Clarke Caton Hintz, an award-wining architecture, planning and landscape architecture firm, was recognized as the “Architectural Firm of the Year” at the annual awards gala for the New Jersey chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA-NJ) held recently at Carl Icahn Laboratory at Princeton University in Princeton, N.J.
Clarke Caton Hintz, which is based in Trenton, N.J., was among six service award winners who were honored at the event for their achievements and for their service to the architectural community. The event also featured the presentation of AIA-NJ’s annual design awards to members of the award-wining architectural firms, and the installation of a new slate of officers.
“This award was given to Clarke Caton Hintz for its accomplishments in the field of architecture and for its contributions to the community,” said Jason Kliwinski, AIA, LEED AP, immediate president of AIA-NJ. “The firm has been instrumental in reshaping and revitalizing the landscape of Mercer County. And its members have demonstrated a commitment to public service, whether it be through AIA, local boards and commissions or volunteering.”
Founded in 1979, Clarke Caton Hintz is committed to solving today’s complex planning and design problems with a multi-disciplinary approach. The firm believes that architecture, planning and landscape architecture are fundamentally interdependent. The services they provide in each discipline are enhanced by their expertise in the other related fields.
Clark Caton Hintz’s commitment to sustainability, outstanding design and redevelopment has helped establish it as one of the most influential community architectural firms in Mercer County, said Kliwinski.
Some of the firm’s past projects include the interior restoration of the historic Hunterdon County Courthouse and Jail in Flemington, N.J.; 200 Elm Drive, the adaptive re-use of the former Princeton University boiler house for new administrative offices; and the restoration and renovation of the Roebling Mansion in Trenton as the new home of the New Jersey League of Municipalities.
“Clarke Caton Hintz is defined not only by our portfolio of work, but also by the personal commitment of our partners and staff,” said Michael Hanrahan, AIA, associate partner at Clarke Canton Hintz and the new president of AIA-NJ. “Every person in the firm is involved with their communities, whether it be by coaching a local youth team, commitment to a religious institution or sustainable activism in their neighborhoods.”
In addition, the partners and senior staff have or are currently serving on the boards of several statewide organizations. These include PlanSmart NJ, New Jersey Future, Affordable Housing Professionals of New Jersey, American Planners Association-NJ, American Society of Landscape Architecture-NJ, the New Jersey Historic Trust and Preservation New Jersey, Hanrahan noted.
Other service award winners include Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, owner of Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, Architect LLC, of Ridgewood, N.J., who was recognized with the “Distinguished Service Award;” David Del Vecchio, AIA, owner of David Del Vecchio, Architect, LLC in Cranford, N.J., who was honored with the “Architect of the Year Award;” Stephen Doyle, AIA, associate at KSS Architects in Princeton, who was honored with the “Young Architect of the Year Award;” John A. Cwikla, Assoc. AIA, intern architect at Potter Architects LLC in Springfield, N.J., who was honored with the “Intern of the Year Award;” and Frank Cunha, III, AIA, senior project manager for the design and construction facilities department at Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J. and photographer at FC3 Photography in Hamburg, N.J., who was honored with the “Resident of the Year Award.”
AIA helps architects serve the public’s needs and builds awareness of the role of architects and architecture in American society. The organization was created in 1857. Today, with headquarters in Washington, D.C., and nearly 300 local chapters, the organization represents 86,000 licensed architects and associated professionals.
AIA New Jersey is statewide chapter of the national AIA. The chapter was formed in 1900, uniting the architects of the state by merging the AIA Chapter with the New Jersey Society of Architects. The AIA-NJ chapter has six local sections, which include Architects League of Northern New Jersey, Central Jersey, Newark and Suburban, Jersey Shore, South Jersey and West Jersey. Each section is independent and runs local events and programs for its members.
