Award-winning interdisciplinary design firm Ayers Saint Gross has named Principal and Vice President Joel Fidler, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, as the firm’s next president, effective January 1, 2025. An industry leader with more than 25 years of experience in architecture, Fidler succeeds Luanne Greene, FAIA, who has served as president since 2016.
Fidler has been with Ayers Saint Gross since 2011 and has played an instrumental role in the firm’s success, leading projects in a range of sectors, include multiple academic buildings and residences at the Maryland School for the Blind, the Duke University Center for Interprofessional Education and Care, the Center for Media Arts and Computing Design at Clark University, and the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
“I continue to be inspired by the work of Ayers Saint Gross, and I am honored to be leading such a talented group of individuals,” says Fidler. “Our firm is a collection of creative thought leaders with a passion for tackling the increasingly complex challenges of our world, from climate change to the socio-economic impacts of urban growth. As president, I look forward to identifying innovative ways to leverage our entrepreneurial mindset and expertise in even more impactful ways. Together, we will continue to create beautiful, resilient spaces that bring people together.”
With a strong history in designing for higher education and cultural institutions, Ayers Saint Gross’s expanding areas of practice reflect the firm’s commitment to mission-driven clients who are invested in uplifting their communities. Whether working on comprehensive planning studies or intimate interior renovations, Ayers Saint Gross recognises the role of design in building a more climate-resilient world. Sustainability is integrated into every project, delivering spaces that empower communities, foster connection, and minimise environmental impact.
Outgoing President Greene has been working as an architect and planner for Ayers Saint Gross since 1990. During her tenure as president, she brought a new emphasis on firm-wide design excellence, high-performance spaces, data-informed decision-making, and inclusive engagement processes. Going forward, Greene will continue to serve in a leadership role, providing strategic guidance on projects and firm development.
“Joel is the perfect person to carry on Ayers Saint Gross’s over 100-year legacy of excellence while also keeping our focus on the future,” says Greene. “His thoughtful, team-driven approach and dedication to serving our clients and our communities, makes him the ideal choice to steward us into this new era. Our work is about more than just design; it’s about solving complex problems and creating environments that inspire, and I can’t wait to see what Joel will accomplish.”