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DIGroup Architecture joined key stakeholders and state and local dignitaries in the ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony of the new United Nationalities in Transcending Ideologies (UNITI) Cultural Center, Saturday, October 23 at Stony Brook University. The new UNITI Cultural Center embraces all ethnicities; where students feel a sense of belonging and welcomed by a larger unified campus community. The center supports both a dramatic increase in student population in recent years, as well as a more evolved culturally diverse community.
The $1.9M center occupies 4,000 square feet within the recently renovated student union building. Its intent is to connect Stony Brook students, faculty, and staff through diversity and multicultural programs, social discourse, academic and experiential learning, support services, and advocacy that contribute to a positive campus climate. The Center also serves as a resource for social justice education, community service, and research and assessment about matters related to diversity.
Some of the dramatic design features include a glass exterior where users and passers-by can see the colorful and playful mix of organic structures, furniture, finishes and graphics. The Student Experience is state of the art with diverse and dynamic huddle spaces, lounge spaces and study spaces with walls wrapped with impactful multicultural graphics and powerful inspirational icons and messages immerse visitors. To view these design features, view our project highlight.
According to Jeffrey D. Venezia, AIA, CEO and Principal In Charge “My hope is that through our collaborative process and thoughtful design, we have created an environment that fosters understanding, acceptance and a sense of community in today’s complex world for both students and staff.”
DIGroup Architecture, one of the area’s largest majority, black-owned firm with MBE/DBE/SBE certifications, has planned and designed many significant educational projects across the NY-NJ-PA metro area. Their extensive experience in the specialized needs of today’s varied academic arena, both in traditional settings and technology-rich, career-ready environments, has earned them the reputation as an expert in educational design. They are also accomplished in large design-build projects, which to date exceeds $415 million in aggregate construction costs.
Read about Stony Brook UNITI Cultural Center Ribbon-Cutting elsewhere:
Stony Brook University News, UNITI Cultural Center Ribbon Cutting
Spaces 4 Learning, Stony Brook University Opens New Cultural Center
Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal, DIGroup Architecture celebrates ribbon cutting of new cultural center at Stony Brook University
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.