TRENTON—In honor of the 125th anniversary of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New Jersey Chapter, Gov. Phil Murphy has proclaimed April 6–12 as New Jersey Architecture Week. The celebration invites residents to explore the value of architecture in everyday life, focusing on its profound impact on physical and mental well-being.
Architecture, says Murphy, is more than just about buildings. He notes it influences the daily lives of all New Jersey residents, contributing to the state’s visual character, safety, and quality of life. Architects respond to community needs with designs that are efficient, accessible, and environmentally responsible, ensuring public welfare and safety through their expertise in structural integrity, energy conservation, and historic preservation.
He noted AIA New Jersey, with more than 2,100 members, has led the state in advocating for good design and responsible stewardship of the built environment. The organization, which boasts 55 members in the prestigious AIA College of Fellows, will celebrate this milestone by hosting events and initiatives throughout the state, underscoring the importance of architecture to New Jersey’s communities and future.”
Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, chair of the NJ Architecture Week Committee and principal at Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, Architect LLC, said in a statement, “This week is a great opportunity for New Jersey residents—especially K–12 students—to learn more about how thoughtful design can improve the quality of life.”
You’re Invited
We asked local architect William J. Martin for his views on the occasion, as pertains to his art and craft as a lens through which to view the Pascack Valley: he penned a personal open letter of thanks to Murphy “for his enlightening proclamation.”
Martin added, “I am thrilled to invite Pascack Valley residents of all ages to join the jubilant celebration of New Jersey Architecture Week and the 125th anniversary of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New Jersey Chapter!
He said, “Let’s celebrate the building you are in right now! Who decided that window should go there? Who understood that the morning sun would enter the kitchen to make the start of your day a joyful experience?
“As the governor proclaimed, safe, healthy, and beautiful buildings are so important to New Jersey and the Pascack Valley, only professionals with a proper architect’s license can imagine and propose the integration of building shapes, structures, and materials. Through talent, education, training, experience, and specialized testing, architects create and draw the systems that make buildings work, are structurally sound, sustainable, and safe for people to use.
“Let’s celebrate the buildings that are all around you, the structures that make your Pascack Valley town unique and beautiful.
“Imagine the Pascack Valley without these safe, beautiful, functional buildings of all kinds. Architects create so people can achieve their goals and experience their lives without concern for the cold of winter or the heat of summer.
“What would Montvale be like without the Blauvelt Octagon House? What would Emerson be like without the Emerson Hotel? How would Hillsdale, Park Ridge, and Westwood feel without their train stations or Woodcliff Lake without the BMW headquarters? Washington Township without its schools? River Vale without its public library? Architects work to define the places we live, learn, work, and play.
“Happy New Jersey Architecture Week to the Pascack Valley!”
Martin, AIA, P.P., LEED AP-H, is a distinguished architect known for his dedication to creating designs that balance economy, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. A recipient of the prestigious Vegliante Award, the highest honor from the AIA Architects League of New Jersey, Martin’s work has garnered recognition for its innovation and environmental responsibility. He led projects that earned AIA NJ COTE Top Ten Green Project status, including a LEED Platinum-certified development. With extensive credentials, including being a New Jersey licensed construction official, building inspector, and professional planner, his expertise spans rich facets of architectural design and planning.
A Full Week of Events
Throughout the week, AIA New Jersey will host several events that highlight the state’s architectural heritage and innovations. Local residents can take part in the festivities, which include art exhibitions, a film festival, design awards, and more. Key events include:
- April 6: AIA Newark and Suburban Student Art Exhibition Reception at Montclair Library, 10 a.m.to 1 p.m.
- April 7: AIA New Jersey Historic Archives Committee Webinar (AIA NJ’s 125th Anniversary History, Part 1), 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
- April 8: AIA Central New Jersey Design Awards Exhibition at The Arts Council of Princeton
- April 10: AIA Architects League of Northern New Jersey and AIA New Jersey Women in Architecture Committee’s FLOW Film Festival showing of Women of Carbon, 7 p.m. at Franklin Lakes Library
- April 12: AIA South Jersey participates in Clean Ocean Action’s 40th Annual Beach Sweep at Ocean City Music Pier, and AIA Architects League will participate in the same event at Palisades Interstate Park in Englewood Cliffs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Fostering Youth Engagement and Innovation
In addition to public events, the AIA New Jersey K-12 Education Committee has launched a creative design challenge for students across the state. The Future Home 2150 competition invites New Jersey children to submit designs for the home of the future. Students will be divided into categories by grade, with exciting prizes for winning entries.
“By engaging children early in design, we help them connect with the world around them in a meaningful way. This challenge offers a fun, creative outlet that also teaches valuable problem-solving skills,” Kliesch added.
Spotlighting New Jersey’s Architectural Heritage and Future
Throughout the week, AIA New Jersey will spotlight its members, historical landmarks, and award-winning projects on social media. These posts will celebrate the legacy of New Jersey’s architects, as well as the ongoing work shaping the future of the built environment.
AIA New Jersey encourages all residents to take part in this celebration by attending an event, participating in the design challenge, or simply learning more about the impact of architecture in their daily lives.
Get Involved
To learn more about New Jersey Architecture Week and the events taking place near you, visit the AIA New Jersey website or follow them on social media. Residents are encouraged to share their experiences by tagging @AIANJ, @AIA, #AIANational, and #NJArchWeek25 on social media.
For more information, please email Stacey Ruhle Kliesch at staceykliesch@gmail.com.