University Architect Earns Major Professional Honor

The American Institute of Architects has announced that Alice Raucher, architect for the University of Virginia, has been elected to the College of Fellows, the institute’s highest membership honor. Only 3% of 95,000 member architects carry this distinction, which is awarded following a rigorous selection process by a jury of seven fellows.

Architects are elevated to fellowship in recognition of their “significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level.”

A release from the institute noted that Raucher “consistently strives to build community through her commitment to innovative campus planning, historical relevance, and architectural design excellence.”

“I am very honored to join such a distinguished group of members, and very grateful to have the support of wonderful colleagues in the Office of the Architect, the administration, and the Board of Visitors,” Raucher said. 

Raucher was appointed architect for the University in the fall of 2015, and in her tenure at UVA has overseen the design of all capital building projects, as well as stewardship of the University’s historic Grounds. The American Institute of Architects honor recognizes her success, and that of the University at large, in honoring both the value of UVA’s past and the promise of its future through excellence in architectural design.

As architect for the University, Raucher directs the architecture, planning and landscape design of the University’s Grounds, advising the Board of Visitors on the development of the University’s general design guidelines, as well as specific building design guidelines. She heads a 14-member team of professionals who have responsibility over land-use planning for the University, as well as the design of all new construction and major renovation.

“We are very proud of Alice’s elevation to the College of Fellows,” Senior Vice President for Operations Colette Sheehy said. “It speaks to her achievements in the profession and the many contributions she has made to UVA during her tenure.”

Raucher was recognized for the achievement by Buildings and Grounds Committee Chair Robert D. Hardie at last week’s Board of Visitors meeting.

“We are very fortunate to have Alice lead a team of dedicated architects at UVA,” Chief Operating Officer J.J. Davis added. “Their collective contributions are invaluable, and we are so excited to honor Alice with this extraordinary distinction.”