Tau Sigma Delta


Tau Sigma Delta is an American scholastic honor society that recognizes academic achievement among students in the field of architecture and allied arts.

History

Tau Sigma Delta was organized at the University of Michigan as an honorary fraternity in architecture and landscape design in May 1913, at the proposal and under the direction of the Departments of Architecture and Landscape Design faculty members at the University of Michigan. It was first known as Tau Delta Sigma and continued under that name until the fall of 1914 when it was decided to change the name to the present one there being Greek letter societies already bearing the first name. It was the intention of the founders that the organization should be a national society as an opportunity for its extension to other schools and universities could be had.
As of 1920, according to the constitution of Tau Sigma Delta, the purpose of the society is stated as follows: "It shall be the purpose of Tau Sigma Delta fraternity to unite in a firm bond of friendship, such students of architecture and the allied arts, whose marked scholastic ability, moral character and pleasing personality has shown them worthy of distinction, and to foster and promote high standards of study in the schools and colleges of architecture and the allied arts." The society is purely an honorary organization, and only a few new members are elected annually. As of 1920, the total membership of the society was 88.
Each chapter has a definite plan of government and elects its members, who are chosen only upon the approval of the faculty of the school where the chapter is located.
Medals are awarded for achievement, in bronze, silver, and gold. In 2011, it had chartered 52 chapters and initiated 18,984 members.

Symbols

The fraternity's motto is Technitai, Sophoi kai Dexioi or "Craftsmen, Skilled and Trained". Its colors are gold and white. The flower of the society is the red rose. Its symbol is the drafting triangle.
The fraternity's badge is a gold key consisting of the crossed letters, Tau Sigma Delta, a suspension ring at the top, and a pendant at the bottom. The crossed letters of the same arrangement as on the key is the crest of the fraternity. Honor stoles are available for graduation regalia. The pledge button consists of an outer scalloped band of gold within which is one concentric ring of gold and two concentric rings of white.

Chapters

Tau Sigma Delta has chartered more than 52 chaptes.

Gold Medal Recipients

The Gold Medal is awarded by the Grand Chapter of the Society to a professional or professionals with a record of high distinction in design in the field of architecture, landscape architecture, or the allied arts. The award is presented annually as a part of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture national meeting.
Notable and honorary members of Tau Sigma Delta include: