Architects Mary Ruppenthal and Jack Bullo Join AIA College of Fellows

Celebrating Architectural Excellence: Mary Ruppenthal and Jack Bullo Elevated to the AIA College of Fellows

On March 3, 2026, HED, a prominent architecture and engineering firm, proudly announced the elevation of two of its leading architects, Mary Ruppenthal, FAIA, and Jack Bullo, FAIA, to the esteemed College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). This recognition is one of the highest honors within the architecture profession, bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to both architecture and society while advancing the profession at a national level. In fact, only a small fraction—less than three percent—of AIA members attain this distinguished title.

Mary and Jack's elevation not only celebrates their individual achievements but also highlights the impact of their collective work in shaping educational environments across the nation. Their philosophy revolves around the idea that well-designed spaces can facilitate curiosity, innovation, and strong community bonds.

A Vision for Educational Environments

Both architects have established themselves as thought leaders in creating educational facilities that nurture talent and foster community engagement. Mary Ruppenthal, who plays a key role as a Principal and Sector Leader at HED, is deeply passionate about designing high-performing PreK12 educational environments. She employs a mentorship approach that emphasizes human-centered design—a model that champions extensive listening and performance analysis. Through her efforts, Mary helps align educators, administrators, and community stakeholders around a unified vision, leading to the creation of safe, effective academic spaces that contribute to student well-being and achievement.

Jack Bullo, also a Principal at HED, has gained a reputation as a leading voice in the planning and design of higher education facilities. His extensive expertise spans programming and innovation in academic and research spaces, allowing him to partner with institutions in envisioning and creating environments that are not only cutting-edge but also adaptable to the evolving educational landscape. Jack's strategic approach integrates technical precision with design, ensuring that the projects he undertakes not only meet the present needs but also anticipate the future requirements of educational institutions.

A Commitment to Innovative Design

Mary and Jack’s combined contributions have been pivotal in advancing HED's core belief: that interconnected design can yield thoughtful solutions balancing vision, performance, and resilience. Their work embodies a spirit of collaboration and advocacy that seeks to benefit clients and their respective communities nationwide.

Tania Van Herle, Co-CEO of HED, reflected on this significant milestone, stating, "Mary and Jack represent the very best of our profession. Their elevation to Fellowship honors not only the projects they have led but also the lives they have shaped through education-focused design. They embody the curiosity, rigor, and generosity that define HED's culture and our commitment to thoughtful, community-driven architecture.”

An Upcoming Celebration

The formal recognition of Mary Ruppenthal and Jack Bullo will take place during the Investiture of New Fellows at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2026 in San Diego. This event marks a moment of celebration for their achievements, as well as an occasion for peers and fellow architects to recognize the contributions and advancements made by these leaders in the field.

About HED

HED is committed to delivering architectural excellence through an approach that encompasses integrated design tailored to the specific needs of its clients. With a diverse team of over 400 professionals, HED operates nationwide to produce award-winning projects across various sectors, including healthcare, education, housing, technology, and more, fostering sustainable and responsive solutions that meet the evolving demands of society. To explore more about their work and offerings, visit www.hed.co.