UB's Dennis Andrejko, Expert on Energy-Conscious Architecture, Elected to AIA College of Fellows

BUFFALO -- Dennis A. Andrejko of Williamsville, associate professor of architecture in the University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning and an expert on energy-conscious architecture, has been elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

The honor is one granted by the institute for contributions of national significance to the profession. Andrejko is one of only 112 architects elected to the college this year from across the United States, one of 10 from New York State and the only one from Western New York.

The fellows will be invested at the 2009 AIA National Convention and Design Exposition in San Francisco on May 1.

In making the announcement, Edward C. Farrell, executive director of AIA New York State Chapter said, "Through his work at the local, state and national levels, Dennis Andrejko has established himself a true leader in the profession, and this recognition is both well earned and well deserved. I congratulate him on this significant accomplishment."

Andrejko is principal of Andrejko + Associates of Williamsville, an architectural firm that specializes in sustainable and green design, and passive solar architecture projects.

He has co-authored and edited numerous publications including "Passive Solar Architecture: Logic & Beauty," "Solar 4: Architecture and Energy and Assessment of Solar Energy Technologies."

He also has conducted sponsored research on sustainable design issues and is a frequent contributor to Architecture Graphic Standards.

At UB, Andrejko teaches upper division and graduate level design studios and courses on energy, environment and technology for sustainable/passive solar design.

He serves as the school's AIA student faculty advisor and as an education coordinator for the association's Intern Development Program.

He is former president of the AIA Buffalo/Western New York Chapter and is a former member of the AIA New York State Chapter Board of Directors, which presented him the chapter's President's Award in 2008.

In fact, 2008 was a banner year for the architect. He was invited to serve on an international jury in Abu Dhabi for the world's first "positive energy" building, and he received the 2008 AIA Buffalo/WNY Distinguished Service Award.

Andrejko is currently a member of the national AIA Board of Directors and a candidate for vice president of that board.

He is a member of the American Solar Energy Society, the Society of Building Science Educators and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

Of his role as an environmentally conscientious architect and educator, Andrejko says, "We have an impact on our environment as our environment has an impact upon us. As architects, we are charged with a responsibility and an obligation -- and challenged with an opportunity -- to understand and acknowledge our inextricable relationship to the greater whole."

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.