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J.A. Mihalik Architect, LLC
31 Park Lane
Essex Fells, NJ 07021
Justin A. Mihalik, AIA NCARB
Introduction
I graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology School of Architecture in 1993, and was
already working with the Port Authority of NY/NJ as an intern. I had worked in the field of architecture
since the summer before entering NJIT. It was very important to me that I work in the field while I was
achieving my degree so that I was well prepared and could find a permanent position once I graduated.
The Influences that Impacted my Career
The internship at the Port Authority was paramount for my career and continues to influence how I
practice architecture today. Specifically that all the buildings, such as the World Trade Center, Newark
Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and JFK International Airport, were major public
structures. It was exhilarating for me to be designing with the understanding that tens of thousands of
people each day would interact and experience these structures. Of course, you cannot interview the
client under these circumstances; in fact, you are the client as well as the designer. So the design
thought process was more difficult because the questions normally posed to a client had to be
answered instinctively instead. While at the Port Authority, a significant event took place that forever
changed my perspective on what it means to be an architect — the terrorist bombing of the World
Trade Center of 1993. I was one of the many who remained in the building and made the journey down
from the 73rd floor of Tower One to West Street. It was the first time in my life that I relied upon the life
safety design of a building. We are all aware of the damage that the building sustained and that it did
not collapse although some lives were lost. What struck me and has stayed with me is that it was the
building design, the architect’s design, prevented further loss of life. Architecture is not just about
aesthetic design, and the fancy details. First and foremost it is about the health, safety and welfare of
the occupants. Architects must consistently ask themselves if the design is as safe as it can be within
the client’s budget. In fact, our business is to educate the client about life safety and that building codes
do not provide the maximum level of protection, but the minimum.
My Career
I opened my firm in 1998 in Upper Montclair, focusing on building a clientele and a good reputation.
My works consisted mainly of residential additions and alterations. In the summer of that year, I hired
my first employee, a summer intern from Lehigh University. It is my belief that in order for architects to
remain at the forefront of the building industry, we must also instruct students on how to become great
architects. For this reason, I have maintained a position for an intern in my office every summer.
Shortly after that summer, I hired my first full-time employee and focused on growing the firm. Our first
important commission came in 2000. It was the rehabilitation and renovation of a 15,000 square foot
building in Boonton. The project was most challenging for me because it was the complete “gut” of a
100-year-old building constructed of brick masonry and wood frame. It was a mixed-use building with
retail stores at the main level and offices on the other four levels. The project took 18 months to
complete and two million dollars of the owner’s money. This project gave me the confidence that I did
have the talent to work with a client to create a vision, prepare the necessary construction documents
for construction, and then coordinate a construction process to make the design a reality. This project
brought together all aspects of my training and it was successful. Since that time, we have designed
and completed over 250 residential, commercial, retail and institutional projects totaling more than $50
million in construction. I currently hold licenses in the states of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania,
Connecticut, Maine, North Carolina and Florida. We have completed projects in most of these states
as well as other states in the field of retail design. I also hold a certificate from the National Council of
Architectural Registration Boards (N.C.A.R.B.).
I made a tough, yet very exciting decision to join a larger practice after nine years of being a sole
practitioner. On January 1, 2008 I became a Principal of the firm Jarmel Kizel Architects and
Engineers, Inc. located in Livingston, New Jersey. I joined the firm as Principal in Charge of
Operations, and Principal in charge of the Retail Design Studio. I currently manage the retail rollout of
a major childcare development center, The Learning Experience, which is now in more than 12 states,
and at the close of 2008 will have more than 80 centers in operation. Jarmel Kizel is one of the largest
and fastest growing architectural firms in New Jersey. It was bestowed with NJBiz’ magazines New
Jersey’s Finest award which honors New Jersey’s fifty fastest growing companies.
