Unveiling NK Architects Studio at NJIT
Published November 6, 2024
Allen Kopelson & Stephen Alutto alongside Gabrielle Esperdy, Dean, Hillier College of Architecture & Design,
It is with great honor that we announce the naming of the NK Architects Studio at the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Hillier College of Architecture and Design. This recognition celebrates NK’s significant contribution to securing funding for HCAD’s Designing the Future campaign, which will culminate in the renovation of the school’s original architecture studio.
HCAD’s newly appointed Dean, Gabrielle Esperdy, “looks to rethink how architecture and design education is delivered, with a particular focus on studio culture, and help students develop the critical thinking and power skills they need to use new tools, including artificial intelligence.”¹
NK’s long-standing relationship with and support of NJIT is exemplified through contributions that align with our core values of growth and curiosity in architectural education, from co-sponsoring signature events like the Design Showcase to endowing the NK Architects Scholarship.
Over the past 10 years, NJIT has entrusted NK with the design of 14 projects across their campus, including the Microfabrication Innovation Center, GITC Lecture Hall, and Life Sciences and Engineering Center. These collaborations reflect our shared vision for innovation and excellence in higher education.
Microfabrication Innovation Center
Providing cutting-edge micro/nano-fabrication and characterization facilities for research in bio-sensing, drug delivery, microfluidics, and MEMS fabrication.
GITC Lecture Hall
Offering theater style seating with built-in audiovisual capabilities, providing the perfect setting for film screenings, lectures, and seminars for up to 125 people.
Life Sciences & Engineering Building
Enhancing NJIT’s strengths in engineering and life sciences to advance clinical healthcare, therapeutic interventions, and pharmaceutical drug development.
Stephen Aluotto, President & CEO of NK Architects, remarked shortly after the unveiling, “It is hard to fathom that close to 50 years ago—in September of 1975—I first set foot in the (now) NK Architects Studio to begin my journey toward a career in Architecture. I remain honored, privileged, and grateful to enjoy a professional relationship with NJIT, HCAD, and the school’s leadership team and students.”
As we celebrate this milestone, we are also proud to acknowledge that 17 members of the NK Architects team are graduates of NJIT. Their diverse experiences and continued professional growth reflect the enduring connection between education and real-world practice. The legacy we are creating together will benefit students for decades to come, nurturing a continuous cycle of education and professional development.
We look forward to continuing this journey with NJIT and witnessing the incredible talent that emerges from the NK Architects Studio at HCAD!
McMains, Andrew. "NJIT Names Architectural Historian to Lead its College of Architecture and Design." NJIT News, June 26, 2024.
Photography courtesy of NJIT.