Kim Vierheilig, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, appointed to the New Jersey State Board of Architects

Kim V. Vierheilig, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Vice President of LAN Associates, has been appointed to the New Jersey State Board of Architects by NJ Governor Chris Christie. Ms. Vierheilig was sworn in on December 14, 2017. Her term ends April 29, 2021. The Governor’s Appointment’s office expressed their confidence in Kim’s ability to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of this position with diligence and integrity.

Vierheilig recently concluded her term as 2nd Vice President of the American Institute of Architects New Jersey Chapter, as well as, Chair of the NJ Women in Architecture Committee. past president of the Architects League of Northern New Jersey.

AIA NJ is very pleased to hear the announcement of another registered architect appointed to the board, and especially to see a woman selected.  AIA NJ President Elect Verity Frizzell, AIA, expressed her confidence and congratulations upon hearing the announcement while current President Ben Lee, AIA, is looking forward to Ms. Vierheilig’s service but disappointed that AIA NJ will lose her leadership.

AIA NJ Past President Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, has worked alongside Kim Vierheilig since they were in school together and during their years serving the Architects League and AIA NJ, released the following statement,

“Kim Vierheilig, AIA, has always presented herself with confidence, professionalism and grace. She is recognized throughout the industry as a fair and thoughtful leader. She is respected by AIA members as an icon of the successful Architect. I am so pleased to hear about her new appointment and know that the good people of the Garden State will be well served by my colleague.”

~ Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA

 

According to the NJ State Board of Architects, the Board is responsible for protecting the public’s health and safety by determining the qualifications of architects seeking licensure in our State, establishing standards for practice, and disciplining licensees who do not adhere to those requirements.

The practice of architecture is the rendering of services in connection with the design, construction, enlargement, or alteration of a building or a group of buildings and the space within or surrounding those buildings, which have as their principal purpose human use or habitation. These services include site planning, providing preliminary studies, architectural designs, drawings, specifications, other technical documentation, and administration of construction for the purpose of determining compliance with drawings and specifications.

Kim is a licensed architect and a LEED-Accredited Professional with a Building Design and Construction Specialty. Vierheilig serves as Vice President of LAN Associates, an Engineering, Planning, Architecture, and Surveying firm, one of the leading architectural/engineering practices in Northern New Jersey.

Vierheilig leads the architecture department at LAN in designing inspirational, functional and comfortable spaces for its educational, senior living and hospitality clients. She is the author of the whitepaper entitled “Breaking out of the Box,” documenting scientific research proving that a holistic building design approach in schools enhances student educational achievement.

Vierheilig oversees the Marketing Department, spearheading numerous marketing and business initiatives that have increased LAN’s market share and positioned the firm as one of New Jersey’s leader in K-12 school design.

Vierheilig’s commitment to excellence has led her to be named one of NJBIZ 2017 Best 50 Women in business, Woman Builders Council 2017 Outstanding Woman and NJBIZ 2016 Forty Under Forty.

AIA NJ extends our appreciation and congratulations.

About AIA and AIA New Jersey

Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the professional organization that helps architects serve the public’s needs and builds awareness of the role of architects and architecture in American society. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the 300 plus local chapters represent 89,000licesnsed architects and allied professionals. The organization’s local chapter, AIA New Jersey, has served as the voice of the architectural profession in the Garden State since 1900. Based in Trenton, AIA New Jersey has 2,000 members in six local sections. For more information, please visit http://www.aia-nj.org.

Q3 YAF Connection

The Q3 issue of YAF CONNECTION is out and available online.
This issue focuses on Disaster Relief, Humanitarian and Pro-Bono work.

In this issue AIA New Jersey member Kyle Rendall, AIA is featured for his work locally.   Read about his efforts and others around the country who are working to improve the built environment.

 

CORNERSTONE Celebrates 30th Anniversary

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ (12 September 2017) – – Cornerstone Architectural Group, LLC, celebrated 30 years in business during a reception at the firm’s Hamilton Boulevard office building. Staff, invited guests, clients, business partners, friends and family gathered at an outdoor social gathering amid tasty treats and favorite beverages. The celebration was highlighted by Borough Council President Derryk C. White, when he presented and read a proclamation from the Mayor’s office congratulating the partners and staff of Cornerstone on their 30^th Anniversary.

Ranked by NJ Biz Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top 50 architectural design firms. Cornerstone Architectural Group is a local, design award winning firm that specializes in professional services in architecture, interior design, land planning and construction management. The firm employs a staff of ten at its South Plainfield office. The firm delivers design excellence in public, civic and commercial buildings.

