Join AIA CNJ for an evening at Whittemore featuring sensational food by architect and chef Ben Walmer and a presentation by Construction Specialties on Interior Solutions.

Not for nothing but they don't call them summer vibes for nothing. So, come on by and partake of the party. Not only won't you be disappointed, you'll be appointed a legend in the book of coolness by attending. Understood? Ok, great. See you there!

The Course (1 HSW)

Interior Solutions: Mastering the Physical Movement of People

The performance and appearance of interior spaces within commercial buildings have a measurable impact on occupant satisfaction, performance, and well-being. These elements also have a direct impact on the preservation and performance of the building. In this presentation we look at how to protect interiors of buildings from the movement of people offering solutions that contribute to productive, comfortable, safe, and resilient interiors. We also look at how these systems can enhance facility functions, particularly in healthcare, retail, and educational settings.

Featured Industry Presentation

Kemper System will present a brief overview highlighting its high-performance waterproofing, roofing, and building envelope solutions. During the event, engage with Kemper representatives at their display table with product samples and project profiles highlighting New Jersey projects.

Alyson Serkin, Architectural Specialist

Alyson Serkin is an Architectural Specialist with Kemper System America.  With 15 years of experience working with building envelope solutions, Alyson provides project guidance and specifications for implementing high performance materials to achieve a better built environment.  A native and current resident of the Jersey Shore, Alyson has a BS in Structural Engineering from The Ohio State University.  

The Architect and Chef

Ben Walmer
Founding Architect & Creative Director of BROADLOOM
Founder & Creative Director of Highlands Dinner Club

Originally from Gettysburg PA, architect and chef, Ben Walmer, comes from a family of five generations of fruit growers.  It is from this agrarian background that he traces his connections to food and design and the motivation to launch Highlands Dinner Club (HDC) in New York City in 2009.  Ben currently lives in central New Jersey and is founding architect and creative director of the NJ/NYC-based interdisciplinary design practice, Broadloom, whose diverse capabilities include design strategy, hospitality design, regenerative food systems design and agricultural master planning.  HDC is a mobile social and culinary laboratory produced by Broadloom and collaboratively executed by a rotating cast of chefs, farmers, designers and artists.  Wielding spontaneous spirit and exceptional local ingredients, HDC has created farm-to-table experiences across three continents and seen time and again the connections and joy that come when people gather at the table to share a meal.        

FOOD MAKES FRIENDS 

The Venue

Whittemore is a 180-acre nature preserve in Tewksbury Township, New Jersey, originally bequeathed to the township by Helen A. Whittemore, a nature lover and diarist who wished for the land and historic house to be preserved for public enjoyment and inspiration.

Today, the preserve is managed by the Friends of Whittemore, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing its mission of community, culture, and conservation. The site includes Whittemore House, Whittemore Meadows, and approximately 11 miles of trails that wind through wooded landscapes, wetlands, ravines, and varied terrain suitable for hiking, dog walking, and nature exploration.

The preserve also serves as a habitat for local wildlife and bird species, and as a setting for environmental education, cultural programming, and community events. Through partnerships with artists, educators, environmentalists, and other professionals, Whittemore hosts a range of activities that highlight the ecological and cultural value of the landscape while supporting ongoing preservation efforts.

Carolyn Thow
President - Friends of Whittemore
Executive Director - WhittemoreCCC

Carolyn brings international experience to Whittemore–Community, Culture & Conservation (WCCC), following studies in business at Franklin University of Switzerland and NYU. She began her career in marketing and public relations at TAZ & Company, working with clients including Microsoft/MSN, HP, The Webby Awards, and Wired Magazine, and later founded the business Mummy Stay Dry, serving busy, upscale parents.

She has served on several nonprofit boards and committees, including Groove With Me, Leave Out Violence, Reach The World, French-American Aid for Children, and the Tewksbury Education Foundation, and currently serves on the Tewksbury Township Green & Creative Team and as a founding board member of the Tewksbury Times and Tewksbury Connect.

Carolyn is President of the Board of Friends of Whittemore and Executive Director of Whittemore–Community, Culture & Conservation. She has been recognized by the Boy Scouts of America with the “Tribute to Women” award and was named a “50 for 50” 2020 honoree by Franklin University of Switzerland.

She lives in Tewksbury with her husband Ron, daughter Alex, and two dogs.