We are thrilled to congratulate our very own Allyza Danica Valino on her recent recognition as 2024 AIA Detroit Associate Member of the Year and her achievement of becoming a Registered Architect! This well-deserved honor recognizes her remarkable dedication, passion, and the outstanding contributions she has made to the architecture community.
Allyza has been an integral part of Fielding International, and her commitment to promoting social change through architectural design is truly inspiring. With two years of full-time industry experience and a Master of Architecture completed in May 2024, Allyza is already making a significant impact. She works as an associate designer at our firm, where she collaborates on creating educational spaces that empower school staff, students, and communities, fostering an environment of unique and holistic learning.
But Allyza’s work extends beyond our projects. As a board member of the International Design Clinic, she contributes to socially responsive design work, engaging with communities across the globe. Her international projects, spanning from Michigan to Saudi Arabia and South Africa, are rooted in her mission to use architectural design as a tool for agency, representation, and positive change.
Some of her key objectives include:
- Empowering underserved communities through design, whether locally or internationally.
- Collaborating with organizations like the International Design Clinic to realize community-driven architectural solutions.
- Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the architectural field.
- Exploring innovative design pedagogies that spark transformation in the built environment.
Since joining Fielding International, Allyza has quickly made a name for herself. Her exceptional grasp of architectural processes, thoughtful client engagement, and passion for social impact have been pivotal to our work. Allyza’s drive for excellence was evident from the start, and her contributions to both her professional growth and the communities she serves have been nothing short of inspiring.
One of Allyza’s notable accomplishments includes her acceptance into the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) program, where she passed four ARE exams before completing her Master’s degree—all while working full-time. She was also a dedicated member of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), serving as Vice President in 2021 and Freedom by Design Director in 2020, focusing on engaging high school students with career opportunities in architecture and design.
Beyond the office, Allyza has exemplified her commitment to community service. She was one of the first to take advantage of Fielding International’s Volunteer Time Off policy, working with non-profits like Indalo World to help construct a new educational pavilion in South Africa. Her ability to balance her professional development with meaningful volunteer work speaks volumes about her dedication to making the world a better place.
At Fielding International, we are incredibly proud of Allyza and her achievements. She is not only a talented designer but also a passionate advocate for using architecture as a catalyst for social good. We are honored to have her on our team and excited to witness her continued growth and impact in the field.
Congratulations once again, Allyza—this is just the beginning of a truly remarkable career!
