NK at 50: An Interview with Steve Aluotto
As part of NK Architects’ 50th anniversary, we’re talking to a few prominent staff members about the firm’s legacy and future. Today, meet Steve Aluotto, the current CEO and president, and one of the first people named partner after the two founding principals.
How long have you been with NK Architects?
I started at NK Architects on September 18, 1989. Since then, we’ve grown from a local North Jersey firm to a regional firm with national experience — from a generalist firm to a firm with specializations in healthcare, education, and science and technology. That said, from some aspects we remain generalists, with a discretionary eye toward securing projects that improve the human condition and unite communities.
On this 50-year anniversary we’re celebrating our longevity and achievements. Moreso, we are celebrating our clients, our projects and our firm’s culture, a culture that has sustained and adapted with the times.
To what do you attribute NK Architects’ success?
The common thread throughout our 50 years has been empathy for our clients’ missions, the communities they serve and an appreciation for the investment our clients have in their projects. Building an awareness of our clients’ operations, brand and business plan has always underpinned our approach to design, and that care and involvement of our principals filters internally throughout the staff. Fostering professional satisfaction within a healthy studio environment is of paramount importance to us. We care about what we do, and we take it personally.
How has the profession of architecture changed in the past 50 years?
Over the past 50 years, architectural practice has undergone significant change. Clearly, technological advancement has changed the way we communicate both internally and externally. It has also somewhat “homogenized” the design process, by allowing many aspects of a building design’s performance, cost and aesthetics to be explored and determined in its earliest stages. Behind the curtain, however, the craft of architecture remains and evolves within an increasingly collaborative process.
The “business” side of architectural practice has become increasingly competitive. However, I believe an appreciation for the value of good planning and design continues to grow within the business and consumer world.
What are some of the highlights of your career so far?
Something I was not familiar with, as a young professional, was the effort required to compete for and — hopefully — win a project commission. I thank Allen and Ray for affording me my initial exposure to such experiences, and for their mentorship as well. Further, the relationships and friendships that can develop in the course of the project process can be quite satisfying and rewarding.
NK has offered me the opportunity to grow from a young professional, who was obsessed with the idea of my ideas and sketches being built, into a professional who feels a responsibility for providing great service to our clients, and the opportunity to improve the human condition through the built environment. I am very happy with the career that I have chosen and have many people to thank during my 32 years at NK.
What excites you about the future of NK Architects?
I’m impressed and amazed at the talent — and the intelligence, applied to operations and practice — of our young people. We’re entering a phase of transition in leadership, and I must say the young professionals and support staff at NK Architects are as talented and capable as you’ll find at any firm, of any caliber, and they have a great reputation to build upon.
So what excites me today is the individual and collective talent within NK Architects, supported by the achievements and reputation that our firm has built over the past 50 years. I believe this firm will continue to succeed into the future, and with greater accomplishments to come.