On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, AIA Jersey Shore hosted an event at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ.  Attendees were given a tour of the building originally designed by iconic architect Eero Saarinen, FAIA, for Bell Labs in 1962 and recently renovated into Bell Works “Metroburb” by architect Alexander Gorlin. Opening remarks were made by Ralph Zucker, President of Inspired by Somerset Development and the visionary behind Bell Works. The tour was conducted by Brooke Petrany, head of marketing at nps studio+, who described the building’s origin story, and rejuvenation into Bell Works and even disclosed the fun fact that Apple+’s Severence is currently being filmed on-site. Brooke credited Bell Works Lead Designer + Creative Director is Paola Zamudio, Founder + Head Designer at npz studio+ with the inspiring interiors. 

 

While images cannot do the building justice, we still encourage you to visit the Bell Works Website, HERE, to learn more about this impressive space. 

 

 

 

Section President Arnold Boyle, AIA, started working on this event in September 2022, inspired by a similar program created by Marissa Iamello, AIA, during her presidency. Arnie’s priority was to develop something attractive enough to draw members from across the state to not only experience this remarkable space but also to have time to spend with one another, something that many members have been missing since there are fewer statewide, in-person opportunities being offered. More than two-thirds of the attendees were from sections other than Jersey Shore. 

 

AIA New Jersey State Chapter President, Ron Weston, AIA, also in attendance, was very enthusiastic about the wide-spread turnout and hopes more sections adopt the model of inviting all sections to attend their local and regional events. 

 

President Boyle would like to thank everyone that came out for the event and made it a huge success. 

 

Photos by Arnold Boyle, AIA, Marissa Iamello, AIA, Ronald Weston, AIA, and Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA