by: AIA New York
Lissa So, FAIA, is a founding partner of MARVEL, where she leads a visionary approach to designing cultural, educational, and public spaces that foster a strong sense of place and identity, demonstrating the transformative impact of designing with and for the communities they serve. Under So’s leadership, MARVEL has grown to 150 people, with offices in New York City, Richmond, VA, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Barcelona, Spain, and continues to address both local and global challenges by deepening community engagement and collective action through thoughtful, collaborative design. In 2024, MARVEL was awarded the AIANY Medal of Honor and The Architect’s Newspaper 2024 Best of Practice Firm award for its profound civic commitment.
This year, the Jury of Fellows of the AIA elevated So to its prestigious College of Fellows in the first category of Fellowship, which recognizes achievements at the national level in design, urban design, or preservation. So was recently celebrated at the Center for Architecture during the 2026 New Fellows Celebration and at the AIA Conference on Architecture (AIA26) in San Diego.
Q: What is influencing your work the most right now?
Right now, our work is most influenced by the urgency of strengthening communities socially, culturally, and environmentally. Equity in design means that every space we create belongs to the people who use it. When we listen, co-create, and prioritize community needs, we’re not just building buildings and public spaces; we’re building healthier, stronger, and more connected communities. At the same time, the climate crisis is shaping how we think about materials, energy use, and long-term stewardship. These two forces, community and sustainability, are deeply intertwined and are driving much of our work today.
Q: What are some of your favorite recent projects that you’ve worked on?
I’m most proud of projects that foster social connections. The Arts Center of Lake Placid, now under construction, will serve as a cultural hub for the Adirondacks, uniting performance, education, and visual arts while creating a strong sense of place.
We are currently designing the Flushing YMCA in Queens, informed by extensive engagement through workshops and participatory design sessions. The center will provide spaces for health, recreation, and gathering, offering a safe and inspiring environment for families, seniors, and young people, and reflecting the neighborhood’s needs and aspirations. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the YMCA after the success of the Northeast Bronx project.
Q: What do you see as an architect’s role and responsibility within our culture?
Architects shape civic and cultural life through the built environment. The spaces we design influence how people gather, learn, and connect, so our responsibility goes beyond simply creating beautiful buildings. By listening closely and collaborating with the people who will use our spaces, we ensure designs reflect their values and aspirations. Thoughtful design fosters belonging and identity while addressing larger challenges like climate change and social inequity. At its best, architecture creates authentic environments that are inclusive, resilient, and supportive of everyday life.
Q: How/why did you decide to pursue architecture?
I had a childhood friend who always said she wanted to be an architect, and that intrigued me to learn more about the profession. I’ve always been drawn to building things, solving problems, and creating spaces that bring people together. Early in my career, I realized the industry sits at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and impact, and that combination has driven me to grow and succeed in this profession. Today, that same childhood friend is also an architect, and we’re both living our shared dream of building environments that shape communities in meaningful, lasting ways.
Q: What are your greatest sources of inspiration?
My greatest sources of inspiration are the juniors in my office, the students I mentor, and the next generation of architects and designers. Their curiosity, creativity, and willingness to challenge assumptions constantly remind me of design’s potential. Collaborating with them pushes me to think more openly and boldly, and their energy and fresh perspectives inspire me to create spaces that are both unique and authentic.
Editors’ Note: This feature is part of a series celebrating the members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New York Chapter who are elevated each year to the AIA College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to both the profession and society. Learn more about Fellowship here.