Architect of Impact: Celebrating Todd Erlandson’s FAIA Journey and His Service to Society
Pictured: March Studio team celebrates Todd's FAIA achievement with a special gift at the AIA LA Reception.
We're thrilled to announce that March Studio Principal Architect, Todd Erlandson, has been awarded one of the highest distinctions in architecture – FAIA. This prestigious honor, bestowed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence in their field and made a profound impact on architecture and the built environment. With only 3% of AIA members receiving this distinction, Todd’s elevation to AIA Fellowship highlights the incredible honor and prestige associated with this recognition.
Pictured: FAIA Investiture Ceremony, 2024 AIA National Conference, Washington, D.C.
Todd and the other 95 National Fellows were officially recognized during the Investiture at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2024 (A24) in Washington, D.C., bringing together architects from across the nation to celebrate their peers' achievements. Back in Los Angeles, the March Studio team and the local AIA chapter came together with their friends and families to honor their newly elevated Fellows at a private reception. Hosted by bulthaup at their Santa Monica showroom, the event was a testament to the close-knit and supportive nature of the architectural community in LA. In celebrating the 7 AIA LA Fellows, the evening was filled with inspiring stories and reflections on their paths toward Fellowship.
Todd’s journey to becoming an AIA Fellow was, as he expresses, “a long and humbling process, offering an incredible opportunity to reflect on one's career and impact”. For Todd, this reflection included significant milestones, such as leading a firm for 25 years and steering branded architecture towards community-focused work.
“For anyone thinking about pursuing FAIA, I highly recommend it. It offers immense value in reflecting on where you’ve been, where you are now, and preparing for where you’re going with the rest of your career." - Todd Erlandson, FAIA
Pictured: March Studio team members, Schuyler Walter and Marisol Chinchila, presenting Todd his gift at the AIA-LA Reception.
While speaking at the AIA LA Reception, Todd expressed the importance of the ripple effect in influencing one's profession. “Teaching at OTIS and Woodbury has allowed me to work with nonprofit clients and partners along with multidisciplinary teams to help students understand how they can make a real difference in the world”, he shared. “For anyone thinking about pursuing FAIA, I highly recommend it. It offers immense value in reflecting on where you’ve been, where you are now, and preparing for where you’re going with the rest of your career."
The evening ended with a surprise gift for Todd from his colleagues was a touching moment, reflecting the deep appreciation and pride the team felt for his accomplishments and contributions over the span of his career.
This prestigious recognition propels Todd and March Studio towards a future focused on continued innovation and impactful architectural contributions. In embracing this ethos of community-focused design, Todd looks forward to collaborating and continuing to make a positive impact on improving the communities in our world.