Jacobs elected to AIA College of Fellows

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Omni President Michael Jacobs has been elevated to the distinguished AIA College of Fellows.
The 2017 Jury of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) elevated Michael W. Jacobs of Lexington, Kentucky to its prestigious College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to the profession.
Jacobs will be honored at an investiture ceremony at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2017 in Orlando.
The Fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession. Election to fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of architects as individuals, but also their significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level.
Out of a total AIA membership of over 90,000, approximately 3 percent are distinguished with the honor of fellowship and honorary fellowship. Jacobs joins an elite group of only 33 AIA Fellows from Kentucky, of whom 13 are still living. The elevation to fellowship is conferred on architects with at least 10 years of membership in the AIA in one or more of the following nomination categories:
  1. 1. Promoted the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession
  2. 2. Advanced the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education, training or practice
  3. 3. Coordinated the building industry and the profession of architecture through leadership in the AIA and other related professional organizations
  4. 4. Advanced the living standards of people through an improved environment
  5. 5. Made the profession of ever-increasing service to society

Background: Michael W. Jacobs, FAIA
Fellowship Category 1: Promoted the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession

Michael Jacobs is a charter member of Omni Architects, which was established in 1975, and now serves as President of the firm. Jacobs established Omni Architects’ design philosophy and widely recognized architectural identity. Under his design leadership, Omni Architects gained recognition as Kentucky’s preeminent design firm - the first firm to twice earn AIA Kentucky’s Distinguished Firm Award (1987 and 2008). His designs elevate the appreciation of architecture, engender awareness, and positively impact a cross-section of communities: urban and rural. His design innovation, process, and teaching advance the state of design with clients, students, and peers.
While his body of work resides primarily within Kentucky, juries composed of nationally recognized designers applaud his work. Earning more design awards from AIA Kentucky than any other firm in the state, Jacobs personally garnered 20 of the 25 design awards bestowed upon Omni Architects. These honors - along with industry awards of distinction, publications, exhibitions, and public speaking engagements - not only demonstrate his outstanding achievements but also recognize his impassioned ability to raise expectations by introducing innovative architectural solutions that exceed the status quo and widely accepted design conditions found across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. His architecturally diverse projects vary in scale and typology, and reside in a variety of contexts, including urban, small-towns, campuses, and rural countryside.
In a classroom setting, Jacobs applies his design skills to share his knowledge, educate, and inspire our next generation of architects. Serving as an adjunct instructor at the University of Kentucky’s School of Architecture since 1986, his teaching pedagogy introduces real world issues into the studio, develops innovative design skills among his students, and offers a positive impact within the Kentucky vernacular. His design influence and impact goes beyond the confines of Kentucky - his students graduate equipped with innovative design skills, and move on to work in high-profile offices within the region, across the nation, and around the world.
About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, members of the American Institute of Architects consistently work to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders, and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.