Posen Architects Establishes New Leadership Team

Dennis Posen is joined by Thomas A. Fantacone, Lori Klein and Kosta Koulouris to lead the firm
as it celebrates its 20th anniversary

WEST ORANGE, NJ – As Posen Architects celebrates its 20th anniversary, the firm introduces a new leadership team structure. Dennis Posen, AIA, the founder of the firm, welcomes long-time Posen staff members Lori Klein, CID, and Kosta Koulouris, AIA, as well as recently hired Thomas A. Fantacone, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, to join him as principals. Each principal will continue to actively lead individual projects, and will now share responsibility for the firm’s architectural and interior design direction, operational management, strategic planning and business development.

Lori Klein was a founding staff member of Posen Architects in 1996 and has more than 30 years of corporate, healthcare and commercial design experience. In her role on the leadership team, she will continue to focus on the firm’s space planning, programming, and interior design work and manage the firm’s Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) services assisting clients with selection, specification, procurement, delivery and installation. Her projects have included the headquarters for Ansell, Evonik, Daiichi Sankyo, NJ Sharing Network and her design influence is evident in almost every project in the office.

Kosta Koulouris has been with Posen Architects since 2004, overseeing all elements of the architectural design, project management and construction process for clients that include the Dormitory Authority of New York (DASNY) and DASNY’s state-funded community agency partners such as the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), Office of Mental Health (OMH), and Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Koulouris’ leadership responsibilities will include the day-to-day operations of the firm, such as staffing and recruitment, project management, and technology.

“Dennis’ highest priority has always been the quality of the work we provide to clients and welcoming us to join him to form the firm’s leadership team is a very natural evolution for each of us and for the firm,” notes Klein.

Koulouris adds, “We’ve proven that Posen Architects is a firm that moves creative, well-designed projects successfully through the regulatory environment – getting things done. Expanding and sharing the executive leadership functions allows us to build on that strong foundation and grow to better serve our clients’ design and facility needs.”

Thomas Fantacone joined Posen this year, after having worked at firms including Rothe Johnson Associates, Rothe Johnson Fantacone, Fletcher Thompson, and CDI L.R. Kimball. He has an accomplished architectural career of more than 35 years, with projects that include the Robert Wood Johnson Cancer Hospital, Blue Cross Blue Shield Corporate Office Facility, the Middlesex County Administration Building and Public Safety Building as well as numerous collaborations on 20 college and university campuses in the region. Architectural design will be his focus on the leadership team, including design review of all of the firm’s architectural projects, mentorship of emerging professionals and increasing design recognition for the firm.

“I’m excited to be here and feel that my portfolio of work is a complement to the high caliber work that Posen Architects has been producing for the past 20 years. I look forward to contributing to the leadership team and working with this talented group of colleagues,” remarks Fantacone.

Dennis Posen established Posen Architects in 1996 after 20 years of practice and ownership in other firms. His project experience includes major corporate relocations, institutional master planning, large-scale office development, healthcare facilities and interior architecture. As with the other principals, he will continue to take a design and project management lead on a wide range of individual projects; as a member of the leadership team, he will spearhead business development, finance and strategic planning.

“These are talented professionals and proven leaders –– and I am delighted that we will work together to guide the future of the firm, ” said Posen. “This expanded leadership team will allow us to reach new heights of accomplishment in our work, our professional development, and, most importantly, in our clients’ continued satisfaction.”

The announcement of Posen Architects’ expanded leadership team is an auspicious start to the firm’s 20th anniversary year. Celebrations – to be announced throughout 2016 – will include client recognition and other special events.

***
About Posen Architects

Founded in 1996, Posen Architects LLC provides architecture, interior design, planning, and regulatory consulting services from offices in West Orange, New Jersey and White Plains, New York. The firm works throughout the metropolitan region and has a broad portfolio of healthcare, institutional, science and technology, and commercial projects.

Position Available – North Jersey & New York

Architect Position Available – Trenton

Project Architect / Job Captain

Employer: Clarke Caton Hintz

Location: Trenton, NJ, US

 

The firm seeks a project architect / job captain (licensed preferred but not required) with 7 – 10 years experience.  Must be proficient in Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD, with knowledge of AutoCAD Architecture greatly preferred.  Knowledge of 3D modeling software such as SketchUp, Rhino, Lumion and or 3D Studio Max desired.  Must be familiar with Microsoft Office software and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite programs (Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator) is a plus.

 

If interested, please visit our employment form website by clicking on the link below and fill out the application.

http://cch-form.weebly.com/architect.html

 

Thank you for your interest.  CCH will contact you shortly.

Presidents Message – 2016 First Quarter

It has been a very busy first quarter as your President and I wanted to share with you some of the events and projects that AIA-NJ has been busy working on…

February kicked off the year with a pair of building code seminars for the 2015 IBC and IRC at the Palace in Somerset.  There were well over 250 attendees to learn about the changes to both codes, which had not been updated since 2009.  As of March 21st we are officially beyond the grace period and into the new codes.  Hopefully, you were able to attend the code seminars, but if you did not, Robert Longo AIA, AIANJ Codes & Standards Chair wrote a brief article on the code changes you can find on our blog.

