AIA Central Q3 Summary – End of Summer, Beginning of Fall Newsletter
Posted on Oct. 15, 2024 / Quarterly Newsletter / Subscribe 0
Happy Autumn, AIA Central Members and Supporters!
As we transition into fall, we hope you all had a fantastic Q3! July, August, and September have flown by, and the crispness of winter is just around the corner. Fueled by our passion for architecture, AIA Central has been hard at work this year, filling our calendar with engaging events, inspiring spotlights, and important initiatives—including this quarterly newsletter!
Thank you for being an integral part of our community. We look forward to continuing to connect and grow together in the months ahead!
Exciting Announcement: AIA Awards to Be Revealed on October 22, 2024!
We are thrilled to announce that the AIA Central Awards Initiative will debut at our dinner ceremony next week! This new program marks a significant step in our efforts to recognize and engage our members. Earlier this year, we issued a Call for Entries, and in Q3, a jury meticulously reviewed the submissions.
Join us on October 22, 2024, at the Historic Nassau Inn in Princeton for the official announcement of the award recipients. This is a monumental event for AIA Central, and last-minute tickets are still available, so be sure to secure yours!
As a highlight of the evening, we’re excited to welcome J. Robert Hillier, FAIA, LHD, who will share his innovative Deep-Dive and Flash Dance methodologies. His extensive wisdom and experience promise to provide valuable insights you won’t want to miss!
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Events and Education
Here are some highlights of our Q3 was filled with energizing events:
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Hard Hat Tour of Courthouse Square Redevelopment
September 24, 2024
Attendees gathered for an exclusive Hard Hat tour of the Courthouse Square redevelopment project in Flemington, led by Jack Raker, and Glenn Haydu from Minno & Wasko. This exciting project, spearheaded by Cust Investments, spans 443,291 square feet and aims to revitalize the town center while preserving its historic charm, including the beloved Union Hotel.
Participants gained insights into the integration of 206 new residential units and various retail and dining spaces into Flemington’s historical fabric. Special guests Jack Cust, Jr. and Jack Cust III shared their experiences and vision for Main Street Flemington, discussing the complexities of construction, historic preservation challenges, and the importance of community engagement in redevelopment projects. The event concluded with dinner at 55 Bistro, fostering connections among participants and highlighting the promise of a vibrant future for Flemington.
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Stone & Sculpture Open House
October 1, 2024
The open house at the OHM Showroom + Structure Seminar was an enjoyable and engaging learning experience. OHM, our Platinum Sponsor, opened its impressive 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse and showroom to our members, providing an opportunity to explore various stone options and ask questions regarding the detailing and specifying of the beautiful slabs in their inventory.
A highlight of the event was the special appearance of engineering experts Bhavin Patel and Pravin Patel from the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. They discussed the temple's unique construction, featuring over 68,000 carved stone pieces with no steel reinforcements! Participants were eager to engage with numerous questions, making the OHM showroom and warehouse a fantastic experience.
We extend our gratitude to OHM International for hosting this event and congratulate the winners of the sculptures from the Met Store!
Advocacy and Leadership
AIA NJ Women in Architecture at the 2024 Women’s Leadership Summit
The AIA NJ Women in Architecture Committee attended the 2024 Women’s Leadership Summit in Chicago, celebrating its 15th anniversary with over 1,000 attendees. This year, women represent more than one-fourth of AIA's membership. Twelve women from AIA New Jersey participated in the summit, which focused on leadership, self-empowerment, and work-life balance, highlighting the importance of mental health and a holistic approach to career success. AIA President Kimberly N. Dowdell emphasized progress in diversity and inclusion within the organization, reinforcing the mission to support and elevate women in the field.
Fun Fact: In 2024, AIA National had three consecutive women in presidential leadership roles: Kimberly Dowdell (2024 President), Emily Grandstaff-Rice (Past President), and Evelyn Lee (President-Elect). AIA Central also celebrated three women in leadership simultaneously this year Erin Sharp-Newton (2024 President), Elina Shchervinsky (Past-President) and Tania Althoff (President-Elect), encouraging a hopeful trajectory toward greater equity for all members.
