Joel Fidler to be Next President of Ayers Saint Gross

Joel Fidler, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, has been named the next president of interdisciplinary design firm Ayers Saint Gross. Having served as a principal and vice president, and with more than 25 years of experience leading architectural projects, Joel will continue the firm’s long tradition of design excellence for mission-driven clients around the world.  

A Maryland native, Joel has been working at Ayers Saint Gross since 2011. His work spans across a variety of scales and practice areas, from interior renovations to large-scale urban planning. He has a particular interest in community revitalization, effective placemaking, and sustainable design. A past board member and past president of AIA Maryland, Joel is also an advocate for spreading awareness of and access to the profession for underrepresented populations.  

Joel’s projects 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, Computing, and Design at Clark University, and the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center at the Missouri Botanical Garden.  

Joel’s appointment, which will go into effect January 1, 2025, is part of a thoughtfully developed leadership transition plan led by the firm’s board of directors.  

Outgoing president Luanne Greene, FAIA, began her tenure as president in 2016. Her time in leadership brought a new emphasis on firmwide design excellence, high-performance buildings and landscapes, data-informed decision-making, and inclusive engagement processes. Going forward, she will continue to serve in a leadership role within the firm, providing strategic guidance on projects and leadership development.  

“Since the founding of Ayers Saint Gross in 1912, we have had five generations of leaders and five firm presidents, each navigating their own opportunities, challenges, and contributions,” Luanne said. “I am confident, as is our entire board of directors, that Joel is the right person to continue our long legacy of design excellence in the years to come.” 

Looking to the future, Joel says he is committed to propelling the firm forward. His goals include elevating design, reinvesting in team building, and exploring how to incorporate new technologies across all aspects of the design process.  

“I am so proud of the work that Ayers Saint Gross does, and I am honored to be leading such a talented group of individuals,” Joel said. “Our firm is a collection of creative thought leaders with a passion for tackling complex problems. I’m excited to find new and innovative ways to leverage our entrepreneurial mindset and deep expertise to serve our clients and communities in even more impactful ways.” 

Read an interview with Joel on his new role.