Andrew Thompson, President, American Institute of Architects – New Jersey

In an interview with Invest:, Andrew Thompson, president of the American Institute of Architects – New Jersey, said “artificial intelligence is transforming our field, much like AutoCAD did decades ago,” as he addressed the growing focus on sustainability, affordable housing, and infrastructure resilience in New Jersey’s architectural landscape.

Reflecting over the past couple of years, what changes and milestones have most impacted the architecture industry in New Jersey, and in what ways?

Right now, it is evident how the industry is evolving. The most significant development influencing our field is artificial intelligence. Some of our members have adopted it, while others remain wary, questioning its implications. This reaction mirrors the initial response to AutoCAD decades ago, which was ultimately embraced as a tool to enhance productivity.

With artificial intelligence, the concern is that it may diminish the role of architects. However, I am guiding our membership to view artificial intelligence as a tool, much like AutoCAD, to improve efficiency in architectural practice.

Resilience, sustainability, and climate change have also become major priorities over the past decade. Having been with this organization in New Jersey for over 14 years and with the American Institute of Architects in Brooklyn and New York for more than 20 years, I have observed a shift. When I first arrived in New Jersey, sustainability and climate change were not prominent topics. However, after Hurricane Sandy devastated the tri-state area, particularly New Jersey, these issues became central to architectural discourse.

In recent years, housing, specifically affordable housing, has emerged as a critical challenge. The pandemic triggered a mass migration from cities to suburbs, as people sought more space and reduced exposure to infection. This shift depleted housing stock and drove prices upward, a trend exacerbated by inflation and construction costs. Currently, we are collaborating with state legislators to address affordable housing, ensuring architects play a pivotal role in shaping solutions.

Architects are indispensable in the built environment. Whether engaging with developers, contractors, or government officials, I emphasize that no project can proceed without an architect’s involvement. Our licensure and seal validate the feasibility and safety of designs, underscoring our profession’s value.

To that end, we have established a public awareness committee in New Jersey to educate the public on the importance of architects. Our goal is to foster dialogue about how architects contribute to communities and the state at large.

Given your expertise, what distinguishes architectural practice in New Jersey compared to other states or regions in the United States?

New Jersey’s architectural landscape differs significantly from other regions. Unlike New York, which hosts large firms such as Skidmore Owings & Merrill, Kohn Pedersen Fox, and Perkins Eastman, New Jersey’s firms are predominantly smaller and residential-focused. While a few firms employ around 60 people, and satellite offices of larger firms like Gensler and AECOM exist, the majority of our members specialize in residential design.

Many architects in New Jersey design homes for residents, occasionally branching into schools, renovations, or alterations. Additionally, the state boasts a strong contingent of historic preservation architects. New Jersey’s rich history, particularly its ties to the Revolutionary War, has fostered expertise in restoring and adaptively reusing historical structures. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, this work is especially significant.

Given the post-pandemic changes in work and lifestyle, what is your perspective on the revitalization of urban and office spaces in New Jersey?

Urban areas like Jersey City and Newark are experiencing a residential and commercial boom. The state’s diversity, which ranges from dense urban centers to sprawling farmland, presents unique opportunities. Office space adaptation is particularly active in cities near New York, as companies recognize the cost benefits of establishing satellite offices in New Jersey. Many professionals prefer suburban living with easy commutes, further driving demand.

What are some challenges that New Jersey faces from an infrastructural point of view?

New Jersey faces distinct infrastructure challenges, particularly with New Jersey Transit, one of the nation’s busiest commuter systems. Hurricane Sandy exacerbated existing deterioration, but federal funding is now aiding repairs. Transit-oriented development, or “transit villages,” is a growing focus, with housing and commercial projects rising near transit hubs.

The state has also demonstrated proactive governance, as seen in Newark’s swift replacement of lead pipes following the Flint crisis. Additionally, congestion pricing, though contentious, has reduced traffic in New York City, benefiting commuters. The revitalization of rail infrastructure remains a priority. Once completed, it will further catalyze growth, solidifying New Jersey’s position as a dynamic and resilient state.

How is the AIA supporting the next generation of professionals and addressing talent development in these professions?

This is a major focus for the American Institute of Architects New Jersey. We engage with students at three levels of education. First, we work with K-12 students, introducing them to the profession of architecture. We emphasize that architects shape communities, unlike other professions, such as policemen, firemen, or doctors. By the time they reach 12th grade, we involve them in student competitions to foster an appreciation for architecture.

At the community college level, we collaborate with institutions that offer architecture programs. For example, we are working with Essex County Community College to strengthen their curriculum and guide students toward undergraduate and graduate architecture programs. We also participate in student critiques during midterm and final reviews, which elevates their engagement when they see American Institute of Architects professionals evaluating their work.

For higher education, we partner with established architecture schools in New Jersey. Kean University, which launched its program in the last 10 years, has a unique dual program in China and the United States. The largest program in the state is at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, which produces many graduates entering the profession. We are also reaching out to Princeton University to encourage more students to pursue architecture.

Licensure is another critical area. We advocate for an integrated path to licensure, allowing students to gain work experience and complete licensure requirements while still in school. While only one person in the country has achieved this so far, we are working to remove barriers in New Jersey.

Compensation remains a challenge, as architecture is not as high paying as medicine, law, or engineering. However, we emphasize that it is a passion-driven profession with diverse career paths. Many senior architects are retiring, and we need younger professionals to step into leadership roles, both in firms and within the American Institute of Architects. Our goal is to strengthen membership and advocacy, ensuring the profession thrives. We have planted many seeds, and we hope to see significant progress within the next five years.

What is your near-term outlook for the architecture industry in New Jersey, and what role will the Institute play?

Over the next five years, the American Institute of Architects New Jersey will focus on several key initiatives. One major effort is promoting the concept of the “Citizen Architect,” where architects serve in government roles, either as elected or appointed officials. Currently, there are few architects in such positions; for example, I am one of only two county architects in New Jersey, serving Passaic County. We aim to increase this number, ensuring architects influence policy on the built environment, climate change, and affordable housing.

Affordable housing is a pressing issue. New Jersey’s dense population and protected lands require creative solutions, such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). We must balance development with environmental preservation, setting an example for other states facing future density challenges.

Technology, including AI, will also shape the profession. While AI cannot replace human creativity in design, it is a powerful tool for problem-solving. At a recent American Institute of Architects conference in Boston, a resolution was passed to monitor AI’s role in architecture, and we will implement those guidelines in New Jersey.

Finally, we are proud to support the 2030 Climate Challenge, which aims for zero carbon footprints in buildings. With only five years remaining, we must assess progress in building electrification and sustainable design. Legislation and architectural innovation will be crucial in achieving these goals.