DIG has earned LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for its Rose M. Lopez Elementary School project in Perth Amboy, N.J. Swarupa Samant, Principal, managed the project for the Perth Amboy School District and the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA), with a focus on energy-saving and green-building practices.
“The New Jersey SDA was committed to delivering a school that not only provided students access to state-of-the-art classrooms and resources, but was also energy-efficient and sustainable,” said Samant, who noted DIG has earned LEED certification of varying levels for a total of seven projects to date. “We set a goal of achieving LEED Silver certification when we began the design-build process, so to realize this designation is incredibly gratifying.”
To achieve LEED Silver certification, a facility must implement measurable solutions in sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, smart materials selection and indoor environmental quality with the end goal of sustainability and a healthier, more comfortable space in which to live, work and learn.
Opened in the fall of 2019, the Rose M. Lopez Elementary School is the second stand-alone dual language school in the Perth Amboy School District. The $56.4M project stands three stories high and includes 128,000 square feet of space. In addition to classrooms and instruction rooms, the school includes music rooms, a computer lab, gymnasium, media center, cafeteria, multipurpose room and outdoor play and learning areas. The school serves more than 800 students, in kindergarten through second grade.
The DIG team worked shoulder-to-shoulder with EPIC Management, Inc., which served as the design-build contractor. The project was managed by GREYHAWK North America, LLC.
DIGroupArchitecture is an award-winning, mid-sized architecture, interior design and graphic design firm with studios specializing in various areas of concentration: education, healthcare, senior housing and community-civic. A minority-owned business with a philosophy that everyone deserves great architecture, DIG is currently staffed with approximately 30 professionals and looking to expand our team and to fill the Architect III/Architectural Staff III position.
Desired Qualifications
Compensation & Benefits
Interested candidates please send your cover letter, resume and portfolio to: [email protected].
At DIG, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.Architect III
Barbara graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute’s Architecture program. She has spent over a decade in marketing, where her understanding of architecture uniquely enhances her ability to inform the firm’s proposal development and marketing communication strategies and to position the firm as an industry leader. Barbara leverages the team’s knowledge and expertise into compelling content that reinforces brand identity and builds recognition among our clients and peers.
She handles the rigors of her role with determination and adapts quickly to challenges, which stems from an adventurous spirit. When not fine-tuning workflow efficiencies, Barbara is out and about with her family enjoying the outdoors; from ski slopes to local trails to playgrounds to CrossFit.
Emily graduated with a Business Degree from TCNJ and has worked in the Accounting and Finance departments for software, manufacturing and construction companies. Her professional strengths in accounts receivable, process improvement and account analysis are well suited for the complex nature of architectural project billing.
Emily loves to bake, but don’t ask her to make dinner – cooking is not her forte! Her husband is the family chef, and their two young daughters love to “help” in the kitchen. Some of Emily’s favorite things to do include riding bikes with her older daughter Layla, reading with her younger daughter Evelyn, going out to dinner with her husband and friends, and drinking a cup of coffee in peace and quiet.
Chris A’Hearn comes to DIG with over 20 years of experience in corporate financial management across several industries. Along with a BS in Accounting from Rutgers University’s School of Business and an MBA from Monmouth University, Chris has a keen interest in sustainable building solutions and earned the LEED AP Certification. With his experience in engineering and commercial construction, Chris helps DIG to achieve its financial growth initiatives. He brings his passion for sustainable construction and design to the firm as well as contributing his financial expertise to the DIG team focusing on future success.
Away from the office, Chris and his wife, Anne, stay busy with 2 children. Emily studies at Bucknell University and is interested in life sciences. Andy is a gifted and talented student as well as a competitive YMCA swimmer.
DIGroupArchitecture is an award-winning, mid-sized architecture, interior design and graphic design firm with studios specializing in various areas of concentration: education, healthcare, senior housing and community-civic. A minority-owned business with a philosophy that everyone deserves great architecture, DIG is currently staffed with approximately 30 professionals and looking to expand our team and to fill the Architect I/Architectural Staff I position.
Desired Qualifications
Compensation & Benefits
Interested candidates please send your cover letter, resume and portfolio to: [email protected].
At DIG, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
