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The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced the elevation of Detroit architect Charles F. Merz, FAIA, to the organization’s College of Fellows.

Merz, the proprietor of the Detroit-based architectural and urban design firm Merz & Associates, was among 116 architects nationally elevated to AIA’s prestigious College of Fellows. This honor is awarded to members who have made contributions of national significance to the profession. There are fewer than 2,600 AIA members who have received the fellowship in the college’s 56-year history.

The distinction is bestowed on architects with at least 10 years of membership in the AIA and who have made significant contributions to architecture in a number of areas. New Fellows are entitled to use the designation “FAIA” following their names and will be invested in the College of Fellows at the 2008 AIA National Convention and Design Expo in Boston on May 16.

“Charles Merz is truly deserving of this distinguished honor,” said Rae Dumke, Hon. AIA, Executive Director of AIA Michigan. “He has exemplified the very best of the AIA and we are proud to have him in the City of Detroit.”

A graduate of Wayne State University, as well as the Cranbrook Academy of Art, Merz has dedicated himself to the advancement of the architectural profession by fusing art, landscape and architecture for the enjoyment and education of the public. The distinguished creator has been the recipient of more than 48 regional design awards and two national awards for major urban plans resulting in built environments.

He has made his mark in the community, providing tours and lecturing to schools and groups. Merz also has been included in national and international exhibits and coordinated three design competitions for monumental sculpture. He researched and designed a booklet, “A Guide to Historic Rivertown,” a self-guided walking tour of Detroit’s riverfront – featuring historic and original ink sketches. He has exhibited at the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Artist’s Market, and was the curator for an architectural exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum.

Merz’s interdisciplinary expertise earned him an appointment by former Michigan Governor James Blanchard and private groups to establish major, dramatic commemorative monuments. Utilizing AIA guidelines for design competitions, he created three sculptures, two in Detroit and one in Lansing. Merz is currently working on a fourth, “The Veterans Memorial Park of Detroit.”

As AIA Detroit Education Committee Chair, he started successful public tours of historic buildings and began tutoring sessions preparing intern architects for their registration exam. The latter evolved into a local AIA program. Merz has also taught at Lawrence Technological University and the University of Detroit Mercy.