American Institute of Architects
I have been a member of the American Institute of Architects since I received my license in New
Jersey in 1998. I have been actively involved on the Board with the Newark & Suburban Architects,
a Section of the American Institute of Architects since 2004 and have held the positions of Trustee,
Design Day co-chairperson, NJIT liaison chairperson, Continuing Education chairperson, Treasurer,
Delegate to AIA New Jersey, and this year I hold the esteemed title of President. It is fulfilling for me
to be actively involved with the Institute and to contribute to the development of the AIA. As
President there are three objectives that I am working on: the first is outreach for which I have
spearheaded an alliance with USGBC-NJ northern, which is the local chapter of USGBC. We held a
joint meeting that will become an Annual meeting, and will act as a platform for the two
organizations to share ideas and work together on sustainable issues that affect the built
environment. In addition to this meeting, it was my responsibility to reach out to local government
leaders to discuss important issues that affect the profession. I was able to meet with Congressman
William Pascrell of the 8th District, Congressman Donald Payne of the 10th District, and
Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen of the 11th District. The purpose of these visits was to discuss
a series of issues including Energy Efficient Commercial Building’s Tax Deduction, Promote Healthy
and Safe Communities Through Transportation Funding, Eliminate Retainage Rules on Architects
and Engineers, and others. The meetings were very inspiring and beneficial because each of the
Congressman were in support of the issues and so much so that Congressman Pascrell picked up
his phone to call one of his staffers to make sure that they were following up to support a bill that the
AIA is supporting. The second objective is mentorship for students and emerging professionals who
are studying and working to become licensed architects. I am in the process of formally creating a
program that will be known as “MatchArch” which will be an online service that will allow students
and emerging professionals to connect with a licensed architect in their area who may act as a
mentor. It is paramount that licensed architects and members of the AIA fulfill an obligation that has
existed since the beginning of the profession, which is to mentor the architects of the future.
My third objective is social
responsibility. My section
recently held an international
competition known as “Live the
Box” which challenged
architects, designers, and
architecture students across the
world to design an urban mixed
use project utilizing shipping
containers. Here in New Jersey
our shipping ports have an
extreme surplus of shipping
containers that can be utilized for
other means and in this case,
housing. The competition was a
huge success receiving well over
100 submissions from more than
eight countries. We will be
hosting an awards gala in
November to honor the winners
as well as talk about the
importance of urban design and
the importance that architects
play in solving social issues.
Meeting with Congressman
Pascrell during AIA
Advocacy Week
Meeting with Congressman
Frelinghuysen during AIA
Advocacy Week
404-408 Main Street
Boonton, New Jersey
I was commissioned this project in my second year of
practice, 2000, and it was a major turning point for my
career. It was the first adaptive reuse project for me and it
brought together my design and construction experience in
such a way that I never imagined. The project was a
sensitive project for the owner and the town of Boonton
because the town was pushing a redevelopment plan of the
downtown area and this building was the largest building at
the south end of Main Street. The building was built circa
1900 and we were completely gutting the building. The
client was very impressed with my first vision which was to
eliminate the separations between the three individual units
and open the floor plates. It was imperative for us to do this
because the building was being used for business offices on
the upper two levels and lower two levels. The Main Street
level was to be retail. Understanding the construction of the
building was paramount to achieve the open floor plates.
My relationship with the owner could not have been better.
He fully trusted my judgment in design and the construction
approach. He was adamant about putting the right materials
into the building and not comprising the purity of the
original construction.
Existing Main Street Elevation
The construction process took eight months to
complete. I was somewhat nervous about the
construction process because this was my
largest project to date. But I knew that my
experience in the construction field and the
documents themselves would allow the project
to move smoothly, which it did. Throughout the
project there were site meetings to discuss the
typical construction issues, but unlike other
projects, the meetings were very much
collaborative between the contractor, the owner
and myself. The chemistry of the team allowed
the project to flow smoothly. This situation
bolstered my confidence in my personal
abilities, but most importantly in the project
team. This project taught me how important the
project team is to the project and that the
relationship between the three parties holds the
key to the project being successful.
