Join AIA Arizona and AIA Phoenix Metro in congratulating member Max Underwood, FAIA, on his elevation to fellowship and retirement as President’s Professor at ASU.
Max Underwood, FAIA, was formally honored as a new Fellow of AIA on Thursday, June 11, at the Investiture Ceremony at AIA26 in San Diego. The celebration honored an exceptional class of leaders—the newest AIA Fellows—whose dedication and contributions continue to elevate the profession. Pictured above: Max Underwood, FAIA (center), with national AIA President Illya Azaroff, FAIA, and Jeanne Jackson, FAIA, Chancellor of the AIA College of Fellows.
On June 4 in Phoenix, a large number of AIA Arizona members and friends gathered to celebrate Max Underwood, FAIA, who is the newest Fellow from AIA Arizona while also retiring as President’s Professor at ASU. Thank you to DLR Group for hosting this event for AIA Arizona and AIA Phoenix Metro.
Max was in conversation about his career with Renee Cheng, FAIA, Dean of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts and Senior Vice Provost at ASU; Phil Weddle, FAIA, who was the sponsor of Underwood’s AIA Fellowship application; and AIA10 member Rachel Okeson, AIA, who had been one of Underwood’s students. Karl Eicher, AIA, who is the AIA10 Director for AIA Phoenix Metro, introduced the conversation.
Underwood is the only Arizona-based architect to be elevated to AIA Fellowship in 2026, and one of only 78 architect members to receive the honor this year. AIA Fellows are recognized with the AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society.
See highlights from the event below.