Also in February, more than 12 AIA-NJ leaders attended the AIA Grassroots Leadership Conference in Detroit, MI.  I have been attending Grassroots since about 2005 and I find that each time I attend I come back to NJ inspired and excited to implement ideas and programs for the new year.  This year was the first year since I began attending the conference that it focused on Leadership programming and did not have part of the event focused on Advocacy.  I have to applaud AIA on this change.  This July will be the second half of Grassroots, dubbed as “SpeakUp”, will happen in Washington D.C.  The event will focus on training AIA members to become leaders in Advocacy.  If you are interested in learning about the federal legislative process and how to become an active advocate for AIA and the built environment contact AIA-NJ.

 

Our Public Awareness Committee has been very active highlighting several of our members on diverse subjects.   On February 23rd Stephen Schoch AIA of Kitchen & Associates was interviewed by Construction Dive regarding FHA and ADA accessibility in multi-family housing.  William J. Martin AIA, Co-Chair of the AIANJ Public Awareness Committee and a member of the Bergen County Historical Preservation Commission was quoted in two articles regarding church fires in March due to their historic significance.  Kimberly Bunn AIA, AIA-NJ Immediate Past President, was featured in an article for Women’s History Month on none other than Eleanore Pettersen FAIA.  Most recently Stephen Schwartz AIA was featured in NJBIZ regarding architects who have taken the plunge into development.  To top things off our Public Awareness Committee had fun during National Architecture Week with #archselfienj for #archweek16.  Thanks to all those members that participated!

I have been fortunate to have maintained a close relationship with the College of Architecture & Design (CoAD) at NJIT and have been working with the Director of the School of Architecture, Richard Garber AIA, on a multi-week BIM program that will be held this summer at the school and offered to AIA-NJ members.  Not only will participants learn the basics on BIM, but will also learn how BIM can be integrated into your practice.

I am proud to announce that AIA-NJ’s Taskforce on Lightweight Construction, which was formed after the AvalonBay Edgewater, NJ fire in January 2015, has completed a whitepaper on “Building Design with Lightweight-Framed Construction and the Health, Safety, and Welfare of the Public”.  This document will be issued in order to better educate the public and our legislators about the findings of the Taskforce.  I want to thank the Taskforce for its work and look forward to the discussions that will occur as a result of the whitepaper.  Members who are interested in joining the Codes & Standards Committee to continue the work of this Taskforce are welcome to contact AIA-NJ.

In closing, I want to congratulate our new Fellows, Dean Marchetto FAIA and Michael Schnoering FAIA who will be honored at an investiture ceremony at the 2016 National AIA Convention in Philadelphia May 19th-21st.  AIA-NJ will be honoring our newest Fellows at the AIA-NJ Fellows Reception on Thursday, May 19th at the Hotel Palomar, formerly the AIA Building in Philadelphia.  If you plan on attending please contact Laura Slomka at AIA-NJ to RSVP.  The AIA Fellowship Committee will be hosting a presentation on  “Demystifying Fellowship”on Tuesday April 26th at 5 pm at the NJIT AIA room and on Wednesday, April 27th at 5 pm at the office of KSS Architects in Princeton.  If you are considering applying for Fellowship then you need to attend.

See you at the Convention in Philly!

Sincerely,

Justin A. Mihalik, AIA

AIA New Jersey Presiden

Demystifying AIA Fellowship

Allan Kehrt FAIA, who served on the AIA Jury of Fellows from 2008 to 2010, will lead each seminar and will answer all questions on the process of applying for Fellowship, the jury, and the submission itself.  All individuals who are considering applying for Fellowship either now or in the future are urged to attend.

Tuesday, April 26^th 

NJIT in the AIA Conference Room

Newark, NJ

5:00 — 7:00 pm.

 

OR

 

Wednesday, April 27th 

KSS Architects Conference Room

337 Witherspoon Street

Princeton, NJ.

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

 

RSVP to Laura Slomka at lslomka@njpsi.com

Questions call:  Allan Kehrt FAIA cell:   609-240-1364

Position Available – Ocean City

Halliday Architects is a boutique architectural firm in Ocean City, New Jersey specializing in custom residential, commercial and interior design projects. Halliday Architects is currently seeking a studio designer and project captain to join their team.

Description:
Architectural firm is seeking a dynamic, talented, highly motivated Designer with 2-5 years of experience to join our expanding Ocean City, NJ office. Our casual yet professional, energetic and collaborative office environment offers great growth potential for motivated individuals who are looking to advance their careers. We pride ourselves in guiding our clients through a complete design process, from initial concept to finished construction.

Halliday Architects is looking for a professional individual with the following skills:

• Excellent AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite skills
• 3d modeling and rendering is a plus
• Skills in client communications, contract documentation, project scheduling, team leadership, building design, technical detailing, consultant coordination, construction administration
• Must be able to work on multiple projects at once
• PC platform
• Enjoys a collaborative work environment and has good interpersonal skills.

