New Jersey Architecture Week Activities Announced

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New Jersey Architecture Week Activities Announced

 

Dear fellow AIA-NJ members,

As Chairman of the NJ Architecture Week Committee, I’m pleased to announce our plans for 2024. Coinciding with National Architecture Week, we will host our April 14-20 celebration.

National AIA has set its theme on raising awareness of architects and architecture in the K-12 population. Please see https://www.aia.org/architecture-week.  We encourage all members to participate individually, as a firm, or with your local AIA Section in the activities and events they propose and ask that you share your experiences with us via photographs, tagging #aianj #ArchitectureWeek and #NJArchWeek in your social media posts or other means.

Here in New Jersey, we have presented orchestrated content each mid-April in celebration of New Jersey architecture, our members, their work and their interests. Our format has focused on a particular region of the state daily, presenting corresponding architecture and member profiles across our social media outlets. 

This year, the state organization will feature a particular project type daily.   

We are accepting submissions of your work for publication. We ask that it be submitted to staceykliesch@gmail.com by April 7th, using the format provided above and here AIA-NS_Arch Week 2024_TEMPLATE.  Email Stacey to request an editable PowerPoint template slide.

Secondly, we are holding a Photo Competition to be exhibited concurrently with the Week’s celebration.  We are soliciting your photos to be judged by your peers for their artistic quality and insights.  The photographs must be of NJ Architecture.  Categories are Black and White and Color with prizes for the best in each, certificates for 2nd and 3rd place, and a single overall winner regardless of category. Entry forms and rules can be found here https://aia-nj.org/2024-architecture-week-photo-competition/.

In addition, the AIA New Jersey K-12 Committee, co-chaired by Joseph David, AIA, and John Fallon, AIA, is hosting a design competition for all NJ K-12 students. Information is available here: https://forms.gle/HxaWwtybGdveeBgN7. Please encourage your children, grandchildren, and schools to participate.

Your local AIA section may plan additional activities and promotions, so check in with them! 

We look forward to your participation, as without it, there is no celebration.

Thank you,

Paul Tiajoloff, AIA

AIA NJ Architecture Week Chairman

AIA NJ Women in Architecture presents Time Management and Work-Life Balance

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AIA NJ Women in Architecture presents Time Management and Work-Life Balance

March 15 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Reading Time: 2 minutesJoin AIA NJ Women in Architecture (WIA) for this valuable virtual seminar!

Time Management and Work-Life Balance

Presented by Mugdha Chawathe, AIA, LEED AP

 

Friday, March 15, 2024

12-1pm

1 AIA LU – pending

This seminar is provided at no cost to AIA members and non-members

 

Description:

This Time Management and Work-Life Balance seminar is crafted to empower individuals with skills and strategies for mastering time management and cultivating a healthy work-life balance. In the dynamic and demanding landscape of today’s professional world, this seminar offers practical insights into prioritization, goal setting, and executing tasks efficiently. Participants can anticipate acquiring proven techniques to optimize their time, alleviate stress, and achieve a seamless integration of personal and professional life. This seminar serves as a valuable opportunity for individuals to elevate productivity, nurture well-being, and foster a more gratifying and balanced lifestyle.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Gain personalized insights into the concept of time management, exploring its significance in both your professional and personal life areas.
  2. Develop advanced skills in goal setting, master the art of prioritization, and refine your ability to create effective plans that drive success.
  3. Acquire strategies for overcoming procrastination, enhancing productivity, and maintaining focus on critical tasks.
  4. Explore stress management techniques, establish effective boundaries, and confidently navigate the art of saying ‘no’ to optimize your overall well-being.
  5. Uncover your individual approach to meditation, discovering a practice tailored to your unique needs for enhanced mindfulness and balance.

Register Now

Speaker Bio:

Mugdha Chawathe, AIA, LEED AP is a Licensed Architect with over 16 years of extensive experience. Her expertise spans diverse architectural projects including industrial/warehouse, retail, restaurants, core & shell, and K-12 education. Successfully managing multiple clients concurrently, Mugdha is known for delivering on-time and profitable creative architectural solutions that prioritize customer satisfaction.

In her current capacity as a Senior Project Manager at Ware Malcomb, Mugdha has taken charge of several warehouse and distribution projects within the New York/New Jersey market. Her comprehensive responsibilities encompass providing leadership and managing the entire project life cycle.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mugdha actively engages in volunteering and mentoring activities, such as the ACE Mentor Program and AIA NJ Mentorship Program.

