The 2019 Jury of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elevated Todd Hanson, FAIA to its prestigious College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to the profession. Hanson will be honored at an investiture ceremony at the 2019 National AIA Convention in Las Vegas in June, as well as at an AIA New Hampshire event at the Currier Museum of Art, March 28.
The 2019 jury elevated 115 AIA members, from across the country, to the College of Fellows. Todd Hanson’s elevation to fellowship is conferred on him for promoting the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education, training, and practice.
Hanson, a principal at JSA Inc, developed a passion for thoughtful therapeutic healthcare environments early in his career. He has designed facilities for people struggling with a variety of physical and emotional challenges and is acknowledged globally for his expertise in environments for behavioral health. In New England, his projects include Maine’s Riverview Psychiatric Treatment Center, Exeter Hospital, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital, and the Portsmouth Community Campus.
In 2008 Todd was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease. As he lost the ability to walk and speak, his focus shifted to accessible and inclusive environments. With the support of his firm, Todd launched an initiative that would become Access Navigators, a non-profit online guide to accessibility that is recognized nationwide with the goal of raising awareness and enabling people with disabilities to stay connected with their communities.
James Warner, FAIA, JSA principal and fellowship sponsor said, “Todd has dedicated his career to thoughtfully understanding people’s physical and emotional needs. Now unable to walk or speak, he has transformed himself into one of our profession’s leading spokesmen for accessible and inclusive environments.”
Today Todd engages businesses and organizations nationwide, encouraging professionals and community activists throughout the country to recognize impediments and embrace a spirit of inclusiveness. Hanson remarked, “Who better than me to inspire our profession and our communities to welcome meaningful inclusion for all.”
