Queens, NY The Queens Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Queens) honored its general counsel Raymond Mellon, senior partner at Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, on December 13th with a Chapter Citation Award. Mellon was recognized for his efforts on behalf of AIA Queens to establish the Queens Foundation for Architecture. His legal guidance and advocacy were instrumental to the nonprofit’s inception and launch.

Established in 2017, the foundation seeks to engage the next generation of architects by creating, supporting and growing the number of architecture scholarships and local public programs. Its goals include raising public awareness and fostering understanding of the design process; encouraging students and the public to be innovative, transform lives and create a better built environment; paving the way for students to pursue careers in architecture and its related industries; and strengthening partnerships with the public and communities.

 Mellon also serves as a director on the board of the Queens Foundation for Architecture.