On a personal note, Mugdha resides in Central New Jersey with her husband and two boys. Her moments of joy involve gardening, painting, cooking, baking and entertaining friends and family. Her love for experimenting with world cuisine in the kitchen has become a favorite family activity and source for relaxation.

DETAILS

Date:
March 15
Time:
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Event Category:
Website:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYldeuurzwpH9aQiRl1M_nHe3kWe0fgXKZL

Meet Simone Signorelli, AIA, At Large Trustee for AIA New Jersey

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Meet Simone Signorelli, AIA, At Large Trustee for AIA New Jersey

Simone Signorelli, AIA, has spent the majority of her 20+ year career honing her skills as an Architect focused on educational facilities.

“I truly enjoy building strong relationships with clients and end users. Understanding their perspective inspires me to shape tailored and successful school designs. It seemed almost serendipitous that I had the opportunity to collaborate on the design for an addition to the elementary school I attended as a child.”

She is dedicated to shepherding her projects from inception to completion to ensure continuity.

Her vocation in Architecture started at an early age and led her to the New Jersey Institute of Technology where she earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree.

Selected as a Mentee for the NJIT School of Architecture Mentorship Program, she later became a Mentor herself as part of the ACE Mentorship program. Throughout her tenure as an Architect, Simone has also completed extensive work on commercial, governmental, retail and hospitality projects.

The New Jersey licensed architect is currently serving as an AIA-NJ Board At Large Trustee for 2024. Simone will also be collaborating with her colleagues to establish an AIA Central New Jersey Design Awards Program as well as actively participating on the AIA-NJ Women in Architecture Committee.

In addition to Architecture, Simone volunteers for a variety of community organizations including Boy Scouts, School Parent Teacher Organization, and church youth programs. She also enjoys being outdoors either hiking or spending time at the beach with her husband and two sons.

At Large Director Jessica O’Donnell, AIA, Shares February Council Report

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At Large Director Jessica O’Donnell, AIA, Shares February Council Report

As many of you know, I am a first-year At Large Director on the AIA Strategic Council. This position is unique as I represent a broad network and demographic instead of a single state. Given that, I am sharing my February Council report with all of you to provide more intentional transparency and increase awareness of what the Council is working on.

The full report is in the images and my individual report is also found below.

 

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– – – February Councilor Update, Jessica O’Donnell, AIA – – –

The first two months on the Council have been full of engaging conversations and thoughtful discussions. As a Co-Chair of the Value of Architecture Study Group, I am inspired by the introspection, foresight, and inquisitive dialogue that has occurred from all members of our group at each meeting.

For Q1, our study group is focusing on what the definition of Value is under three different three lenses:
1) near term as it relates to what architects do;
2) long-term as it relates to how we can do things better; and
3) the unexplored as it relates to areas that have not been studied yet.

For Q2 and Q3 we plan to engage in qualitative and quantitative research exploration that will result in recommendations to the board during Q4. Those recommendations will include actionable items that will both educate & prepare AIA members and collectively advance knowledge to positively impact our profession, our planet, and our global society.

Meet AIA New Jersey At-Large Trustee, LoriAnne Jones, AIA

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Meet AIA New Jersey At-Large Trustee, LoriAnne Jones, AIA

Throughout her architectural career, LoriAnne has gravitated towards meaningful leadership roles.

From her days in architecture school at NJIT, to her ongoing involvement in the organizations she supports, she balances professional practice with professional service.

LoriAnne has a passion for mentoring and currently serves as a board member for the ACE Mentor Program of New Jersey. As a mentor and team leader for over 10 years, she has been fortunate to see many of her ACE students enter college, successfully join the profession, and continue to mentor others.

For the last six years, LoriAnne has worked as a Senior Project Manager at DIGroupArchitecture, an MBE firm focused on “Architecture for Change.” Throughout her career, she has worked on a range of project types including K‐12, Higher Education, and Healthcare, with a special focus on Community Health Centers.

After earning her license, LoriAnne returned to school and completed her MBA with a double concentration in Strategy, Leadership and Entrepreneurship. Her final coursework included the development of a conceptual “Career Explorer” platform. A project aimed at giving students virtual opportunities to discover and learn about careers like architecture.