Pictured (left front to right): Firm partners Robert M. Longo, AIA, Robert F. Barranger, AIA and Michael G. Soriano, AIA, receive a special proclamation from Borough Council President Derryck C. White.

New Jersey State Board of Architects Gains Three New Board Members and One Reappointment

The New Jersey Governor’s Appointments office has recently announced Governor Christies’ appointments to the NJ State Board of Architects.

Please join AIA NJ in recognizing:

Appointee Peter Dorne (Harding Township, Morris)
Appointee Robert Cozzarelli, AIA (Belleville, Essex)
Reappointee Albert Zaccone, AIA (North Haledon, Passaic)
Appointee Thomas Fantacone, AIA (Short Hills, Essex)

Gentlemen, your service to the citizens of New Jersey is more appreciated.

 

Sandy

A Poem by Susan P Bristol, AIA, NJ PP, USGBC  (1.19.14)

 

A footprint shows that we were there

A postcard says ‘wish you were here’.

 

The sandcastle building was there

The waves come in and wash it where?

 

Survey measures, land is here

Sign says, build it there

Sandy comes, land is where?

 

Reclaim lives, here & there

Rebuild homes, site was where?

 

Property lines erased and blurred

There goes here and here goes there.

 

False foundations hold on tight

To capsized land nowhere in sight.

---

Author’s Bio:

SPB Architecture LLC

Susan Pikaart Bristol      AIA, NJ R.A, LEED AP, NJ P.P.

SPBArchitecture.com  p.o. box 814, rocky hill, nj  08553

spbarch@gmail.com   609.924.7989

 

 

Susan Pikaart Bristol is a member of the AIA, a Registered Architect, NJ Professional Planner and LEED Certified in Green Design.  She is the principal of SPB Architecture LLC, a practice providing master planning and full architectural services, as well as vision plans and landscape design collaborations.  Her work has ranged from regional-scale planning and community design to small structures and residential projects. Susan is a native of NJ and is recognized as a resilient design professional that has contributed to Storm Sandy recovery efforts.  She has two degrees (B.S. Arch & M. Arch) from the University of Virginia in Architecture.  Design excellence and critical thinking are at the core of her professional and educational activities.

LAN ASSOCIATES PARTNERS WITH CITY OF NEWARK TO PROVIDE FIRE PREVENTION MATERIALS TO THOUSANDS OF NEWARK SCHOOL CHILDREN

 

In support of National Fire Prevention Week, LAN Associates partnered with the City of Newark and the Newark Fire Department to teach local school children the importance of fire safety and preparedness.

(From Left to Right) – Newark Fire Fighter Fernandes, Newark Deputy Chief Witte, LAN CEO Ron Panicucci, Principal Garrison, Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson, Newark Firefighter Thomas, and Newark Fire Captain Mustafa Al-Mutazzim

 

More than two hundred second and third grade students at Camden Street School participated in a program on fire safety and prevention presented by LAN Associates and the Newark Fire Department. In addition to the presentation, LAN Associates – a full-service architectural and engineering firm based in Midland Park, NJ — supplied National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) approved educational fire prevention materials for 2,000 additional Newark second and third grade students.

 

“As architects and engineers, we find it especially important and rewarding to educate children on the importance of fire safety and prevention,” said Kim Vierheilig, AIA. “It is important students know what to do when an emergency arises at home or in school, and that starts with proactive fire safety presentations such as the one today.”

 

Since 1922, National Fire Prevention Week has been held annually to educate, spread awareness, and commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.  This year’s NFPA campaign is “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!”, and reinforces why having a varied escape plan is so important in the event of a fire.

 

“Partnering with LAN Associates to provide a top-notch fire prevention education program is something we strive for in Newark,” said Fire Chief Rufus Jackson. “This is a public-private partnership on the grassroots level – and it works to enhance the culture of learning in our public schools.”

 

Onque praised the Newark Public Safety Fire Division for its year-long community outreach efforts, including the varied Fire Prevention Week events which will last throughout the month of October.

 

“On behalf of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, the City is grateful to continue this partnership with LAN Associates to bring a remarkably high-quality fire prevention and preparedness program to our youngest students” said Onque. “Our hope is that students will go home and discuss this important program and the materials with their families.”

 

Firefighters Thomas and Fernandes led an engaging dialogue on safety tips like stop, drop, and roll, escape plans in the event of a fire, and proper usage of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The presentation concluded with student touring the fire truck outside the school, where firefighters gave a demonstration on how the fire department responds to 911 calls and the 80lb of equipment they wear.

 

According to a recent NFPA study, 3,390 civilian fire deaths occurred in 2016. NFPA estimates that one civilian death occurred every 2 hours and 35 minutes during that same year.

