In 1992, past presidents of the American Institute of Architects of Michigan (AIAM) founded an endowed student architecture scholarship, the AIA Michigan President’s Scholarship, to:
This year, for the first time, the scholarship honored a specific AIAM past President, Richard (Dick) Fry, FAIA. Dick was a creative and holistic leader of the profession. He founded the annual AIAM (American Institute of Architects Michigan) Design Retreat in 1990, an annual event where architects come together to present projects, discuss the future of the profession, and enjoy camaraderie. The AIAM Design Retreat continues to be an innovative program for architects that raises the design bar and builds lasting professional bonds.
Dick served in every leadership position of both the AIAM Huron Valley and state chapters, and was both a regional director and vice president of the American Institute of Architects on the national level. In the 1980s, Dick served on the Michigan Architectural Foundation Board and was its treasurer. He was not only an award-winning architectural practitioner, but also a real estate developer, construction manager, and civic activist.
Dick’s passion for both architecture and people differentiated him among his peers. This year’s AIA Michigan President’s Scholarship recipient, Taylor Kile, reflects the leadership legacy of Richard Fry.