Happy Summer Q2 Newsletter from AIA CNJ: Art, Sculpture, Infrastructure, Architectural Marvels, Farms+++!
Posted on Aug. 6, 2024 / Quarterly Newsletter / Subscribe 0

Summer came quickly in Q2 for AIA Central New Jersey, but it didn’t slow us down! We continued to meet in unique places, blending art, architecture, codes, and regenerative farming in our community. As a quick overview below are some highlights of the quarter:

AWARDS PROGRAM
We are excited to announce the launch of the AIA Central Awards, which is now open for submission in 2 categories: Design and Service! This program offers members a chance to showcase their work and service. The awards ceremony is set for October 22, 2024. Final registration for submissions to the Design Awards ends on August 9, and for the Service Awards ends on August 16. Don’t miss your chance to shine!

EVENTS + EDUCATION
-
Infrastructure Inside the Gateway: On April 25th, thanks to Carmine Cerminaro, we had an insider presentation at the Gateway Development Commission in Newark. Laura Colacurcio, Craig Schulz, and Wisam Kaskas provided insights into the Gateway Program, including an on-site tour of the Dock Bridge Rehabilitation project.

- Art + Architecture: We had two fabulously attended Saturday events engaging members with creativity and the built environment:
-
FAM at the HAM: May 18th, we enjoyed a family day at the Hunterdon Art Museum, which was once a grist mill, in Clinton, NJ. The day included private tours and an interactive art workshop, fostering creativity and community. More...
-
Sculpture Gardens: On June 22nd, members gathered at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ. The event included a tour of the 42-acre sculpture park and a found object sculpture workshop, sparking creativity and teamwork. More...
-
NJ Energy Code Compliance: On May 21, Jack Daniels led a seminar on the New Jersey Energy Code, covering essential conservation strategies and key updates to the 2021 Energy Code.

-
Hindu Temple: In June, AIA CNJ toured the Akshardham Temple in Robbinsville, NJ, with the sun reflecting off the gold and white we toured the largest Hindu Temple in the U.S.! Volunteers guided us through the design, construction, and cultural significance of the temple and grounds. More...

-
Ironbound Regenerative Agriculture: On July 17th, founder and CEO Charles Rosen discussed Ironbound Farm’s regenerative agriculture and community impact. Renowned farmer, designer, and consultant Johann Rinkens led a session on sustainable farming practices. The event concluded with a farm-fresh dinner showcasing local, sustainable food. More...

-
AIA CNJ Meets NOMA NJ: On July 31, NOMA NJ President Taylor Latimer and AIA CNJ President Erin Sharp Newton, led a fun and engaging evening at Martin A. Desapio's office in Flemington where attendees enjoyed meaningful conversations and shared their professional experiences, strengthening connections within the two architectural organizations.

NATIONAL + STATE ADVOCACY
-
National: June 5-8 was the AIA National Conference in DC, where three new leaders were elected for 2025. Central President Erin Sharp-Newton met with AIA NJ representatives beforehand to make sure the voice of our section was heard. During the conference AIA CNJ President-elect Tania Althoff attended to represent the section, returning with updates for the board. Her highlights included touring the renovated MLK Library, attending the D-Day ceremony, and Sanjay Gupta's keynote.
-
State: On June 27-28, 2024, AIA New Jersey leadership met to plan for the future. AIA New Jersey leaders gathered in Princeton, NJ, for a strategic planning retreat. AIA Central NJ was represented by President Erin Sharp-Newton, President-Elect Tania Althoff, and Board Trustees LoriAnne Jones, Simone Signorelli, and Josh Zinder (representing SFx). Attendees engaged in collaborative workshops to set goals and strategies for the future of AIA NJ, with outcomes to be presented in September.

AIA CNJ MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
This quarter, we highlighted Taylor Latimer, NJNOMA and Carmine Cerminaro, AIA sharing their experiences to inspire the community. Thanks to Simone Signorelli, AIA, for her continued efforts in spotlighting our members!

LOOK AHEAD
-
August 9, 2024: Five Birds Farm Tour
-
September 24, 2024: Main Street Hard Hat Tour & Dinner
WELCOME NEW SPONSORS
Platinum:
-
OHM International Inc.: Premium natural stone products. Contact: COO Saket Hans
Gold:
-
Chadwick Brokerage: Insurance and risk management. Contact: Rich Standing
-
Wolf Sub Zero: Refrigeration, cooking, and dishwashing specialists. Contact: Kimberly Little
Silver:
-
Diener Brick: High-quality brick and masonry materials. Contact: Bill Rutherford
-
Parallel Edge: IT services for architectural firms. Contact: Sondra Lovino
-
Engineering Driven Design PC: Engineering and design services. Contact: Tim Choma
WANT TO SEE MORE?
Want to see more in-depth information about AIA Central? See our photos in news & visit our website, to stay tuned as we work to continue to support our mission to our members and the profession.




0 Comments