March 6, 2024

Photo of Ruchi Dhar, AIA. Provided by AIA ALNNJ. Photo by Dee Portera

Meet Ruchi Dhar, AIA, The New Jersey Representative to the AIA Small Firm Exchange

Ruchi Dhar, AIA, the Principal and Founder of RD Architectural Studio, LLC, is a licensed architect in NJ, NY, and MD, boasting over 20 years of experience. Holding NCARB certification and LEED accreditation with a specialty in Building Design and construction, she possesses expertise in analyzing zoning regulations, project management, architecture, programming, and construction administration across diverse projects. These include corporate interiors, national retail stores, education, food service, industrial, single-family, and multi-family residential ventures.

Actively involved in various committees and boards, she currently serves as the 2nd Vice President of the AIA Architects League Northern NJ, and a committee member of the AIA NJ Legislative & Govt. Affairs Committee. Ruchi’s most recent leadership position is as the AIA New Jersey State Representative to the national Small Firm Exchange (AIA SFx). According to the Small Firm Exchange, their mission is to advance the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms.

The objectives of the AIA SFx are three-fold:

1. Advocate the value of small firms, the national SFx, and local SFx groups, both within the AIA and to the public.

2. Curate and disseminate the most pertinent resources and information, from the AIA & elsewhere, that benefit small firms.

3. Inform the AIA of current issues facing small firms and areas in which current resources/information are lacking.

Ruchi joined the Small Firm Exchange to discover business and time management strategies used by fellow architects in small firms. Eager to learn about resources aiding effective small firm operation. She also hopes to connect with and convey the struggles of small firms and sole proprietorships in NJ. Ms. Dhar is excited to explore AIA resources benefiting small firm owners to empower architects in NJ.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ruchi is an enthusiastic volunteer and participates in the Long-Range Facility Planning Committee for the Livingston school district. She calls Livingston, New Jersey home, where she lives with her husband and daughter. Ruchi finds joy in gardening, cooking, baking, and hosting gatherings for friends and family.

By Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, AIA NJ Advocacy Consultant | Posted in Architects League of Northern New Jersey, Diversity, EquityInArchitecture, Small Firms, Women in Architecture | Tagged: #AIASFx, #ALNNJ, #RuchiDharAIA, #womeninarchitecture | Comments (0)