New Jersey Hit By Extreme, Deadly Flash Flooding…What Do The Architects Say?
Op-Ed by Suzanne DiGeronimo, FAIA, PP; and Andrew Thompson, AIA, NOMAC, LEED AP BD+C
According to resilient design expert Suzanne DiGeronimo, planning is the secret to preventing deaths from extreme rainfall.
Enlarging sewage piping is not a solution. An example of a successful project that handles roadway flooding is the Staten Island Blue Belt. The project handles the cleaning of floodwaters from roadway runoff naturally. It has been scientifically tracked and proven that the water at the end of the roadway is as clean as water that comes from a sewage treatment plant.
Protecting lives from volumes of water racing down roadways and fast-rising floodwaters requires planning and preventing the structures occupied by humans in the floodway.
New York City had a flood code implemented after Superstorm Sandy. The flood code mandates that all structures be built with areas of refuge and exits at second-floor levels. While these are all good thoughts and rules, these need to be prioritized as highly as creating structures acceptable for human habitation, and designating roadways as emergency exit routes, clear and above flood waters so that these roadways are not cut off for survivors to be able to exit areas easily and safely.
AIA New Jersey President Andrew Thompson added, “Architects should be aware of what they do and how it impacts our environment. Architects should be aware of solutions and work with allied design professionals to ensure that what we design and where we design is protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants of homes and buildings.”
About Suzanne DiGeronimo, FAIA, PP
Ms. DiGeronimo’s project management expertise focuses on quality control, with strict adherence to schedule and cost controls. She has guided her firm in delivering high-quality architectural products to clients, including public agencies and private businesses.
As Managing Principal, Ms. DiGeronimo establishes overall goals and objectives and coordinates their implementation. She applies quality assurance and quality control management techniques to guide each project. She has trained architects across the U.S in Quality Management for the AIA. She has received training from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Total Quality Management (TQM) practice and principles and is knowledgeable in ISO 9000 procedures.
Suzanne is a Licensed Architect in NJ, NY, CA, MA, NH, PA, PR, a Licensed Professional Planner in NJ, NJ Certified Interior Designer, Certified Arbitrator and Conciliator. She was elevated to Fellowship of the American Institute of Architects in 1992, recognized with a Certificate of Achievement in 1984 by Former NJ Governor Thomas Kean, the NJ Assn. of Women Business Owners, Rose & Scroll Award in 1997, the Society of American Military Engineers Gold Medal in 1994 and Fellowship in 1991 plus the Inspired Leadership Award, 1990-1.
About Andrew Thompson, AIA, NOMAC, LEEP AP BC+D
Andrew Thompson is the 2025 President of AIA New Jersey and Passaic County Architect in New Jersey. His work includes historic preservation projects, courthouse renovations and building infrastructure upgrades for various County properties. He is a member of the NOMA Council (NOMAC). From 2010 to 2014, Andrew was a Planning Board Commissioner for the City of East Orange. He has a BArch from Pratt Institute and a Master’s in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University. His background includes 20+ years of experience in facilities planning, transportation planning and design, healthcare design and facilities support, and historic preservation. His specialties include LEED AP Building Design and Construction.
