INDIANAPOLIS – Long-time Indianapolis architect James T. Kienle, FAIA, died at his home in the historic Lockerbie neighborhood on Dec. 7, 2022. He was 80.

Kienle, a member of the American Institute of Architects Indiana (AIA) since 1976, was an icon at AIA Indianapolis meetings and events where he was always smartly dressed wearing a bow tie and often an Ohio State University ball cap. He was a longtime Historic Preservation representative for the AIA Indianapolis Board of Directors and on the AIA Indiana Fellowship Committee.

He lobbied at the statehouse and testified in state legislative committees on behalf of AIA Indiana on issues regarding historic preservation and housing. In 1993, he worked with fellow AIA Indianapolis members to write and publish the book, Indianapolis Architecture: Transformations Since 1975. Kienle was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 2004, and received the AIA Indiana Gold Medal Award in 2015. It was among several awards and recognitions he received for his dedication and talents.

The impact he has had on the city of Indianapolis, historic preservation and the architecture profession during his career of more than 50 years is unmatched.