By Joshua Burd
The New Jersey chapter of the American Institute of Architects has named Bruce Turner to a three-year term as regional representative to the group’s National Strategic Council.
Turner, a Vineland-based architect, was sworn into the post late last year during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., AIA announced. He joins a council that serves as a think tank of more than 50 individuals from across the country and around the world, which is tasked with exploring, debating and deliberating important issues facing the architectural profession.
As AIA-NJ’s representative, Turner will provide a local New Jersey voice to the council as it tackles matters such as innovation, policy and career pathways, the chapter said in news release. It’s the latest AIA post for Turner during his more than two decades of service with the organization, which also includes local, state and national positions such as chapter president and chair of several key committees.
“Hurricane Sandy and other recent events have highlighted the importance of architecture to broader society,” Turner said in a prepared statement. “Because of this we must raise awareness of the values and benefits the architectural profession offers, while advocating for policies that will promote best building practices.”
He has served on the New Jersey chapter’s board of trustees continuously since 1998 and was installed as a member once again during its annual awards gala on Jan. 14. In addition, Turner has served for 17 years as president of AIA South Jersey, one of AIA-NJ’s six local sections, where he has been a trustee since 1994.
“Over the past two decades, I’ve been fortunate enough to serve AIA-NJ in numerous capacities, and through this work, I’ve familiarized myself with the key issues facing large firms, individual architects and our professional organization at the state and local levels,” Turner added. “I’m honored to have been elected as regional representative, and will do my utmost over the next three years to advocate for the policies that best serve architects and architecture in New Jersey and beyond, and benefit the communities they serve.”
Turner’s private practice — Bruce D. Turner, Architect — has a broad portfolio that includes commercial, municipal and residential projects, the news release said. Some of Turner’s noteworthy work has included designing an operations center and two branch banks for the First National Bank of Elmer, a new firehouse for Buena Vista Fire Company No. 1, an office addition/renovation for Scalfo Electric and master planning and implementation of a multiphase public works facility for the City of Millville.
He holds a bachelor’s of architecture degree from the University of Notre Dame.
