March 20, 2024

Meet AIA New Jersey Section Trustee, Erin Sharp-Newton, Associate AIA, M. Arch.

Erin Sharp-Newton, Associate AIA, M. Arch, is the current President of AIA Central New Jersey, focused on elevating members and the profession through advocacy and bridging gaps. As a section president, Erin also serves as a Section Trustee on the AIA New Jersey Board. Her professional life has been devoted to social design in the built environment. She speaks with a voice of spirit and from lived experience, aiming to improve the human experience in the world of architecture and design.

“Recent years prove that our society and the profession are evolving. In a diverse professional culture, we are empowered by individuality, innovation, unity, and service. Our charge is to be driven by the principles of ethics and integrity so that we may transform into a more inclusive, thriving professional society.” – Erin Sharp-Newton, President’s Letter

As an active member of the American Institute of Architects, Erin serves as an AIA CNJ Executive Board Member, Women in Architecture Committee Member, Equity in Architecture Member, the Centre for Urban Design and Mental Health (Fellow), Department of Health & Human Services Co-Chair (former Chair) for the Local Advisory Committee on Drugs & Alcohol, and has presented on numerous panels about the importance of making space for mental health needs.

Acknowledgments throughout her career include the receipt of the NJ Biz “50 Best Women in Business” Award. Her former service includes her roles as vice president for a local outpatient addictions program, board member on the Morristown Mayor’s Wellness Committee, and recognition by the Charter High School of Architecture and Design for outreach with the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center in Philadelphia.

Design thinking in mental health and healthcare has been her charge, resulting in state-of-the-art, game-changing outcomes. This advocacy is visible in innovative built solutions for major systems of care. By championing this work area, she has successfully spoken up for those needing better-built solutions.

As a Creative Director for many years traveling between the US and Europe, Erin’s exposure and experience spans all areas of design: architecture to industrial design, technology to fine arts, public to private. This rich background has provided a unique context, enabling critical solutions balanced with imagination in the design process. Erin approaches all projects with a sharp, humanistic approach that balances evidence-based design with innovation.

Academically, Erin holds a Master’s Degree in Architecture from UCLA and a Master’s in Design from Domus Academy in Milan, Italy. She has been active with major architecture and design schools, teaching at Domus, Milan Polytecnico, and Venice Polytecnico and as a juror and mentor for Sci-Arc, UCLA, Woodbury, the Art Institute, Drexel, Moore College of Art, Cornell University, Kean, and others. She also contributes to Archinect.com, in Newton’s Notes and is Fitwel certified.

As a gregarious homebody, above all she does, Erin cherishes spending time exploring with her husband, step-daughter, family & friends.

By Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, AIA NJ Advocacy Consultant | Posted in AIA Central New Jersey, Associates, Women in Architecture | Tagged: #AIACNJ, #AssociateAIA, #associatearchitects, #EDI, #equity, #ErinSharpNewtonAssociateAIA, #Justice, #Womenarchitects, #womeninarchitecture, #WomenInArchitectureMonth, #womenleaders, #WomensHistoryMonth, #womenvolunteers, #WomenWhoBuild | Comments (0)