DIGroup Architecture, based in New Brunswick and Philadelphia, received AIA-NJ’s Excellence in Architecture Merit Award in the open category for its Clinton Hill Early Learning Center in Newark. Pictured are project team members (from left) Kate Haas, director of interior design; Ronald Weston, AIA New Jersey president; Jeffrey Venezia, CEO; Scott Hoffman, associate, senior project manager; and Richard Alderiso, chief operating officer. — Courtesy: DIGroup Architecture
By Joshua Burd
DIGroup Architecture is celebrating three recent accolades from the American Institute of Architects New Jersey chapter, including the prestigious Firm of the Year Award.
The New Brunswick-based firm received the honors on Feb. 22 at the association’s Annual Service Awards Gala at the Stone House in Warren. In a news release, the practice said the Firm of the Year Award recognizes distinguished architecture spanning at least 10 years and significant contributions and accomplishments within the profession and community, a nod to tis focus on community regeneration.
DIG also received Excellence in Architecture merit honors for its Clinton Hill Early Learning Center in Newark and for the UNITI Cultural Center at SUNY Stony Brook in Stony Brook, New York.
“Earning the Firm of the Year Award from AIA-NJ is a great cause for celebration because it is a testament to every member of our DIG family — from our extremely talented architecture, interior design, graphic design professionals and construction administrators, to our invaluable marketing, business development and administrative team members,” said Vince Myers, DIG president, who co-founded the firm with Jeffrey Venezia, CEO, and Richard Alderiso, principal-in-charge of operations. “They bring the endless creativity, passion and hard work each and every day and embody our mission to deliver Architecture for Change.”
DIG is the largest majority Black-owned architectural, interiors and graphic design firm in New Jersey and has achieved Minority-Owned Business Enterprise, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Small Business Enterprise certifications throughout the tristate area, the news release said. The company said it looks to make a difference by delivering projects with impact at the local level and serve as a catalyst to improve the quality of life for all in the surrounding community, focusing on education, civic, health care and senior living market sectors.
DIGroup Architecture to be honored as AIA-NJ 2022 Firm of the Year