LoriAnne has continued to grow into new areas of engagement through her involvement in the American Institute of Architects (AIA). As 2020/2021 President for AIA Central New Jersey, she has been able to support her local section and has taken the stage on the state level with her involvement in programs like AIANJ’s Diversity in Architecture Series. She is currently on the board of AIA CNJ and an At
Large Trustee for AIA New Jersey. 

For LoriAnne, architecture is a family affair that began with her grandmother who started as a draftswoman and later ran an architecture firm in Georgetown, Guyana. Carrying on this tradition, she has been fortunate to work on many community‐based design projects alongside her father’s management consultancy firm. In addition, LoriAnne is a mother of two, raising an 8‐year‐old and a 3‐year‐old with her husband. She is proud to say that both of her children already share a love of building and design.

Leadership Positions
• At Large Trustee, AIA New Jersey
• Past President and ongoing Board Member, AIA Central New Jersey
• Board Member, Team Leader, and Mentor, ACE Mentor Program of New Jersey

Professional Positions
• Senior Project Manager, DIGroupArchitecture, LLC
• Past Associate; Project Manager, Fletcher Thompson Architecture Engineering, LLC

Honors
• 2023 Class, BD+C 40 Under 40
• 2022 Inductee, John P. Stevens High School Hall of Honor
• 2020 Young Architect of the Year, AIA New Jersey
• 2015 Honoree, ACE Mentor Program of New Jersey
• 2006 Recipient, Presidential Leadership Award, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Presentations

• Guest, What’s Going On? Eyes on Africa and the Caribbean Podcast
• Panelist, AIA New Jersey ‐ Diversity in Architecture Series
• Speaker, John P. Stevens High School ‐ ACE Mentor Program, Technology Career Days
• Reader, AIA New Jersey ‐ Storytime

Meet Lisa Walzer, AIA, Co-Chair of the AIA New Jersey Small Firm Exchange

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Photo of and provided with permission by Lisa Walzer, AIA

Meet Lisa Walzer, AIA, Co-Chair of the AIA New Jersey Small Firm Exchange

Lisa Walzer, AIA, is a graduate of Syracuse University School of Architecture, licensed in New York and New Jersey. Her career began in large NYC firms where she collaborated on health care and other big projects. Today she has her own practice, designing additions and renovations to single-family homes, an occasional new house, offices, local shops and institutional spaces. Her work has been published in professional journals and consumer magazines; two recent kitchen designs were featured in NJ Home.

 

As an AIA leader, Lisa is co-chair of the AIA New Jersey Small Firm Exchange (AIANJ SFx) with Sloan Springer, AIA, and the current president-elect of the Newark Suburban section of the AIA.

According to the AIA, the mission of the AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFx) is to advance the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms. The objectives of the AIA SFx are three-fold:

1. Advocate the value of small firms within the AIA and to the public.

2. Curate and disseminate the most pertinent resources and information that benefit small firms.

3. Inform the AIA of current issues facing small firms and areas in which current resources/information are lacking.

AIA NJ SFx holds six webinars per year alternating monthly with committee meetings for planning and discussion. Committee meetings are open to all AIA NJ members and are typically held on Zoom. Contact lisa@walzerarchitecture if you are interested in joining. 

Upcoming webinars include: “Leveraging Media for Success for Small Firms” hosted by Jeremiah Russell and Darguin Fortuna to be held on March 20, 2024, at 7 pm, and a discussion of accessory dwelling units hosted by ADU expert, Marina Rubina, on May 22, 2024, at 7 pm. AIA NJ members will receive emails with registration links.

 

On weekend mornings you can usually find Lisa on a pickleball court. Later in the day she and her husband Bill, subscribers to two theater companies, often head into the city for a show, sometimes rushing back so she can attend a meeting of the book club she co-founded more than fifteen years ago.

Most of all, Lisa loves hosting holiday and special occasion dinners for her family and entertaining her young grandchildren.

Meet Ruchi Dhar, AIA, The New Jersey Representative to the AIA Small Firm Exchange

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Photo of Ruchi Dhar, AIA. Provided by AIA ALNNJ. Photo by Dee Portera

 

Meet Ruchi Dhar, AIA, The New Jersey Representative to the AIA Small Firm Exchange

Ruchi Dhar, AIA, the Principal and Founder of RD Architectural Studio, LLC, is a licensed architect in NJ, NY, and MD, boasting over 20 years of experience. Holding NCARB certification and LEED accreditation with a specialty in Building Design and construction, she possesses expertise in analyzing zoning regulations, project management, architecture, programming, and construction administration across diverse projects. These include corporate interiors, national retail stores, education, food service, industrial, single-family, and multi-family residential ventures.

