SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture is proud to announce that its Founder and Principal, Jonathan Parks, has been elevated to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2025 College of Fellows. This prestigious honor recognizes architects who have made significant contributions to the profession.
Jonathan Parks, FAIA, was officially invested into the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows during a ceremony at Boston’s historic Trinity Church on June 5, 2025. The investiture marks the formal recognition of Parks’ elevation to Fellowship - an honor granted to architects whose work has made a profound national impact on the profession and society.
Held as part of the national AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA25), the event celebrated this year’s class of newly elevated Fellows, with Parks among only three Florida-based architects to receive the distinction in 2025 - and the only Florida architect recognized in Object 1: Design.
“It was a moving experience to be honored in a space as iconic as Trinity Church,” said Parks.
“To stand among such visionary architects and be recognized for the power of design was incredibly humbling. I’m deeply thankful to everyone who has been part of this journey.”
In 2024, “Architectural Record” noted a “sheer abundance of outstanding buildings around Sarasota” from notable mid-century architects of the Sarasota School of Architecture and from “21st-century practitioners like Jonathan Parks.” His award-winning projects include the Art Ovation Hotel, the Palm Avenue Parking Garage, Rosemary Square, and Citrus Square - developments that have shaped the walkability and identity of downtown Sarasota.
Known nationally for advancing sustainable design, Parks’ residential work includes the Element House, Compass Haus, and Skyhook—projects that go beyond net-zero performance and are among the best-rated homes in the U.S. in terms of HERS and LEED standards.
Parks is also a prominent preservationist, having restored key works by Paul Rudolph, FAIA, including the Umbrella House, Sarasota High School Addition, and Cocoon House, along with buildings by Ralph Twitchell, Jack West and Tim Seibert. His careful interventions preserve the legacy of the mid-century modern movement while honoring its relevance in contemporary architecture. He’s also worked on restorations to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall public spaces and the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium.
Recognizing Excellence in Architecture
Each year, the AIA elevates a select group of architects whose work has had a profound impact on architecture and society. For 2025, the AIA has recognized 83 member-architects and 10 non-member-architects, all of whom will be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA25) in Boston.
With fewer than 3% of AIA members attaining Fellowship (FAIA), this distinction represents the highest level of achievement in the field.
The AIA College of Fellows
Established in 1952, the AIA College of Fellows fosters collaboration, advances the profession, mentors emerging architects, and promotes architecture as a force for societal good. Fellowship candidates must demonstrate at least 10 years of AIA membership and make significant national contributions in one or more of the following areas:
• Promoted the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession.
• Advanced the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of practice.
• Coordinated the building industry, and the profession of architecture.
• Ensured the advancement of the living standards of people through their improved environment.
• Dedicated oneself to a profession that continually grows in its service to society.
• Advanced the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education and training.
2025 AIA Jury of Fellows
Fellows are selected through a rigorous evaluation by a 10-member Jury of Fellows. This year’s jury included:
Chair: Carl D’Silva, FAIA (Perkins&Will)
Roderick Ashley, FAIA (Roderick Ashley Architect)
Margaret Carney, FAIA (Cornell University)
Sanford Garner, FAIA (RGCollaborative)
Julie Hiromoto, FAIA (HKS)
John Horky, FAIA (Ripples, by design)
Mary Ann Lazarus, FAIA (Cameron MacAllister)
Marilys Nepomechie, FAIA (Florida International University)
Anne Schopf, FAIA (Mahlum)
Jose Javier Toro, FAIA (Toro Arquitectos)
Jonathan Parks’ elevation to FAIA underscores his dedication to innovative design, impactful contributions, and leadership in architecture. We at SOLSTICE celebrate this milestone and his ongoing influence on the profession.