Honorary Membership 2026: Michele A. Russo

Michele A. Russo, Hon. AIA, is the 2026 recipient of Honorary Membership. Through her leadership in research, data, and strategic insight, Russo has transformed how the architecture profession understands its business, economic impact, and future opportunities. Her work has elevated the role of research within The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and empowered architects to make more informed decisions about practice, policy, and innovation.

Michele A. Russo is widely recognized as a catalyst for strengthening the profession through knowledge. As Vice President of Research at AIA, she has built a cohesive research program that helps architects navigate economic change, understand industry trends, and demonstrate the value of design. Her leadership has expanded and elevated cornerstone industry resources—including the Architecture Billings Index, the AIA Compensation & Benefits Report, and the Business of Architecture Firm Survey—ensuring they are more accessible, actionable, and relevant to firms of all sizes.

Russo’s ability to translate complex data into meaningful insights has positioned AIA as a leading voice on economic and practice trends across the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. By expanding the reach of AIA’s research and partnering with communications teams and industry leaders, she has helped ensure that architects’ work—and its economic impact—are recognized by policymakers, investors, and the public.

One of Russo’s most significant contributions is her leadership in advancing architectural research across practice and academia. She spearheaded the development of the AIA Architectural Research Agenda, AIA’s first comprehensive roadmap for research priorities in more than a decade. Through research summits, collaborative networks, and partnerships with organizations such as the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, she has strengthened connections between research, education, and practice—helping architects integrate research more deeply into the design process.

Russo has also launched programs that empower architects with practical tools for navigating the business of architecture. From expanding compensation research and launching the AIA Salary Calculator to developing foresight resources that support strategic planning for firms and chapters, her work has helped architects better understand career pathways, firm performance, and emerging industry opportunities.

During periods of economic disruption—including the COVID-19 pandemic—Russo’s leadership helped guide the profession through uncertainty. She convened industry leaders, led the AIA Business Task Force, and developed new research and educational programs that provided architects with timely insight and actionable guidance.

Before joining AIA in 2015, Russo led the SmartMarket Report program at Dodge Data & Analytics (formerly McGraw-Hill Construction), directing influential industry studies on topics including green building, workforce trends, and building performance. Across more than two decades, her work has shaped how the architecture, engineering, and construction industries understand market forces and emerging opportunities.

Through her vision, leadership, and commitment to advancing knowledge, Michele A. Russo has strengthened the architecture profession and expanded the role of research in shaping its future.