Actively involved in various committees and boards, she currently serves as the 2nd Vice President of the AIA Architects League Northern NJ, and a committee member of the AIA NJ Legislative & Govt. Affairs Committee. Ruchi’s most recent leadership position is as the AIA New Jersey State Representative to the national Small Firm Exchange (AIA SFx). According to the Small Firm Exchange, their mission is to advance the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms.

The objectives of the AIA SFx are three-fold:

1. Advocate the value of small firms, the national SFx, and local SFx groups, both within the AIA and to the public.

2. Curate and disseminate the most pertinent resources and information, from the AIA & elsewhere, that benefit small firms.

3. Inform the AIA of current issues facing small firms and areas in which current resources/information are lacking.

Ruchi joined the Small Firm Exchange to discover business and time management strategies used by fellow architects in small firms. Eager to learn about resources aiding effective small firm operation. She also hopes to connect with and convey the struggles of small firms and sole proprietorships in NJ. Ms. Dhar is excited to explore AIA resources benefiting small firm owners to empower architects in NJ.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ruchi is an enthusiastic volunteer and participates in the Long-Range Facility Planning Committee for the Livingston school district. She calls Livingston, New Jersey home, where she lives with her husband and daughter. Ruchi finds joy in gardening, cooking, baking, and hosting gatherings for friends and family.

AIA New Jersey Committees Are Announced for 2024

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AIA New Jersey Committees Are Announced for 2024

At a recent AIA New Jersey Board Meeting, the 2024 committees were confirmed and chairpeople assigned. All AIA NJ members are invited to review the list of committees and email info@aia-nj.org to express interest in being added to a distribution list, attending committee meetings, or being involved in any other capacity. 

Board Committees

Nominations Ronald Weston, AIA 

Bylaws Andrew Thompson, AIA 
Finance Bharath “Ram” Ramamoorthy, AIA

Fundraising / Sponsorship Brian Penschow, AIA 

Communication Committees

Communications / Newsletter/ Website Kim Bunn, AIA 
Public Awareness William Martin, AIA, and Bruce Turner, AIA

Professional Practice Committee & Liaisons

Historic Resources Andrew Thompson, AIA 
Resiliency / Homeland Security Verity Frizzell, FAIA J
Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA 
Women In Architecture Elina Shchervinsky, AIA 
Small Firm Exchange Sloan Springer, AIA, and Lisa Walzer, AIA 
COTE (Committee on the Environment) Chair / East Coast Green Brandon Alterman, AIA 
Historical Archives Joyce Scatuccio Jolliffe, Associate AIA 

Legislative & Government Affairs Committee
Chair Kurt Kalafsky, AIA 
State Board of Architects Liaison Brian Penschow, AIA 
State & Local Government Network (Liasion role) Advocacy

Membership Committee
Retention and Recruitment John A. Cwikla, AIA 

Allied Membership Joshua Zinder, AIA 
Fellowship Ed Rothe, FAIA 

Emerging Professionals Committee (EPiC)
Chair Anna Chang, Assoc AIA 
AXP/NCARB Liaison Abigail Benjamin, AIA 

Awards and Scholarships Committee
Service Awards  Jessica O’Donnell, AIA 
Design Awards Seth Leeb, AIA 
Michael Graves Award Robert Cozzarelli, FAIA 
Scholarship Liaison Marvin Clawson, AIA 

Programs and Events Committee
Design Conference Seth Leeb, AIA 
Codes & Standards Robert M. Longo, AIA 
K-12 Program John Fallon, AIA, and Joseph E. David, AIA 
Mayor’s Exchange Andrew Thompson, AIA 
Architecture Week Paul Tiajoloff, AIA 
College/University/AIAS Liaison Manuel Pereiras, AIA 
2024 Awards and Installation Dinner (Pres-Elect) Andrew Thompson, AIA 
Leadership Summit Regional Dinner (Pres-Elect) Andrew Thompson, AIA 
National Convention Fellows/ Regional Reception (Pres-Elect) Andrew Thompson, AIA 

