NK is pleased to announce that Ralph Rosenberg, AIA, PP, Roger Stine and Marlene Borruso, LEED, AP have joined the firm.

Ralph is a Senior Associate and maintains a hands on approach to building design and project management, from the development of conceptual ideas to the implementation of construction document details. This includes engineering coordination with all major building systems and responsive solutions to project budgets. As an architect and planner, Ralph has master planned large developments for both corporate and mixed use residential communities and has extensive experience in creative site development and redevelopment planning and implementation. His 24 years of architectural experience includes projects ranging in size, scope and building type in both the private and public sector, from residential to municipal and educational facilities.

He remains an active member of The Congress of New Urbanism and continues to implement and be influenced by its principals.  Ralph received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design.

Roger Stine is an award-winning  Project Manager in NK’s New York City office.  Throughout his 12 years of experience, Roger has developed an expertise with educational, laboratory and corporate design His responsibilities will encompass programming and master planning through design development, construction documents and construction administration.  Roger recived his bachelor of Architecture from the New Jersey Institute of technology.

Marlene is a Project Architect and has 8 years of experience with a strong focus on educational facility design.  Marlene is a member of the NJ Chapter of the US Green Building Council and  a Team Leader in the Jersey City Chapter of the ACE Mentorship program.  Marlene received her Bachelor of Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Walter Kneis, AIA, LEED, will discuss how healthcare design is impacted by LEED HC and Green Guide for Healthcare at the New Jersey Alliance for Action's symposium on healthcare construction. He will also address the implications of BIM (Building Information Modeling) on sustainable design and on its likely future impact on the construction industry and on healthcare projects in particular



The conference will take place on Friday, May 2 at the Trenton Marriott Hotel and will run from 8 - noon

AscendHealth Corporation takes a broad national perspective of the behavioral healthcare around the country, with a special focus in independent specialty psychiatric hospitals.
Ben P.Lee, AIA, ACHA, who manages NK’s Healthcare design group and has a strong background in the design of behavioral health centers, will be working with AscendHealth as it builds and renovates facilities throughout the country. Currently, we are working with AscendHealth in Texas, Utah, Florida, Arizona and New Jersey.

Paul Drago, AIA, managing Principal of NK’s New York City office is serving on the Morris Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors.  This is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International whose mission is to provide decent, affordable housing for families in need.

NK Architects will be exhibiting at the 2008 NAIS Annual Conference to be held at the New York Hilton, February 27-March 1. This years theme, Schools of the Future: Embracing the Educational ReNAISsance, suggests that a new age in teaching and learning is dawning. A convergence of factors has produced this educational renaissance: technology and its increasing role in our lives, connectivity worldwide among diverse cultures, rapidly accelerating knowledge about brain function, research about skills needed for success in the Global Age, and our own sense that schools must consider new pedagogies in order to inspire students of the 21st century toward greatness.
Please visit us at Booth 2116 where we will be highlighting our process from campus master planning through capital program delivery

Mark von Bradsky, PE has been elected as  President of the NJ Chapter of the American Concrete Institute.  NJACI is comprised of 500 members and strives to further education in concrete technology and promote the use of concrete throughout the State of New Jersey.  The membership is composed of contractors, engineers/architects, educators, manufacturers, suppliers, cement manufacturers, and students. The Chapter is proud that it has earned excellent or outstanding status since the program was initiated by ACI-International in 1988.  Only a handful of the 98 worldwide chapters share this achievement.  It is equally proud that it hosted, the 2005 Spring ACI - International Convention held in NYC.  This Convention attracted over 1,500 participants from around the world. 

Steve Aluotto, AIA, President of NK Architects was elected to the Independent College Fund Board of Trustees.

The Independent College Fund of New Jersey (ICFNJ) was founded in 1953 as a cooperative effort involving business and academic leaders of New Jersey in order to broaden financial support for and awareness of independent higher education. ICFNJ serves as an essential advocate in promoting wider understanding of and support for independent higher education in New Jersey through the cultivation and maintenance of relationships with members of the corporate and foundation communities.

