The American Institute of Architects Elevates San Diego Architect Kevin deFreitas to the College of Fellows AIA Fellowship Recognizes Significant Contributions to the Profession of Architecture and Society
The 2015 Jury of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) elevated Kevin deFreitas, FAIA of deFreitas Architects to its prestigious College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to the profession.
Kevin deFreitas, FAIA will be honored at an investiture ceremony at the 2015 National AIA Convention and Design Exposition in Atlanta.
The Fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession. Election to fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of architects as individuals, but also their significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level. Out of a total AIA membership of over 85,000, there are fewer than 3,100 distinguished with the honor of fellowship and honorary fellowship.
Recognized as a leader in the redevelopment process, deFreitas was elected to long-term directorial roles in the CCAC (community planning board) and the East Village Association, where he persistently led advocacy efforts for landmark infrastructure projects like Petco Park (home to the San Diego Padres) and the San Diego Central Library. Through design excellence, public advocacy, pro bono work, 38 awards (16 from the AIA), and inclusion in over 89 publications, deFreitas has elevated the public’s awareness of creative, thoughtful, and imaginative architecture as well as the value of the profession at large.
Kevin deFreitas, FAIA deFreitas Architects 885 Albion Street, San Diego, CA 92106 (619)222-9381 info@defreitasarchitects.com
BACKGROUND
A San Diego native, Kevin deFreitas’ formal design education began at the University of Arizona, where lessons in sustainability, designing for arid lands, and working with the environment became deeply embedded in all his work. A sole proprietor since 1998, deFreitas’ practice is intentionally small, freeing him to work as a principal without sacrificing quality or service, and while implementing vanguard design practices and emerging building technologies that move his projects and the profession forward. Committed to sustainable design, deFreitas educates clients early in the process about the ethical and financial benefits of designing and building “green,” dispelling the myth that doing so will compromise comfort or aesthetics. Several of his projects have been recognized with AIA COTE awards and achieved LEED Gold level certification. deFreitas was also a recipient of the 2009 AIA San Diego Young Architect of the Year and 2010 AIA National Young Architect of the Year.
Noteworthy projects include:
- Rowhomes on F (located on 10th & F in downtown’s East Village neighborhood, this self-developed 17 unit project constructed out of concrete tilt-up walls, models a viable residential design strategy. Project awarded 2003 AIA San Diego Design Honor Award, 2003 Gold Nugget Grand Award, and 2004 AIA National Housing Committee Award.
- Saint Bartholomew’s Chapel on the Rincon Indian Reservation The chapel achieved LEED Gold rating. Project awarded 2010 AIA San Diego Design Merit Award and 2010 Orchid Award.
- Ocean Beach Comfort Station Acknowledging the community’s connection to, and fierce protection of, the natural environment, the restroom is an energy miser, 100% day lit and naturally ventilated. The project was awarded the 2012 AIA San Diego Design Merit Award, 2012 AIA San Diego Committee On The Environment Award, and 2012 Orchid Award.
- Galbraith Hall at UC San Diego The Galbraith Hall Interior Renovation project adaptively repurposes 30,000 sf of existing space within the campus’ original library formerly known as CLICS (Center for Library and Instructional Computing Services). Galbraith Hall is LEED Gold Certified. 2013 Orchid Award, and 2014 AIA San Diego Design Interiors Award.
- Casa Familia A highly sustainable family residence in Point Loma. 2008 AIA San Diego Design Honor Award, 2008 AIA San Diego Committee On The Environment Award, and 2008 Gold Nugget Grand Award.
