LSU School of Architecture alumni Mark Ripple (BArch 1979), Percy “Rebel” Roberts III (BArch 1976), and Jeff Stouffer (BArch 1984) have been elevated to the prestigious American Institute of Architects Class of 2016 College of Fellows.

The AIA fellowship program elevates architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession, recognizing not only their individual achievements but their significant contributions to architecture and society on a national level.

Mark Ripple, FAIA

“It is an honor to join the ranks of such a prestigious group of renowned professionals; I’m truly humbled by this experience and thankful to my peers for their recommendations and kind words,” said Ripple, principal/director of operations of Eskew+Dumez+Ripple (EDR), an award winning architecture, interiors, and urban design firm in New Orleans. “Although AIA fellowship is focused on personal recognition, it is most certainly a testament to the amazing talents and achievements of the entire team here at Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, and those with whom I have had the privilege of working for the last 26 years.”

Ripple has more than 30 years of experience in the management of large institutional projects. His analytical approach to project delivery and commitment to client satisfaction has helped EDR maintain strong, long-term relationships with several repeat clients. His project focus has been in technically sophisticated facilities such as high-performance research laboratories and inpatient and outpatient healthcare facilities. In addition to his role as a hands-on project director Ripple also serves as the studio-wide operations director, responsible for balancing staff workload, collective project delivery schedules, and emerging assignments. Ripple cofounded EDR in 1989 along with two other LSU alumni, Steve Dumez, FAIA (BArch 1982), and Allen Eskew, FAIA (BArch 1971), who passed away in 2013 just before EDR was honored as AIA Firm of the Year.

Percy “Rebel” Roberts III, FAIA

Percy “Rebel” Roberts III is president, COO, and design partner at VOA Associates Incorporated. VOA is an international architecture, planning, and interior design firm based in Chicago with more than 300 employees serving international markets in the education, healthcare, hospitality, commercial, government, cultural, workplace, and residential sectors. Roberts’ architectural projects have been recognized with more than 20 international, national, and local awards for design excellence. He has worked on worldwide projects totaling more than $5 billion. Roberts believes that great design must “energize spaces and buildings with a spirit that grows from the deep roots of our culture and our dreams.” Over the course of his career, Roberts has gravitated to healthcare architecture, where he considers it a privilege to contribute his expertise to improve the lives of patients, their families, and caregivers.

“I am honored to be recognized by my peers with election to the College of Fellows,” shared Roberts. “It is a remarkable group, and I am delighted to join fellow LSU alumni in this distinction.”

Jeff Stouffer, FAIA

As executive vice president and health group director at the Dallas location of HKS, a worldwide architectural design firm, Jeff Stouffer’s responsibilities include directing the group’s administrative, financial, management, and strategic planning. Stouffer has dedicated his entire 30-year career to designing cutting-edge healthcare facilities in the U.S. and abroad. He believes the fusion of evidence-influenced design and flexible planning principles result in facilities that support the hospital’s mission and the staff’s operational goals. He has incorporated lean/process improvement tenets into many of the firm’s projects, setting industry standards. Stouffer believes lean design creates better outcomes, standardizes workflow, eliminates waste, and reduces errors. He feels it’s safer for patients and the people who care for them. Stouffer shares his knowledge with the design and healthcare communities by speaking at various conferences. He has also lectured throughout the U.S. and published numerous articles on topical design-related issues.

Ripple, Roberts, and Stouffer also serve on the LSU School of Architecture Professional Advisory Board, whose mission is to advise the director and foster an ever-increasing level of excellence within the school.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have three alumni, particularly three members of the School of Architecture Professional Advisory Board, achieve this national distinction,” commented LSU School of Architecture Director Jori Erdman. “They have each contributed significantly to the profession through the strength of their design and their leadership skills. We are proud of them as graduates of our program and as ongoing contributors to our educational efforts.”

“I have appreciated the opportunity to work with Director Jori Erdman and the Professional Advisory Board,” added Roberts. “A key criterion for election is involvement in professional and academic communities and to have this involvement recognized is especially satisfying.”

The 2016 AIA Jury of Fellows elevated 149 AIA members to its prestigious College of Fellows. Out of a total AIA membership of more than 88,000, there are over 3,200 members distinguished with this honor. The 2016 fellows will be honored at an investiture ceremony at the 2016 AIA National Convention in Philadelphia, May 19–21. To view a complete list of the 2016 AIA College of Fellows, visit aia.org/practicing/awards/2016/fellows.

About LSU School of Architecture 

LSU School of Architecture students develop a solid foundation of traditional design, hand building, and drawing skills and learn to use computer and technological resources. The architecture program at LSU provides a balance between broadening educational experiences and discipline-focused coursework. In addition to learning how to make buildings, students develop a sense of professionalism and leadership in shaping the world by learning how to see, think, and act creatively. For more information, visit architecture.lsu.edu.

Read more about LSU School of Architecture alumnus Percy “Rebel” Roberts III in the winter 2016 issue of Quad: The LSU College of Art & Design Magazine (pp. 16-17).