Today, I work very hard upfront with the client
to get them to buy into the importance of the
“team”. As a result of this, I have much success
in delivering a quality project.
Completed Main Street Elevation
Interior rear vestibule
Accredited Lock Supply
Secaucus, New Jersey
Main showroom entry
View of sales counter
This project entailed the exterior and
interior renovation of 30,000 square feet
of space. Accredited Lock is the largest
supplier of door hardware on the east
coast. This project was challenging
because the showroom had to remain in
operation throughout the construction
process. The façade design was also
challenging because the façade was not
in the same plane. The main showroom
entry (to the right on the sketch) is
setback approximately 100 feet from the
entry to the training center on the left.
The answer was to marry the
architecture for both, similar canopies
and façade treatments.
The design approach was to allow the
materials of the building to be exposed,
an industrial feel, which was appropriate
due to the nature of the business. The
owner was very excited about the
concept. We incorporated wood veneers
on the column claddings, the furniture,
and the face of the sales counter. We
incorporated metals throughout, polished
concrete floors and a polished concrete
countertop with inlay glass tiles. The
ceiling of the showroom was painted
black so it would disappear, while the
mechanical ductwork was bare
galvanized metal so it appeared to hover
amongst a black backdrop.
The project was completed in a little
over one year, in two separate phases.
The project cost was $2.5 million.
View of mezzanine
Initial rendering sketch
Accredited Lock Supply
Secaucus, New Jersey
View of training center entry
Initial design sketch
View of showroom
Detail photograph
View of showroom
Salerm Cosmetica USA Headquarters
Clifton, New Jersey
Salerm Cosmetica is an international company that produces
and distributes its own hair salon products. They are presently
in over 10 countries world wide. This project involves the new
construction of their US corporate headquarters located on the
site of their present northeast distribution center. The building
is to be constructed in place of their existing one, attached to
two other existing buildings. The owner has created a very
modern and chic image of the company and desired the same
of the building. This was the first project that I implemented
the use of BIM technology as well as sustainable design. The
building incorporates a green roof, high performance glass, a
well insulated building skin, building management system that
integrates lighting and HVAC controls, recycling of roof water
for landscape irrigation, spray foam insulation, and additional
smart building materials. The building incorporates glass, metal
panels, and brick for the exterior elements. The program
includes: warehouse and truck loading, offices, corporate
dining, conference room, training room with raised stage, and
product showroom. The project is
currently under construction and is
slated for completion in the
summer of 2009. The project
budget is $4.5 million.
The Learning Experience
National Retail Rollout
Typical prototype rendering
The Learning Experience is a franchised childcare
development company now operating more than 40
centers nationwide. By the end of 2008, there will
be more than 80 centers operating in 12 states.
These are state of the art centers focusing on child
development from 3 months to 5 years of age. The
centers are designed as three prototypes: 11,000 sf,
12,500 sf, and 15,000 sf. Each center offers an
indoor playroom called Make Believe Boulevard
which incorporates a “main street” with building
facades representing a diner, fire house, market,
mechanic garage, and convenience store where
children can roll play. The playroom incorporates
an upper level that is accessed by stairs and exits
by way of a slide into a ball pit. The largest center
incorporates an enriched curriculum called Jelly
Bean Junction which adds classrooms for science,
art, dance, and a theatre stage. Although the
centers are designed as a prototype, no two floor
plans are alike. Each state has licensing
requirements which control teacher/student ratios,
and room size/student ratios. Each design is also
modified according to the particular market that the
center is located in. The exterior building styles
change depending upon local architectural
requirements. The building has been purposely
designed with a residential style so that the children
feel “at home” as well as the fact that most centers
are located in residential areas.
The construction process is managed in house and
is quite challenging not only because of the
geographic locations of the centers but also
because each center typically is built by a different
developer.