 

 

 

William J. Martin, AIA on Pittsburgh’s NPR Radio

When the co-chair of the AIA NJ Public Awareness committee is a guest on NPR radio, we don’t hit the snooze bar.

Take a listen as William J Martin, AIA, shares the real history of the stray toilet in your grandma’s basement.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TED ZELLERS

http://wesa.fm/post/architect-offers-explanation-pittsburgh-s-basement-toilets-and-it-s-not-what-you-think#stream/0

3rd Annual AIA I Lookup Film Challenge

The 3^rd Annual AIA I Lookup Film Challenge voting is now open.
Cast your Vote Today – Only 2 days left – Voting ends Oct.6^th

This year’s theme, Blueprint for Better, shines a light on the powerful social impact of architects and their work. In partnership with their clients and communities, architects plant the seeds that blossom into stronger neighborhoods, towns, and cities.

More than 80 films were submitted–60 are eligible to win the People’s Choice Award. Cast your vote for your favorite film and share it with others on social media.

One of the films submitted this year has a New Jersey focus.  Harrison Connexion  is being considered for People’s Choice Award.  The film features the Redevelopment Plan in the town of Harrison, NJ, that has been under redevelopment for the past couple of years. This piece explores the process and the impact of the redevelopment on an old industrial town.

See this video and others at the Film Challenge site.

And don’t forget to vote by October 6th.

AIA NJ Women in Architecture Committee Hosts a Dynamic Conversation featuring Cecilia Coakley

Architects, Associates and Elected Officials Meet to Discuss

Perceptions and Expectations of Leaders

 

 

At their annual program, the New Jersey Chapter of the American Institute of Architects Women in Architecture Committee (AIA NJ WIA) Chairwoman and Second Vice President Kim Vierheilig, AIA, and VP of LAN Associates, led a lively Q&A with Senior VP of MWW PR, Cecilia Coakley.

 

 

The evening began with an hour of socializing, courtesy of Michael Halebian & Co., offering networking with the likes of Bergen County Freeholder Chairwoman Tracy Silna Zur and AIA NJ President Elect Verity Frizzell, AIA.

 

 

 

 

Little Ferry Mayor, Mauro D. Raguseo welcomed an audience of over 50 industry professionals to Brix City Brewing, before Kim and Cecilia began their exchange about gender bias in corporate America.

 

 

According to Coakley, 37% of Americans view women as not being assertive enough. She believes that women should more clearly convey their expectations to their employer and push for those expectations to be met. Additionally, 45% believe women are better than men at managing people, yet she finds female leaders have a hard time taking appropriate credit for the success under their leadership.

Cecilia reminded the women in the audience to encourage the next generation of women but to also have the conversation with men. “Let’s bring more people into the discussion. We need more diversity to make a change. We need to be candid about it.”

 

 

On the subject of work-life balance, Coakley says, “If you don’t change the expectations of flexibility in the workplace, companies are risking the greatest use of their own talent.” She suggests, “You have to fit your work into your life, not your life into your work.”

 

Cecilia pointed out that women are subjected to unconscious bias, even from peers who claim to support professional equality. Our upbringing sets our minds and we judge and are judged even without realizing. She offers, “In order to drive change and change the perception of women as business leaders, we need to open up the dialogue and have transparent conversations about how we can work together.”

 

 

According to AIA NJ President Elect Frizzell, events like these are a high priority to AIA NJ, as equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to the professional mission of the organization. Chairwoman Vierheilig speaks multiple times per year, both to the membership and outside of the organization, on the importance of equality in the workplace, which is especially a priority in a male-dominated industry such as architecture and construction.

 

About AIA and AIA New Jersey

Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the professional organization that helps architects serve the public’s needs and builds awareness of the role of architects and architecture in American society. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the 300 plus local chapters represent 89,000licesnsed architects and allied professionals. The organization’s local chapter, AIA New Jersey, has served as the voice of the architectural profession in the Garden State since 1900. Based in Trenton, AIA New Jersey has 2,000 members in six local sections. For more information, please visit http://www.aia-nj.org.

 

 

Larry Merighi, AIA, is Recognized by his Community

AIA NJ is pleased to share wonderful news about a longtime member.  The Guidance Center of Buena Vista, NJ is recognizing nearly 40 years of generous community service by AIA South Jersey member Larry Merighi, AIA and his wife Suzy Merighi. The couple will be presented the 2017 Mental Health Distinguished Community Leadership Award on October 4, 2017.  Read the full story and register to attend the festivities by clicking here.