AIANJ Honors Service Award Winners

May 30, 2016

Organization Honors Architects and Firms for Their Exemplary Work in 2015

At their annual awards gala, the New Jersey chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA-NJ) honored individual members and firms who demonstrated an exceptional commitment to advancing the standards of the architecture profession.

Presented during the gala at the Park Savoy in Florham Park, N.J., AIA-NJ Service Awards honor the work of the state’s most talented and forward-thinking architects and architectural firms.

“With the tremendous amount of talent within AIA New Jersey, the Service Awards give us the chance to recognize and honor recipients for their outstanding commitment to architecture” said Justin Mihalik, AIA who serves as president of AIA-NJ. “The winners represent some of the finest leaders in New Jersey guiding our profession. Not only are they devoted to their work, but they also are intimately involved with the communities in which they work.”

The recipients for the Service Awards were:

• Verity L. Frizzell, AIA, received the “Distinguished Service Award” in recognition of her extensive architectural experience. With over 20 years of experience, Frizzell’s projects include both commercial and clients, predominately on small scale projects. She has a long history of service to the AIA, having held several officer positions of the AIA Jersey Shore section including the presidency in 2008, and served as Secretary of AIA-NJ for a two-year term, as well as held national positions as Repositioning Ambassador and Communications Chair of AIA Culture Collective. Currently, Frizzell is serving as the 2^nd Vice President of AIA-NJ and on the AIA Strategic Planning Task Force. Within her local community, Frizzell has served as Trustee and Vice-President of the Bay Head School Foundation. She has also taken on the role of educating others by helping architects prepare for the GBCI LEED Accredited Professional Exam through study groups and also gave a presentation at Design Day in 2013 regarding FEMA requirements for flood zones and foundation types.
• Tokarski Millemann Architects of Brick, N.J., received the annual “Architectural Firm of the Year.” The firm was founded in 1999 by Richard Tokarski, he was later joined by Michael Millemann and Steven Casano, his former classmates from NJIT. The firm embraces every design opportunity for all type of buildings looking to become experts in all aspects of architecture. Following Super Storm Sandy, the firm became heavily involved in helping homeowners rebuild, anything from emergency stabilizations to repairs and complete rebuilds. Tokarski also volunteered to assist with Camp Osborne SDAT, forging a plan to rebuild the community, as well as with Architecture for Humanity assisting homeowners in Seaside Heights. Tokarski and Millemann are both active members within their local Jersey Shore section, having both severed as trustees, co-chairs and executive board members.
• Robert F. Barranger, AIA, was honored as “Architect of the Year” for his insightful and creative answers to today’s architectural challenges. Barranger co-founded Cornerstone Architects in 1987 which was reformed as Cornerstone Architectural Group in 1998. With over 33 years of experience, Barranger currently serves as Managing Principal for the firm’s Public Sector design projects. Barranger concentrates in design quality control in technical drawings and construction. He is a licensed Professional Planner and certified Interior Designer in New Jersey. Having been a member of AIA since 1983, Barranger is a four-time recipient of AIA-NJ’s service awards including the “Young Architect of the Year” (1999), “Firm of the Year” (2004), “Distinguished Service Award” (2008), and now the “Architect of the Year”.
• Kyle S. Rendall, AIA, received the “Young Architect of the Year Award” as a result of his substantial work in construction, design and architecture. While pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture at NJIT, Rendall interned at Granary Associates in Philadelphia and Posen Architects in Elizabeth, N.J. working on a number of hospital, corporate and housing projects. Following his graduation, he began working at KSS Architects in Princeton, N.J. In 2001, he became a licensed architect. Rendall currently manages projects in all stages of design and construction and has grown the firm’s PreK-12 market. Throughout his young career Randall has procured and carried-out several pro bono projects and currently serves as Deputy Fire Chief of the Princeton Fire Department.
• Alicia Weaver, Associate AIA, was named “Intern Architect of the Year.” Having a passion for architecture at an early age, Weaver began her career studying at the University of Florida where she earned a Bachelor of Design degree. She started working at KSS Architects as an intern and emerged as a project leader. Weaver is also involved in the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) Mentoring Program, an after-school program that introduces high school students to careers in architecture, construction management and engineering, where she is currently the Secretary of the Executive Board of New Jersey.
• Dr. George Pruitt, President of Thomas Edison State University, was presented with the “Resident of the Year Award.” Pruitt was a pioneer of higher education investment in Trenton and has been committed to the revitalization of the city by leading Thomas Edison State University’s restoration of several historic buildings in its downtown. The buildings that have been preserved include the Kelsey Building, the townhouse complex adjacent to the New Jersey’ State House complex and the Center for Learning and Technology.

By admin | Posted in AIA-NJ News, NJ Architect Newsletter | Tagged: AIA-NJ Service Awards, Alicia Weaver, Distinguished Service Award, Dr George Pruitt, Firm of the Year, Kyle Rendall, Robert Barranger, Tokarski Millemann, Verity Frizzell | Comments (0)