Erick Mikiten Elevated to AIA Fellowship for Transformative Work in Inclusive Design

Erick Mikiten, FAIA, LEED-AP

Breaking Barriers in Architecture: Erick Mikiten Joins the AIA College of Fellows

At Mikiten Architecture and The Art of Access, we believe that great design is inclusive design. That’s why we are thrilled to announce that Erick Mikiten, FAIA, LEED-AP, has been elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), one of the highest honors in the profession.

Fellowship in the AIA recognizes architects whose work has had a national impact, and Erick’s influence in Universal Design, accessibility advocacy, and inclusive design standards is shaping the future of the built environment.

A Career Dedicated to Inclusive Design

As an architect with first-hand experience of disability, including using a wheelchair and being hard of hearing, Erick has a deep, personal understanding of the gaps in accessibility within architecture. For over 30 years, he has led the charge in going beyond ADA requirements, proving that accessibility and beautiful design can go hand in hand.

Unlike most accessibility advocates who focus solely on code compliance, Erick leads a full-service architectural studio that designs buildings directly. This hands-on approach allows him to demonstrate that accessibility features can be seamlessly integrated into beautiful designs. Erick recognized that, even 30 years after the ADA, many architects still worry that accessibility features might make their designs feel institutional, so he founded The Art of Access to show that accessibility can enhance—rather than limit—the beauty of architecture.

Impacting the Built Environment at a National Scale

• California Building Standards Commission: As a Governor-appointed commissioner, Erick influences statewide building codes that impact millions.

• The Inclusive Design Standards: Created in collaboration with The Kelsey, this national certification system is helping design teams make multifamily housing more inclusive. The framework is now being expanded to include hospitality, single-family housing, education, and public spaces.

• Consulting & Lecturing: Erick works with design teams across the U.S., Europe, and Asia to create better-built environments, sharing his expertise in universal design strategies.

• Writing & Education: Erick is currently working on two books: One to help families create their dream accessible home, and another to help architects design for disability, aging in place, and multigenerational living.

What’s Next?

This June, Erick will be honored at the AIA College of Fellows Investiture Ceremony at Trinity Church in Boston during AIA25. But his work is far from finished. The movement toward radically inclusive architecture is gaining momentum, and Erick remains at the forefront—proving that designing for inclusion doesn’t limit creativity, it enhances it.

Want to learn more about how Universal Design can transform your next project? Contact us today!