Interested candidates please send a cover letter, resume and work samples by e-mail in a PDF format to chris@hallidayarchitects.com

AIA Convention in Philadelphia

Advance rates expire today Join us in Philly for three can’t-miss keynotes and one action-packed program designed to engage, inspire, entertain, and educate. Register by today, April 20, and you’ll save up to $100. Day 1: Kevin Spacey, 8:15 am Kevin Spacey’s talent for disruption and drive to challenge the status quo distinguishes his incredible career. He’s a game changer, a collaborator, and an innovator.   Learn more > Day 2: Neri Oxman, 8:30 am Architect and designer Neri Oxman heads up MIT’s Mediated Matter research group. Her wildly provocative designs and approach have earned her awards and recognition.   Learn more > Day 3: Rem Koolhaas, Hon. FAIA, 2:30 pm Architect, author, and urbanist Rem Koolhaas is one of the world’s most honored architects. Joining Koolhaas and moderating this keynote is architect and educator Mohsen Mostafavi, Dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Design and the Alexander and Victoria Wiley Professor of Design.   Learn more >

Register now and save

Claim what’s yours Advance rates expire today FREE registration for new AIA members Young professionals save an additional 30% Students get in for $25

2017 Slate of Officers

 

The following is the Slate of Officers for the 2017 AIANJ Executive Committee

An election will be open June 10th – June 24th for members to cast their votes for one candidate in each office.  Watch for more information about how the voting will be available to members.  Also the candidates for the contested election of Regional Representative will be attending local meetings to meet and talk with members.  Watch for notices from your local section on local events to meet the candidates.

2017 SLATE of OFFICERS

– Treasurer (2 year term)
Steven Lazarus, AIA

– 2nd Vice President (1 year term)
Kim Vierheilig, AIA

– 1st Vice President (1 year term)
Judy Donnelly, AIA

– President Elect (1 year term)
Verity Frizzell, AIA

– Regional Representative (3 year term)

Laurence Parisi, AIA	Bruce Turner, AIA
AIANJ Past President 2012	AIANJ Past President 2005
local section	local section
Architect’s League of Northern NJ	South Jersey

 

The following 2017 Officer positions are multi-year terms and will continue to be held by previously elected terms:

President – Ben Lee, AIA
(Current President-Elect position)

Past President – Justin Mihalik, AIA
(Current President position)

Secretary –  John Cwikla, AIA
(Currently First year of a 2 year term)

Brandon Warshofsky, Assoc. AIA – Regional Associate Director
(Currently First year of a 2 year term)

If you have any questions regarding the slate of officers or the upcoming election, please contact Kimberly Bunn, AIA, 2016 Nominations Committee Chairperson.

Celebrate Architecture Week ’16

Architecture Week and Social Media for AIA New Jersey

Hey! Every architect knows architecture week is April 10 through the 16^th.

Learn more on Architecture Week at AIA.

By now you’re probably thinking, how can I participate in Architecture Week and get the word out to New Jersey about the value of architects.

You can help by participating in social media and using the Hashtags #ArchselfieNJ , #ArchWeek16 , #ILookup , and #Archselfie

Hashtags are a great way for social media users to tag their posts with keywords, which make them easier for social networks to organize information and users to search.

Remember last year?  AIA national launched the I Look Up  advertising campaign with the hashtag #ilookUp.  It is a great success!

Now it’s our turn! As architects in New Jersey,  Let’s use all these hashtags to help educate everyone in New Jersey about the value of architects in a fun and artsy way.

So go outside , or walk out into the lobby, and take that picture of yourself with the building of your choice in the background.  Every building has an architect so every architect should help.  Any beautiful building will do, no matter inside or outside or where it is.

Then be bold and post that Selfie to your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Foursquare, Pinterest, Houzz,  email it to all your friends,  let everyone know! AND don’t forget to use  #ArchselfieNJ

Have a great Architecture Week !

—William J. Martin, AIA
AIA New Jersey Public Awareness Committee Co-Chair

Women in Architecture Lecture May 26th

 

Connect with Women in Architecture & Diversity

Join us May 26th
AIANJ Women in Architecture

 

 

Meet the Speaker: Lauren C. Anderson A geopolitical and international security expert, and former FBI Executive, Lauren C.Anderson is the Founder and CEO of LC Anderson International. She is passionate about, and committed to, investing in women leaders and youth around the world to reduce conflict and to help address economic disparities. Anderson had a distinguished FBI career, with many “firsts”, including being one of the first women on an FBI SWAT team and the first woman to lead the FBI’s office in Paris, France, where she directed the FBI’s engagement in twenty-four countries. Anderson serves on the US Comptroller General’s Advisory Board at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), is a Global Ambassador with Vital Voices, a Lecturer at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, and a Director emeritus of International Women’s Forum New York chapter. Anderson is Leadership Ambassador with Take the Lead Women and she is an expert with the Women’s Media Center, providing commentary and insight to many media outlets, including as a member of the Huffington Post blogging community.

 

RSVP by May 18:

Kim Vierheilig, AIA, LEEP AP BD+C