AIA Detroit has recognized Shanita DeLane Rutland, Associate AIA, NOMA with the 2021 Associate Member Award. The award is presented to an Associate AIA Detroit Chapter member in recognition of emerging professionals who have made significant contributions to the profession of architecture, the community and/or the AIA Detroit Chapter.
Shanita’s career has developed while learning through diverse project experiences working with honored minority architects and fellow National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Detroit design professionals. Over the past two years, Shanita has served as the AIA Detroit Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) Chair, where she exhibited strong leadership and organizational skills during times of challenge, particularly in forging partnerships and new opportunities during the pandemic. Her efforts in pursuing a merged 2021 CKLDP scholar class between AIA Detroit and AIA Miami allowed for the continued growth of emerging professionals despite obstacles of social distancing. As acknowledged by previous AIA National President Jane Frederick, FAIA during the 2021 AIA Grassroots Conference, this is the first known cross-chapter CKLDP scholar group to exist and an example of how chapters can work together.
Over the past two years, Shanita has made great strides as an Architectural Designer at Quinn Evans’ Detroit office with an emphasis on creating an inclusive culture that prioritizes avenues for all to succeed. She holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Detroit Mercy.
