What began as a codeword by a few California high school students as a meet up time to smoke weed after school and search for an unattended cannabis crop, the meaning of “420” today marks a global day of celebration for cannabis culture and law reform across the nation, including New Jersey, and a new calling for architecture, interior and graphic design firms like DIG to lead the way in designing special environments for dispensary, manufacturing and cultivation facilities.
Just last week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority announced it will begin accepting applications for their cannabis equity grant program on April 20. The $10 million pilot program aims to stimulate the economy around the cannabis industry, supporting start up and operational costs to new cannabis businesses.
In the Garden State, cannabis use for medical and recreational purposes became legal in early 2021. It is one of nearly two dozen states that has fully legalized the use of marijuana, with the majority of states having decriminalized its use.
The swift changes in legislation, however, present a compelling opportunity for those in the cannabis cultivation industry. It also presents a challenge to keep pace with and have proper spaces for this newly legalized form of agriculture.
“It’s always so interesting to see how architectural needs evolve,” said Vincent Myers, President of DIGroup Architecture. “From the industrial revolution to the boom of white-collar America, to figuring out how to repurpose office space after COVID – and now how to design for the cannabis industry. This is exactly the kind of problem-solving our team thrives on.”
DIG, which already has an impressive resume of delivering award-winning projects across healthcare, senior living, community and civic and academic sectors, is now being tapped to plan and design a facility for Blu Elements Ventures, a cannabis manufacturing and cultivation organization.
When completed, the facility will span 75,000 square feet and be among the largest new construction, indoor growing facilities in New Jersey and the first of its kind in the City of Bridgeton. DIG, which will serve as Architect of Record for the project, is working with The Norwood Company to develop this design-build project.
“Adaptability in architecture and design is vital,” said Myers. “And dipping our toes in the cannabis space provides an opportunity to showcase our nimbleness, understand the needs of this burgeoning industry, and implement the expertise of our team to deliver a space that satisfies the needs of the client in a sustainable, responsible, creative and effective way that serves the community – which, at the end of the day, is our ultimate goal no matter the industry.”
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.