The Learning Experience utilizes the building itself
as a learning tool for the children by labeling each
and every item in the building such as, soap
dispenser, telephone, light switch, door, etc. This
project has literally been a Learning Experience.
Make Believe Boulevard
Redevelopment Project
Morristown, New Jersey
Rendering- perspective view 40 unit building
This project entailed the redevelopment of a
ten acre site know as the “Oxbow Area”
which is bounded by Spring Street, and
Center St. and Coal Avenue, and is bisected
by the Whippany River. The area is a low
lying site and extremely restricted to site
disturbance. The program includes the
following: two buildings of four stories and
80 units of residential, and one building five
to six stories with 80 units of residential and
ground level retail stores.
The area has multiple redevelopment sites
currently under construction and it was
important to the Mayor and Redevelopment
Board that the site incorporated architectural
elements prevalent to the existing residential
homes in the area as well as a modern sleek
approach to the mixed-use building. Parking
is provided on grade as well as in a parking
garage behind the mixed-use building.
This is a very exciting project due to its
historic setting and its impact on a site that
has been underutilized for decades.
The project is currently in the approval
process.
Rendering- perspective view 80 unit building
Rendering- side elevation
Private Residence
Smoke Rise, Kinnelon, New Jersey
View of completed front elevation
This project was for a past client who came to
me with the challenge of designing a very large
addition/renovation to his home, and would take
advantage of the beautiful views of his rear yard
and lake. The initial reason he came back to me
was because the architect he chose to work with,
told him that there was nothing that could be
saved of the original home and that it had to be
demolished. The owner could not believe that
this was the only approach to the project. Since
we just completed renovating a historic building
in Boonton, he had confidence that I could
design the addition.
His vision was rustic, ski lodge-like, timbers,
large fireplace, with lots of glass overlooking
the rear yard. The project was challenging on
multiple levels, lots of rock, lots of trees, and
deep property setbacks.
The result was a success in that 50% of the
original first floor remained, the plan was
improved by opening rooms to one another, the
family room and kitchen have expanded views
to the rear as well as a private sitting room off
the master bedroom suite. The materials used
on the interior and exterior are all natural woods
and stone.
View of completed entry
View of completed family room
Existing home viewed from rear
Abbreviated Project List
Institutional
MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY,
UPPER MONTCLAIR, NJ
Dean Suite Renovations 4,000 sq. ft interior renovation
including private offices, general office space,
conference rooms, waiting areas.
Project cost: $250,000.
Core Technology Upgrades Installation of a new fiber
optic backbone connecting nine buildings on campus.
Consultant in charge of coordinating all penetrations and
paths of communication and mechanical lines.
Project cost: $2,000,000 est.
Commercial
ACCREDITED LOCK SUPPLY COMPANY
27,000 sq. ft. interior/exterior renovation incorporating a
new showroom, sales floor area, administrative offices,
training room facility, corporate dining room, and
executive offices. Project cost: $4,500,000 est.
TOWN & COUNTRY PHARMACY
8,000 sq. ft. interior/exterior renovation including a retail
pharmacy and doctor’s offices.
HARLEY DAVIDSON OF BERGEN
COUNTY
Project Architect responsible for the
renovation and conversion of an existing
12,000 sq. ft. industrial building into sales and
service areas of merchandise and motorcycles,
warehouse space, office space, and a meeting
room.
Hospitality
RADISSON HOTEL, ENGLEWOOD,NJ
Various facilities upgrades including ADA
accessibility, exterior canopy and entry
redesign, health club upgrades.
PRIME HOSPITALITY CORPORATION
AmeriSuites Hotel 125,000 sq. ft. nine-story
building consisting of 152 guest suites,
meeting rooms, laundry and food
accommodations. Project Architect responsible
for design development, coordination of
contract documents, and shop drawing review.
Project cost: $5.1 million.
Project cost: $2,500,000.
