ASG Principal Awarded Prestigious AIA Louise Blanchard Bethune Fellowship
We are proud to share that Michael Daly, Owner and Managing Principal of ASG, has been honored with the distinguished Louise Blanchard Bethune Fellowship from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in recognition of exceptional service on the AIA Strategic Council.
The Louise Blanchard Bethune Fellowship – established by AIA in 2016 – celebrates the contributions of retiring Strategic Council members who have demonstrated leadership, vision, and commitment to advancing the profession. Named after Louise Blanchard Bethune, the first professional woman architect in the United States and the first woman to be elected a Fellow of the AIA, this fellowship underscores both legacy and leadership in shaping the future of architecture.
Serving on the AIA Strategic Council, Michael Daly played a leadership role in advancing the Institute’s work on equity, governance, and the future of architectural practice, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence. As co-chair of the Strategic Council’s Digital Architecture Study Group, he co-authored and sponsored the AIA’s first national resolution on artificial intelligence, establishing a values-based framework for ethical, responsible AI adoption across the profession. The resolution passed at the 2025 AIA Annual Meeting with over 99 percent of the vote and now informs AIA policy, education, and advocacy. In addition to his work on AI and equity initiatives, Daly served as Chair of the Strategic Council Elections Committee and as a member of the Best Practices Committee in 2025, leading governance reforms that strengthened transparency, leadership succession, and institutional continuity within the Council.
“The council’s innovative initiatives are instrumental in driving progress, fostering meaningful collaboration, and advancing essential knowledge that greatly enriches both the architectural profession and society as a whole,” said Stephen Ayers, FAIA, interim EVP and CEO of AIA.
As a Bethune Fellow, Michael Daly joins a distinguished group of national leaders who have completed their Strategic Council service and will continue to serve the profession as ambassadors, advisors, and champions for architectural impact and excellence.
This fellowship reflects ASG’s deep commitment to leadership in the profession, meaningful engagement with industry peers, and the advancement of design thinking that drives better outcomes for communities and the built environment.
Please join us in congratulating Michael Daly on this significant honor.
About the Louise Blanchard Bethune Fellowship
The Louise Blanchard Bethune Fellowship is conferred upon retiring members of the AIA Strategic Council who have completed their term of service. It honors their dedication in shaping strategic priorities for the Institute and advancing the profession at a national level.