Transformative designs earn alumna elevation as AIA fellow

Wendy Pautz ’86, a partner at Seattle-based [LMN Architects] (https://lmnarchitects.com) who led the design of numerous public and private-sector projects that transformed their urban settings, is one of Texas A&M’s [new members] (https://www.aia.org/press-releases/180491-aia-elevates-152-members-and-two-internatio) of the prestigious American Institute of Architects’ College of Fellows.

Pautz and the full cohort of 2018 fellows, including former student Charles Davis Smith ’90 , were inducted June 22, 2018 at the [AIA Conference on Architecture] (http://conferenceonarchitecture.com/) in New York.

Membership in the college, one of the AIA’s highest accolades, honors designers who have achieved a standard of excellence in architecture and contributed significantly to the profession and society. Only three percent of the AIA’s more than 91,000 members are recognized as fellows.

Pautz's widely praised projects, which have garnered more than 30 design awards, are the result of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach that connects architecture with the surrounding community and its environment, said Matt Anderson, principal consultant with the Cameron MacAllister Group.

Pautz believes that designs should do more than just house a required program.

“Buildings for living and business need to be paired with open spaces to foster relaxation and recreation, as well as create opportunities for community gathering and connections to the natural environment,” she said.

Her projects include [Marion Oliver McCaw Hall] (https://lmnarchitects.com/project/marion-oliver-mccaw-hall) in Seattle, the [Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center] (https://lmnarchitects.com/project/federal-way-performing-arts-event-center) , the [Conrad Prebys Music Building] (https://lmnarchitects.com/project/university-of-california-san-diego-conrad-prebys-music-center) at the University of California San Diego, and the Greater Columbus Convention Center [interior renovation and expansion] (https://lmnarchitects.com/project/greater-columbus-convention-center-interior-renovation-expansion) .

She also shapes LMN’s progressive and deeply collaborative design culture by prioritizing the development of emerging professionals with hands-on, face-to-face exchanges of ideas and insights, said Anderson.

Pautz presented the firm’s holistic and collaborative approach at the 2018 AIA conference and in the past at various AIA chapters throughout the country.