Op-Ed by William J. Martin, AIA
Rima Taher, PhD, PE, New Jersey Structural Engineer, Senior University Lecturer at NJIT- Hillier College of Architecture and Design, and colleague of AIA NJ, has had an opinion piece published by NJ.com HERE.
New Jersey’s building inspection gaps demand attention, and architects can help solve them. Unpermitted, unsupervised construction—including structural, egress, and other life-safety work—can endanger everyone who uses a building.
AIA New Jersey architects support faster, more efficient regulation and stronger public protection. Their expertise spans design, structure, fire and life safety, accessibility, building systems, codes, and building use.
Protecting homeowners’ substantial investments is also important.
New Jersey already recognizes licensed design professionals, whose training, experience, continuing education, and legal duties protect public health, safety, and welfare. The largest remaining gap is work that never enters the permitting process. Here, too, architects can provide a practical bridge between property owners and public authorities.
According to AIA NJ Member Elina Shchervinsky, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Principal & Founder, Expert Forensic Architecture, LLC, “As a forensic architect, I see firsthand the consequences of construction performed without proper permitting, professional oversight, and inspections. What begins as an overlooked detail or unpermitted project can ultimately compromise life safety, building performance, and the owner’s substantial investment. Architects have the expertise and responsibility to identify these risks before they become failures. Construction administration services are particularly critical, as many construction defects arise during the construction phase and could be prevented through timely identification of deficiencies and corrective action.”
Rather than inspect every home or add bureaucracy, New Jersey should use risk-based methods to identify unpermitted work affecting structure, fire safety, egress, accessibility, occupancy, or major systems. AIA architects can help define the criteria and evaluation protocols.
When major concealed unpermitted work is found, a licensed architect can assess the situation, document conditions, identify code and life-safety deficiencies, engage specialists, and coordinate compliance—a vital contribution to public safety.
New Jersey should make permit and inspection histories easier for owners and buyers to access and understand. Architects can interpret records, assess risks, and develop remediation plans. Transparency and professional guidance promote informed decisions and properly designed, permitted, and built work.
Codes set minimum standards, but safe, resilient buildings also require professional judgment, coordinated design, sound construction, inspection, and enforcement. AIA architects connect these responsibilities while prioritizing public safety.
AIA New Jersey supports an efficient, transparent, risk-based system led by qualified professionals. By serving owners, coordinating teams, partnering with code officials, and advocating for the public, AIA NJ architects can close enforcement gaps without delay. Empowering them advances safer buildings, accountability, and public welfare.