Innovative Architect & Children's Learning Environment Expert; Co-Founder of Architecture Is Fun; Author of "Design for Kids"

Chicago, IL, USA
Live Event: $5,000 - $10,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Peter Exley Biography

Peter Exley, FAIA RIBA, is a Chicago-based architect known for his focus on designing spaces that support children's learning, play, and development. Exley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies from Newcastle University School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape and a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. Before founding his own firm, he worked with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in Chicago and London and with Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates in Philadelphia. Exley and his partner Sharon Exley co-founded Architecture Is Fun, dedicating their practice to creating interactive, play-based, and entertainment-focused environments for both children and adults, beginning with a project for Chicago Children's Museum.

Exley has developed a practice centered on architecture for children, families, and communities, emphasizing the design of learning and play environments. Notable projects include DuPage Children's Museum, House in the Woods, Ronald McDonald House in Oak Lawn, Illinois, Exploration Station children's museum, and exhibits and galleries for Young at Art Museum in Davie, Florida. The "Kids on the Fly" installation at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport received an American Institute of Architects Interior Architecture Award and is recognized for its accessibility, safety, and design. Architecture Is Fun's work has been exhibited at Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Architecture Foundation, and ICA in Philadelphia.

Exley has received several honors, including the AIA Chicago Young Architect Award, AIA Illinois Excellence in Education Award, and the AIA Chicago Foundation's Professional Excellence & Distinguished Service Award. He was also awarded the Gold Medal for Outstanding Lifetime Service by AIA Illinois for his contributions to civic, cultural, private, and not-for-profit projects. As an author, Exley co-wrote "Design for Kids" and, with Sharon Exley, the monograph "Architecture Is Fun."

Exley served as the 97th President of the American Institute of Architects and represented the organization at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, addressing topics such as equity and resilience in architecture. He has taught as an adjunct professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and was appointed Architecture Dean of the Scott Sutherland School at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland. Exley regularly participates in conferences, panel discussions, lectures, workshops, and exhibitions, sharing insights on participatory design and the role of architecture in education and community development. His career demonstrates the importance of thoughtful design in supporting human growth and well-being.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/17/2026.

Peter Exley Speaking Topics

    • Design
    • Equity
    • Architects
    • Leadership
    • Climate action

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  • What are the speaker fees for Peter Exley

    Speaking fees for Peter Exley, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Peter Exley are under $10,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Peter Exley, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Peter Exley speak about?

    Peter Exley is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Architecture, Architecture, Art & Design, Author, Climate Change, Creativity, Environment, Environmental Science, Leadership, Social Activism, STEM, STEM Education, Sustainability
  • Where does Peter Exley travel from?

    Peter Exley generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Peter Exley is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as . The estimated speaking fee range to book Peter Exley for your event is available upon request. Peter Exley generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Ashlee Piper, Daan Roosegaarde, Jeff Speck, Paul Goldberger and Carlo Ratti. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Peter Exley for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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