Capping an eventful year for the architectural profession in New Jersey, the New Jersey chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA-NJ) gathered with friends and family on Friday night to celebrate the year’s architectural successes. At AIA-NJ’s annual awards gala, held at the Moorestown Community House, the organization installed its slate of officers for 2015, providing a glimpse into who will be steering the organizational ship in the coming year.
Kimberly Bunn, AIA, of Moorestown was sworn in to the role of AIA-NJ president in 2015. Owner and principal of Moorestown-based Bunn Architecture, Bunn has been a member of AIA for 16 years and has served in a leadership capacity for more than a decade. Bunn currently sits on the Board of Trustees and chairs the Communications Committee; she is still active in her local West Jersey section where she was president in 2006.
Justin A. Mihalik, AIA, of Essex Fells will serve as president elect. Ben Lee, AIA, of Morristown will serve as the organization’s first vice president. Verity Frizzell, AIA, of Bay Head will serve as AIA-NJ’s second vice president. Steven Lazarus, AIA, of Englewood will serve as treasurer. Judy Donnelly, AIA, of Hackettstown will continue her two-year term as secretary. Robert Cozzarelli, AIA, of Belleville will continue as the organization’s regional director. Nicholas Caravella Associate AIA, of Morristown will assume the post of Regional Associate Director. Kurt M. Kalafsky, AIA, of Howell will serve as past president. Kalafsky will also chair the AIA National Resolutions Committee in 2015.
“In 2014, the architecture profession continued to play an integral role in the state of New Jersey as we continue our recovery from Superstorm Sandy and move toward more innovative and sustainable infrastructure,” Bunn said. “We saw successful passage of legislation that will help the state better respond to natural disasters, brought together industry and community leaders for discussion on resiliency, and helped our local communities continue to rebuild. Looking forward to 2015, we plan to maintain this focus. At the same time we will continue our traditional initiatives -mentoring tomorrow’s architects, hosting educational seminars, and participating in community service projects. I am excited to be assuming the office of president and look forward to helping to lead this organization along this path”
In addition to the officer installation, the dinner honored the winners of its annual design competition. A total of 13 projects were recognized for their originality and advancement of the field. Additionally, AIA-NJ honored the six recipients of its service awards, which are bestowed upon individuals and firms that have demonstrated exceptional service to the profession, and presented its annual scholarship to Saif Haobsh, a New Jersey Institute of Technology architecture student.