Project Locations: Secaucus, NJ., Topeka, KA,
Albuquerque, NM, Oklahoma City, OK
404–408 MAIN STREET, BOONTON, NJ
Industrial
15,000 sq. ft. multi tenant residential building with street
level retail shops converted into business offices and
upscale retail shops.
UNITED STATES GYPSUM CO.,
Project cost: $2,500,000.
Retail
ANN TAYLOR
Design architect for Ann Taylor Loft stores nationwide
ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 sq. ft.
TUMI
Installation of luggage and handbag displays within
existing luggage shops, 150–500 sq. ft. per store.
Locations nationwide
THE GAP STORES, INC.
Project Architect responsible for developing various Gap
stores nationally. Responsibilities included the
management and coordination of various consultants,
design development, contract documents and
construction administration.
PORT REDDING, NJ
15,000 sq. ft. of new employee dining
facilities, training room with kitchen facilities,
and management offices. Project cost:
$500,000.
Commercial
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
Project Fix-Up Retail driven alteration
program for existing Post Offices in the Bronx,
Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn. Project
Architect in charge of design, contract
documents and construction administration.
Projects included upgrades of main lobby
areas, lighting upgrades in workroom, A.D.A.
accessibility and compliance, masonry and
brick restoration, and the investigation of
building failures.
Project cost(s): $300,000 – $900,000.
Abbreviated Project List (cont.)
Professional Organizations
Transportation
■ American Institute of Architects
BOSTON-LOGAN INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
■ The New Jersey Society of Architects
International Gateway Addition and alteration to the
existing terminal. Building program included new
ticketing hall/check-in counters, retail hall, meeter/
greeter hall, renovate existing departures lounge,
new arrivals/departures roadways. Produced details
of the exterior wall systems, interior finish systems.
Treasurer, 2009-present
Delegate, 2006-2008
■ AIA Newark and Suburban Architects
President, 2008
Board of Trustees, 2004–2009
Project cost: $300 million.
Design Day Co-Chairman, 2004
NEWARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:
REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Continuing Education Chairman, 2005
Automated People Mover Remote Stations Project
involved the design of four monorail stations at
approximately 12,000 sq. ft. per station. Designed
various details and handled design alterations during
the construction phase.
Project cost: $742.0 million (overall project cost)
Canopies at Remote Stations 6,100 sq. ft. of exterior
canopy at two stations. Responsible for the design,
coordination and preparation of the contract
documents.
Treasurer, 2006-2007
President, 2008
■ United States Green Building Council
Member, 2004–present
Professional Licenses and
Certifications
■ New Jersey License AI13989
■ New York License 027468
Project cost: $650,000.
■ Pennsylvania License RA 402349
JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT: REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
■ Connecticut License 10431
American Airlines Terminal Buildings:
Redevelopment of Frontage Area Scope of work
included 62,000 sq. ft. of exterior canopy,
realignment of existing roadways,
crosswalk/walkway areas, drop-off and pick-up
areas for both on-airport and off-airport
transportation. Responsible for developing the
design and contract documents for the elements of
the frontage area: bus shelters, windscreens, and taxi
dispatcher’s booths. Involved in the development of
various details of the exterior canopy.
Project cost: $43.5 million
LA GUARDIA AIRPORT
Central Terminal Building: Remodernization
Renovation of existing building into a multi-level,
16,000 sq.ft. atrium space encompassed by 50,000
sq.ft. of retail spaces and 30,000 sq.ft. of concession
and airline spaces. Assisted in the design of various
interior and exterior elements by performing various
materials studies and the investigations of color
schemes.
Project cost: $47.0 million.
■ Maine License ARC3160
■ North Carolina License 11621
■ Florida License AR 95150
■ N.C.A.R.B. Certification 55,923
Education
New Jersey Institute of Technology,
School of Architecture, Newark, NJ
Date of Graduation: May 1993
Bachelor of Architecture
Award: Design Related to Construction and Engineering