AIA 2018 Dick Savage Award: Thad R. Kelly III, AIA

Thad R. Kelly III, AIA

Thad Kelly is principal of StudioFive Architecture Landscape Interior LLC in Fayetteville, specializing in commercial, industrial, retail and residential projects. Kelly is also principal of Master Builder Architects LLC, a general contracting firm offering architect-led design-build services.

Kelly has been active with the AIA since the early 1980s. He has served on the state board (2002-2009), as president of AIA Arkansas (2008), chaired the state’s annual convention (2005) and served as AIA’s secretary. Kelly also chaired the Gulf States region’s design awards jury (2010 and 2011), was on the Professional Advisory Board of the UA Interior Design Program (2000-2010) and the Professional Advisory Board of the Fay Jones School of Architecture (2007-2011). He was instrumental in helping the interior design program move from the division of agriculture to the school of architecture. Kelly served as the Gulf States Regional Representative on the AIA National Board of Directors (2012-2014.)

While serving on AIA Arkansas’ board, Kelly became a champion for newly licensed architects, starting the MileStone recognition program. This program has now been adopted and adapted nationwide.

Thad has been active in the Fayetteville community, as a member of Rotary Club of Fayetteville, Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and his church, St. Paul’s Episcopal.

See more profiles from the 2018 AIA Arkansas Design Awards.