A recent NY times article highlighted how hospitals across the country are renovating, rebuilding and expanding their emergency rooms.  This is especially true for New Jersey and New York hospitals where hospital closings, population growth and a rise in the number of uninsured patients has placed incredible pressure on area emergency departments.  As one of the leading healthcare planning and design firms in the Northeast, NK Architects has 36 years of specialized experience working with hospitals and medical centers on improving emergency care. 

Contact either Michael Gorman or Ben Lee at 973-539-5353 to find out how we  could be of service.

 

We are pleased to announce that Walter Kneis, AIA, LEED AP, has been named a principal in the firm.  Throughout Walter's 14 years at NK, Walter has demonstrated an expertise with the planning and design of both independent schools and physical rehabilitation facilities.  Walter currently co-directs NK's Educational design sector and the Project Operations Group.  Walter is a graduate of Virginia Tech and has served on the Board of the New Jersey Battered Women's Shelter and Safety Town.

The Center for Hope Hospice and Palliative Care held a grand opening of the new thirty bed hospice facility in Scotch Plains today.  The facility, which has been years in the planning and nearly two years of construction has welcomed the first group of visitors.  Resident rooms are broken down into three 'pods' with ten beds each, providing intimate care in the final days of life.  Each pod is centered around a communal living room as well as adjacent sun rooms with views of nearby Ash Brook Reservation.  Each pod connects to a central living room, dining room and chapel while still maintaining an intimate feel.  A full kitchen compliments the facility. 

The Peggy Coloney House will be accepting patients later this month, providing support to families in their greatest time of need.  NK is proud to be part of this extraordinary project.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA), New Jersey Chapter, has named NK Architects 2007 Architectural Firm of the Year. The top honor acknowledges NKs professional, community and technical accomplishments, and its ability to distinguish itself professionally with major accomplishments in the field of architecture.  NKs performance, dedication and commitment to the practice of architecture, and to the profession itself through local and state-wide volunteer efforts, have been consistent and exemplary over the past 35 years, asserts Jerome Eben, AIA, N.J. AIA President 2007. In addition, NK has continually encouraged the next generation of architects, as evidenced by the firms many award-winning designs. Recognition of this very imaginative and professional company is long overdue.

Newark Academy in Livingston, NJ has selected NK Architects to develop a comprehensive campus master plan as the school moves forward with its strategic goal of becoming a 'Global Academy'

Steve Aluotto, director of NK's Educational Design Group presented a seminar on 'Alternative Methods of Project Delivery' at the New Jersey Association of Independent School's annual  Trustee Day held at Morristown-Beard School.  The seminar explored the pros and cons of such project delivery methodologies as Design/Bid/Build, Fast Track, Design Build, Construction Management and Bridging. 

NKs Big Bird and Oscar won Best Meal at New Jersey?s 9th annual CANstruction event.  The 8 foot high sculpture consisted of 18,291 cans of food that will be donated to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.  Over the past 9 years, NKs participation in CANstruction  has resulted in a donation of almost 52,000 pounds of food.

Labs21 is a voluntary partnership program dedicated to improving the environmental performance of U.S. laboratories.

Paul Drago, a principal in the firm and the head of NK's Lab Design Group, presented a seminar on 'Sustainable Architecture and Engineering of Core and Shell Laboratories' at the Labs21 2007 Annual Conference.  The Conference took place October 2-4 in North Charleston, South Carolina and had 560 attendees from 14 countries and four continents.

Digital Century Center was presented as a core and shell building that utilized technologies to optimize energy efficiency.   Copy the following link into your browser to view an abstract of the seminar.  http://www.labs21century.gov/conf/past/2007/abstracts/d2_syed.htm

Rutgers University's Life Sciences Center in Newark, NJ won the NJ Golden Trowel Award for Best in Category - Education: Colleges and Universities.  The award was presented by The International Masonry Institute in conjunction with BAC New Jersey Locals 2, 4 and 5 and Masonry Contractors of New Jersey.