Member Spotlight
No to Naysayers, Yes to Nature: Spotlight on Jason
AIA CNJ is proud to spotlight Jason Kliwinski, AIA, LEED Fellow, WELLap, BECxp, CSBA, a licensed architect with decades of experience advocating for sustainable design and a commitment to creativity and environmental stewardship. As a Board Trustee of AIA CNJ, Jason embodies the spirit of our community, inspiring others with his dedication to the profession's impact on the planet.
Upcoming Events
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Art of Architecture Film Festival
AIA Central NJ, in partnership with the Arts Council of Princeton, will present an evening featuring a curated selection of short films celebrating the art and power of architecture. The event will take place at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, showcasing films that explore architectural projects and the creative minds behind them. Following the screenings, renowned architect Darguin Fortuna, AIA, NCARB, co-founder of Flow Design Architects, will share insights on his innovative work and journey as an award-winning architect during a talk and Q&A session.
Films include:
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Architecture: A documentary film that explores the architectural studio
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Architect Liz Diller on the High Line
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The East Point Project
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A Building Shaped by Light: Austin Central Library
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The Change We Seek
Special thanks to Joshua Architecture + Design, Thoft Architecture, KSS Architects, and Michael Graves Architecture for their generous support in making this event possible. Register now to secure your spot!
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Visioning for the Future of AIA Central NJ – Board Retreat
On November 16, 2024, the AIA CNJ Board will convene for a focused retreat and visioning session. This meeting will provide board members with the opportunity to reflect on the organization’s successes over the past year and collaboratively plan for 2025. The board has been working diligently on key initiatives, and this session will be pivotal in shaping the direction for the year ahead.
Facilitated by Suzie Genzler, an experienced planner and design researcher, the session will ensure that all voices are heard as the board continues to guide AIA CNJ forward. Genzler’s expertise in inclusive design and empathetic leadership will support thoughtful visioning and team building.
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Tri-State Fusion Conference
From November 17-20, 2024, join us in Hershey, Pennsylvania, for the Tri-State Fusion Conference. This dynamic event will bring together architects and industry professionals for a fusion of ideas, innovation, and networking. Attendees will earn up to 18 AIA CES credits through keynotes, sessions on innovative topics, and engaging tours of architectural landmarks in the region. The conference will also feature an exposition hall showcasing the latest products and technologies shaping the industry.
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Woolverton Inn Timber Frame Seminar
On December 3, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, AIA Central New Jersey will host a special evening at the Woolverton Inn. This event will feature a tour, talk, and dinner with guest speaker Joshua Coleman, Vice President of Design at Lancaster County Timber Frames, Inc. Participants will gain insights into timber framing, covering its history, terminology, and applications in both residential and commercial construction through a detailed case study of the Woolverton Inn project. Do not miss out—registration will open soon!
Thank you for reading and for being an essential part of the AIA Central community! Please do not hesitate to reach out to our board members with any questions. If you wish to get more involved contact [email protected]. If you would like to participate in sponsorship contact: [email protected]. We look forward to connecting and supporting you and the profession through AIA Central Service!
Sponsors
A note of thanks to our sponsors!
PLATINUM:
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OHM International Inc.: Premium natural stone products. Contact: COO Saket Hans
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Versatex: High-performance PVC trim. Contact: John Pepe.
GOLD:
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Chadwick Brokerage: Insurance and risk management. Contact: Rich Standing
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Sub Zero Group East LLC: refrigeration, cooking, and dishwashing specialists Contact: Kimberly Little
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Hance Construction Inc: Premiere construction services firm. Contact: Art Hance
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Microsol Resources: Software solutions, consulting, and support services to AEC industries. Contact: Cristina Langan or Danielle Lucas
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Allegion: Security solutions, including locks, hardware, and access control systems. Contact: Kip Howard
SILVER:
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Diversified: Lighting solutions, specializing in design, distribution, and installation. Contact: Paul Gibeault
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