloo received the inaugural Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) Educator of the Year Award for her outstanding accomplishments and dedication to design education.

Watch the CBS special on how the Howard University architecture program is helping to reduce buildings’ carbon footprint.