 The Newark/Suburban Chapter of the AIA recognized 2 projects with design awards. NK received a Bronze Medal Award for the Delbarton School's Fine Arts Center and the highest award, a Gold Medal, was given for the New York Blood Center project.  Both projects were recognized for presenting a 'sensitivity to context' and  for providing a 'sustainable design solution in a holistic manner'. 

We are pleased to recognize the following staff promotions:

To Senior Associate:

Judith Mumma, AIA, CID: Ms. Mumma has over 25 years of experience as a planner, designer and project manager on diverse project types including educational, recreational and healthcare facilities.  Her responsibilities include client contact, major presentations, programming, planning, conceptual design, design development through construction documents, and project supervision.  Judith is an honors graduate of the The University of Virginia School of Architecture.



Daniel Topping, AIA, LEED AP : Mr. Topping has 11 years of experience in all aspects of architectural design and construction.  His responsibilities include programming through design development, construction documents and construction administration.  His experience includes skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, higher educational, laboratory, and medical office buildings. Dan is a member of USGBC and received his Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech.



David W. Kimzey, IIDA: As manager of NKs Interior Design Group, David brings 24 years of award winning experience to each of his projects.  David has developed an expertise with the planning and design of corporate, education, and healthcare interiors. Some of his recent projects include the new Business School for Rutgers University, renovations to Thomas Edison State College, Mercedes Benz of North America, Bronx Lebanon Hospitals Pediatric Oncology Center and the New York Blood Center. David is a graduate of the University of Idaho and serves as Director, NJ City Center Chapter, International Interior Design Association.

To Associate:

Bryan Pennington, AIA: Bryan Pennington has 10 years of specialized healthcare planning and design experience. His experience includes facility master plans, new construction and complex renovation projects. Bryan is responsible for all facets of project management including client and consultant coordination, design, construction documents, bid negotiation and construction administration. Bryan has a Bachelor o Science in Design and a Master of Architecture from Arizona State University.



Ronald Brokenshire, PE: Mr. Brokenshire has been a structural engineer for various projects such as institutional, commercial, educational and industrial buildings.  His responsibilities include the design, production and coordination services required to complete the structural aspects of the project.  In addition, Mr. Brokenshire provides construction administration services, such as shop drawing review, site visits and document interpretation.

Ground was broken on Morristown-Beard School's new Middle School and Auditorium.  The 13,400 square foot middle school addition to its Middle School will consolidate programs that are currently scattered around the campus.  The project will contain 16 classrooms, 2 art rooms and 2 new science rooms.  An important component of the building will be a new 20,850 sf, 630 seat auditorium will include band, dance and choral practice rooms, costume and instrument storage and dressing rooms.

A dedication ceremony was held for the Colleges new Annunciation Center. The new 700-seat, state-of-the-art fine and performing arts center will contain classrooms, flexible seminar/meeting space and offices for the departments of Fine and Performing Arts, and the Graduate and Continuing Education departments. The Center will be organized around an atrium containing an art gallery to display students work.

The building is sited in direct relationship to the Colleges most significant building, thus creating a classic campus green. The building also takes advantage of the sloped site by creating a public access on the lower level and campus access on the upper level.

The new Rutgers University Life Sciences Center was recognized by the International Masonry Institute as the Best Education - Colleges and Universities - project in New Jersey.  This  award honors the design and construction excellence of New Jerseys top projects.This 72,000 sf urban Life Sciences Center integrates and unifies Chemistry, Biology and Neuroscience programs, currently spread among three buildings, into one facility. The phased building is a bridge, or link, between the programs both physically and metaphorically, providing an ?incubator? for interdisciplinary interaction. The masonry and precast concrete body of the research lab block is a tie to the existing urban and campus fabric.

