Member Spotlight: AIANS Past President Robert Cozzarelli, FAIA, NCARB, PP, CID!
Robert Cozzarelli, FAIA is a persuasive advocate for the architectural profession with a focus on ensuring architects' relevance and influence in the public sphere and creating a solid and forward-thinking structure to strengthen the voice of the architectural profession.
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Robert Cozzarelli has devoted four decades of his professional life to leading the architectural profession through his involvement with The College of Fellows of The AIA, The American Institute of Architects (AIA), The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and The New Jersey State Board of Architects. His involvement through AIA has ensured that The AIA contributes to provide valuable resources for its members and his involvement with NCARB has contributed to the regulations and standards that protects the public health, safety and welfare by leading the practice of architecture through the development and application of standards for licensure and credentialing of architects. Robert is now serving as NCARB Region 2 Mid-Atlantic States Vice-Chair/Treasurer, and he was a speaker at the A’23 AIA National Convention for NCARB on “Responsible Charge.”
Robert had the honor of being elevated to Fellowship in 2019 to The College of Fellows of The American Institute of Architects for Object Three – Leadership. Of the nearly 100,000 AIA Members approximately 3% are recognized as Fellows.
As a respected leader of his community, Robert completed significant work pro-bono for the local Chapter 22 of the Disabled American Veterans, helping the organization secure land (for one dollar) and negotiating union trade services to complete the building at no charge. He was also responsible for introducing CANstruction to NJ. He created the AIA NJ Michael Graves Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize Graves’ as an AIA Gold Medal Recipient and for his contributions and subsequently to recognize the achievements of esteemed New Jersey architects. Serving on the New Jersey State Board of Architects since 2017, and as its president in 2020, Robert is working to creating a sound footing for the profession by ensuring public safety. In 2017, he began representing New Jersey’s nearly 9,000 registered architects at NCARB and is now serving as an officer of NCARB Region 2.
Robert had the honor, in 1974, of being accepted to Newark College of Engineering (NCE) – School of Architecture. Shortly thereafter NCE become known as New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Robert was part of the first class that was fully NAAB accredited and graduated with a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture. In April 2023 Robert was honored to be the first recipient of the NJIT/HCAD Distinguished Alumni In Leadership Award. Today the school of architecture is the Hiller College of Architecture & Design celebrating 50 years.
Robert founded his architectural firm in 1986 and twelve years later became partners with Roger Ciminiello, RA (NJIT-‘92). The firm is known as CCA - Cozzarelli Cirminiello Architects, LLC specializing in healthcare architecture and has also served the public as a traditional generalist practice.
Robert is married to Susan (44 years) and they have two children. Robert, Jr., DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) who is married to Jenna, MA and Rebecca, DVM (Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine) who is married to Danial Cocco, CPFA. They have one beautiful grandchild, Michael James.
Fun Fact: Robert is inducted into the New York JETS Fan Hall of Fame and the NFL Draft-Inner Circle.
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What was your favorite recent project?
Currently the firm is working on a new chapel for Nanina’s-In-The-Park. I have had the privilege of being the architect of record since 1987 on all their properties including Nanina’s, The Park Savoy and The Park Chateau.
How long did it take before you felt comfortable in your role as an architect?
As odd as it may sound, I have always felt comfortable with the language and practice of Architecture. The difficult part is being a firm owner, learning the business of architecture and knowing how to negotiate a fee and getting paid. Furthermore, as a design professional being a licensed architect comes with a huge responsibility to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Understanding the practice laws, regulations and standards is paramount as a practicing architect.
What would be your dream job or a project you’d like to work on?
Well, I’m still hoping to design my own home. But I recently enjoyed renovating homes for my son and my daughter. That meant the world to me.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
Spending time with my family! But I do enjoy my architecture books and I have a very large collection of antique tools. I love to travel and meet people. But my favorite thing to do is attending NFL football games. I’ve been a New York Jets season ticket holder for 38 years. I am in the NY Jets Fan Hall of Fame and the NFL Inner Circle. This year I attended the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, OH.
What are 3 facts about you that make you unique?
I make it a point to always be nice and treat people with respect and to work hard because it is fulfilling.
Who or what are your inspirations for architecture?
Funny thing is that I never took a drafting course in high school or considered being an architect until my senior year of high school. I was fortune, my father was my inspiration. He was a chemical engineer and then became an attorney and a patent attorney. He saw in me my collective scholarly abilities and suggested I apply to NCE (NJIT) new School of Architecture. I did and I never looked back, and I immediately felt comfortable understanding architecture. I thank my father to this day and my mother who always believed in me.
Who or what are your inspirations for life?
My wife Susan who I met while in architecture school at NJIT. She has always supported me and inspired me to follow my dreams. I can’t thank her enough. We are married 44 years and I love her dearly. More than anyone else she knew how much it meant to me to be elevated to AIA Fellowship.
What’s exciting about what you are doing in the office?
Recently the firm started using a scanner to measure existing buildings. It’s a game changer and worth every penny. I’m excited to have extremely talented architects in the office. I have great respect for each one of them. We are a great team.
What advice would you give to a recent graduate entering the professional world?
It’s extremely important to first believe in yourself. Never feel content. You should always push yourself to learn more and pick yourself up when things get tough. Never quit on yourself and always take time to think. At times it’s necessary to take a step back and to adjust but always move forward. Learn to listen and be respectful of people that you encounter. Learn how to verbally communicate, be kind to all and be nice. Your word is golden and always be true to yourself. Make a difference in life.
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Bob's Recent Projects:
The Ballroom at Park Savoy, Florham Park, NJ
The Chapel at Nanina's-In-The-Park, Belleville, NJ, In development
The Foyer at Nanina's-In-The-Park, Belleville, NJ
The Park Chateau, East Brunswick, NJ
The Chapel at Park Chateau, East Brunswick, NJ
Are you interested in taking part in our Member Spotlight Series? Contact Robert Epstein, Component Director, for more information: [email protected]
