Joel Fuoss, FAIA, IIDA, LEED AP, principal of St. Louis-based architecture, planning, urban design and interiors firm Trivers, has been elevated to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows. Fellows are recognized with AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society on a national level. Architects who have been elevated to fellowship can be identified by the designation “FAIA” after their name.
“Across typologies of new and adaptive reuse work, I’ve worked to keep the narratives of people and place in context-informed, community-centric design,” Fuoss said. “I’ve wanted my work to exemplify design as a catalyst for positive change for organizations and communities. I feel fortunate that my body of work has resonated with enough people to be recognized with this honor.”
Less than three percent of AIA members have been honored with the prestigious FAIA designation. The only architect in Missouri elevated in 2026, Fuoss joins a distinguished group of more than 100 architects from AIA St. Louis who have been named Fellows since the chapter was founded in 1890.
“For more than 20 years, I have partnered with Trivers on a range of impactful projects across the St. Louis region,” said Karl Grice, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C, principal of Grice Group Architects. “As I have watched Joel’s career evolve, his dedication to revitalizing underutilized sites, especially in areas of disinvestment, has been a constant theme. My respect for the thoughtfulness, creativity, resourcefulness and empathy he brings to his designs and the field of architecture grows with every collaboration.”
Fuoss was honored in Object 1: Design for his sustained commitment to creating meaningful and impactful built environments that enrich the lives of people and communities. Fellowship in this Object is granted to architects who have produced an extensive body of distinguished work that has been broadly recognized for design excellence by their peers and the media. Nearly 20 AIA design awards and more than 20 features in national publications underscore the positive change Fuoss’ work has catalyzed.
At Trivers, Fuoss has been pivotal in some of the firm’s most visible, complex projects, including the Museum at the Gateway Arch, Adam Aronson Fine Arts Center at Laumeier Sculpture Park, The Victor in Downtown West, the Art & Design Building expansion and renovation at Southern Illinois University, and the University of Pikeville Health Professions Education Building in Kentucky. Most recently, he completed the renovation of The Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries in Grand Center and is currently leading the design effort for the new Nine PBS headquarters in the district.
Fuoss is an alumnus of FOCUS St. Louis’ 46th Leadership St. Louis class and currently serves on Urban Land Institute St. Louis’ Management Committee. He is a board member of Citizens for Modern Transit on its Transit-Oriented Development Committee and is a member of AIA St. Louis’ Design Awards Committee. He has also dedicated time as a visiting critic at schools of architecture at the University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University and Washington University.
Fuoss and the other 2026 Fellows will be recognized during the AIA 2026 Conference on Architecture & Design June 10-13 in San Diego.