Niv Ben-Adi, AIA:  Niv is an experienced and energetic architect with a strong design, technical and management background.  Niv has 12 years of experience in the architectural profession with a concentration on healthcare and educational projects.  Niv will be working in NK's New York City office as a Project Manager.

Sandra Barry, AIA,  LEED:  Sandra has 7 years of experience with the design of healthcare and education projects.  She is an integral addition to NK's Healthcare Group.  Sandra is presently working on a building renovation and two story addition for  New York Community Hospital, a 10,000 sf G.I. Suite expansion for the Ridgedale Surgery Center and a 20,000 sf hospice in Saddle River, NJ for Holy Name Hospital.

Francis Chua: Francis received his BA Arch from NJIT where he was awarded the Excellence in Design Award, played on the Men's Tennis Team, worked on the NJIT student magazine and was admitted in the Albert Dorman Honors College.

Kevin Edwards: Mr. Edward has ten years of experience in the architectural profession with a strong background in the design of multi-family housing.  Kevin is an adjunct Professor of Architecture at NJIT and has been published in Architectural Record and Design NJ.

Jeffrey Hassert:  Jeffrey is a recent graduate of NJIT and will be focusing on healthcare and urban redevelopment projects.

Catherine M. Harris:  Catherine is an interior designer specializing in healthcare environments. Catherine comes to NK from Solaris Health System where she was involved in the planning and design of a wide range of projects.  Catherine gradutated cum laude with a BFA from Kean University.

David Kunzig, AIA, LEED: David has 12 years experience in all aspects of the architectural profession with a focus on higher education projects.  Previous projects include work at St. Johns University, William Paterson University, Montclair State University and SUNY Stony Brook University.  David received his BA Arch and BFA at The Rhode Island School of Design.

Alex S. Sande: Alex received his Master of Fine Arts from the New York School of Interior Design and his Bachelor of Architecture from Jomo Kenyatta University in Nairobi.  Alex will be working on a wide variety of projects to expand his project expertise.

NKs design of the new $25 million, 102,000 sf expansion of Kessler Institute for Rehabilitations West Orange, NJ facility was recognized by NJ Business Magazine in their 47th annual New Good Neighbor Award program.  The 3-story addition for the Center of Excellence for Spinal Cord Injury and Brain Injury Rehabilitation includes two 48-bed specialized units for patients suffering from spinal cord and brain injuries.  Kessler Institute is one of the nations largest providers of comprehensive medical rehabilitation services and has worked with NK on a number of projects over the past  15 years. 

Suzanne Brown, AIA, is an Associate Principal with NK Architects and Board Certified Healthcare Architect with over 18 years of specialized healthcare planning and design experience.  Ms. Brown was a panelist at The New Jersey Alliance for Actions Second Annual New Jersey Healthcare Symposium, where she spoke about design trends in the healthcare industry.

NK Architects 8-foot-high, 12,526 can replica of the Audry II plant from Little Shop of Horrors received this years national award of Jurors Favorite.  The annual CANstruction competition -- a community service project combines the competitive spirit of a design/build competition with an atypical way to help feed hungry people. At the close of the exhibitions all of the food used in the structures is donated to local food banks for distribution to pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, elderly and day care centers. More than 50 U.S. cities hold local competitions in several categories,  with hundreds of local winners competing nationwide at the national conventions of the Society for Design Administration and American Institute of Architects. NK has won a category award each year it has entered the CANstruction competition, donating a total of 44,500 pounds of canned food to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey over the past eight years. The national CANstruction charity is trademarked by the Society for Design Administration. For more information, see www.canstruction.org.

The A. Holly Patterson facility is a division of the Nassau Health Care Corporation and an affiliate of the North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System.  Recognized nationally as a model for skilled nursing facilities, the Patterson facility offers innovative care in an environment that treats the whole person.  The skilled and caring medical staff responds to the physical, social, and emotional needs of each resident. NK Architects is working with Nassau Healthcare Corporation on a 320-bed replacement facility that will enable the county to provide the highest quality services to its residents.