Swarupa Samant named among “Women of Achievement” by Professional Women in Construction

The Professional Women in Construction – New Jersey Chapter (PWC-NJ) has named Swarupa Samant, AIA, principal at DIGroup Architecture, as one of its 2023 Women of Achievement. Presented annually, the award recognizes individuals who have realized significant success in the architecture, engineering and construction-related sectors.

According to Carissa Clements, president of PWC-NJ, the organization’s board nominates women working in the construction industry who exemplify the values, characteristics and passion necessary to thrive in what have been traditionally male-dominated fields.

Samant’s track record for success, dedication to her profession and unyielding commitment to serving communities through her profession “made her an obvious candidate to be honored and we are thrilled to call Swarupa one of our peers, an important member of our leadership team and an influential role model and mentor in architecture, construction and engineering,” said Jeffrey Venezia, CEO of DIGroup.

“I am humbled to be selected for this incredible honor and have been fortunate to have had strong and empowering women in my life, who encouraged me throughout my formative years, and who helped shape the person and professional I am today,” said Samant. “So while I am being recognized for my work and my contributions, this achievement is certainly the culmination of a team effort, and I am grateful for the opportunities that have enabled me to do rewarding work to advance DIGroup’s vision of creating ‘architecture for change’ and a career that welcomes those who have been underrepresented.”  

Samant joined MBE/DBE/SBE-certified DIGroup Architecture in 2014 and quickly rose through the ranks to the role of principal, managing $200+M in construction projects. A LEED-accredited professional and a graduate of the Academy of Architecture in Mumbai, India, Samant is fully committed to advancing sustainable, sensible design – as well as her profession as a career for women and people of color – wherever and whenever she can.

As a result of her commitment to incorporating green elements into design-build assignments, she has played a critical role in a wide range of projects, especially within the educational sector. Most recently, under her tutelage, LEED Silver certification was achieved for the new $133M Camden High School and new $45M Rose M. Lopez Elementary School in Perth Amboy, while LEED Gold certification was earned for the new $32M School #16 in Paterson. All are in New Jersey.

With an expertise in managing complex urban school projects, she also managed the completion of Dina’s Dwellings, a supportive-housing haven for survivors of domestic violence. While this award-winning project was professionally rewarding, Samant was just as pleased to deliver this affordable housing option to those in need through her professional skill set.

In addition to her professional achievements, Samant is passionate about mentoring emerging young architects. “By building one-on-one relationships with these next-generation professionals, I have the opportunity to share lessons and experiences learned,” she said. Samant has had a storied 25+-year career in architecture, from her initial training in India and role as an instructor at the Sophia Polytechnic College,  School of Interior Design, to her impressive resume of projects in the United States.

Samant and her co-honorees from within New Jersey’s construction-related industries will be honored at PWC-NJ’s annual Women of Achievement luncheon, slated to take place on May 17 in Jersey City.