Task Forces and Associated Organizations
NJ APAC Dave DelVecchio, AIA 
Architectural Resource Center John A. Cwikla, AIA 
Technology in Architectural Practice Matthew Pultorak, AIA, and Richard Garber, AIA

AIA New Jersey and Sections Send Large Delegation to AIA 2024 Leadership Summit

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AIA New Jersey and Sections Send Large Delegation to AIA 2024 Leadership Summit

 

Last week, more than 20 AIA NJ leaders traveled to our national capital to participate in the annual AIA Leadership Conference. According to The AIA, here’s a snapshot of what attendees learned and experienced:

 

1 . Leadership is by design

Preeti Sriratana built his Manhattan-based firm, Modellus Novus, by marrying clients with bold ideas to a culture-rich staff where employees are diverse in age, race, and gender across all levels of leadership. In his first-ever keynote address to architect peers, he shared the most important lessons learned in his exceptional career: Use simple, direct, and clear language to communicate, because people value their time; seek value alignment with your colleagues and clients, because you value time; and define reality and give hope to others, so you can enjoy work, create products that bring pride, and support your firm’s mission.

“Ultimately, what you are doing is building a supportive culture,” said Sriratana. “I can’t count on one hand the number of people who have left us.”

2. Share your expertise to grow your networks

The key to growing your network and tapping into your sphere of influence, says Peggy Hoffman, FSAE, CAE, the president & executive director, Mariner Management & Marketing, is providing value to people in your community and the networks that align with it. This is particularly important if you want to connect with next generation of architects. 

“Be a mentor, start a conversation, become an ally,” said Hoffman. “Connecting isn’t about selling anything. You are sharing your expertise.”

3. Revolution is an inside job

“You don’t have to wait to make a better future. You already have what you need to solve problems big and small in your organization,” Dr. Simone Bhan Ahuja shared in her keynote address.  

The founder of Blood Orange, a global innovation and strategy firm and bestselling author reflected on the influence her father – an architect – had on her ideas about changing cultures and ideas. Telling the audience how most businesses she works with have too many priorities, she encouraged AIA members to “want less” in an effort to achieve more and to focus on what clients and customers need. 

4.  Lawmakers listen to citizen architects

On AIA Lobby Day, more than 400 architects engaged with policymakers to promote H.R. 964/S. 366 to ensure local community input in the design of federal buildings, repeal of the harmful research and development amortization tax provision through H.R. 7024,  and eliminate arbitrary fee limitations on A/E Federal Contracts to address growing scope and complexity of federal projects.

“Architects are responsible for protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public through design excellence, environmental stewardship and securing the future of our communities,” said AIA 2024 President Kimberly Dowdell, FAIA, NOMAC. “It is critical for our voices to be heard on Capitol Hill. We must advocate for legislation that acknowledges and reinforces the pivotal role of the architecture profession in society.”

5.  Don’t leave money on the table 

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) became law in 2022, but this is the year all the allocated funds the law provides will apply to architecture and green build. The IRA includes $1 billion in funding for state and local governments to support adopting and implementing the 2021 IECC, ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019, and stretch codes aimed at achieving net zero energy buildings.  

 Michael Kelly, AIA, principal, KCBA Architects, shared  how his firm utilized IRA dollars to support  a middle school renovation after Pennsylvania stopped funding school construction. Another round of funding is expected this spring, and Kelly recommends firms partner with groups who have had success at winning grants to support clients who may qualify.  

AIA New Jersey Featured in Real Estate New Jersey Magazine

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AIA New Jersey Featured in Real Estate New Jersey Magazine

The AIA New Jersey Public Awareness Committee meets monthly to plan ways to educate the public on the Value of the Architect and celebrate the accomplishments of the organization and our members using varied methods of communication. In 2023, the committee decided to spend a portion of their annual budget on an advertising campaign with Real Estate New Jersey Magazine. 

 

The campaign included a month-long Leaderboard Web Banner on the RENJ Homepage, a print ad in the RENJ Resource Guide distributed in January 2024, and a Digital Thought Leadership article distributed to over 9000 emails and on RENJ’s homepage for one week.   

 

 

 

One of Ron Weston’s final responsibilities as 2023 AIA NJ President was to craft the Thought Leadership article, which can be found here: 

AIA NJ architects look forward to 2024

Copyright AIA-NJ.