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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.
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.