AIANS Member Spotlight: Samantha Kane, AIA
Samantha Kane, AIA, Senior Associate, Senior Project Architect, HLW
Samantha is a licensed architect based in Morristown, NJ, who has known she wanted to be an architect since she was five. After studying architecture and beginning her career in Philadelphia, Samantha moved back to New Jersey in 2018 to be closer to her family and has worked for HLW for the last seven years. Outside of work, Samantha is an instructor at The Bar Method, an avid golfer, and almost always has a book in hand.
Q&A
What was your favorite recent project?
I have been working with a confidential tech client on several office projects over the last couple of years. It has been an incredible experience to help this former start-up take their office space from the bare necessities to the large, international workplace operation they have today, allowing me to grow with them as they grow their business.
How long did it take before you felt comfortable in your role as an architect?
Probably 10 years - though on some days I would say I’m still working on it! This profession is a constant challenge, and I consider an unsuccessful day if I haven’t learned something or felt challenged at least once.
What would be your dream job or a project you’d like to work on?
Like most of us, any project with an unlimited budget and no schedule!
What do you like to do when you are not working?
I’m an avid reader, and am at the studio either taking or teaching a barre class every day. In the summer, I’m frequently found on the golf course, and in the winter, I’m usually knitting something.
What are 3 facts about you that make you unique?
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I’ve known I wanted to be an architect since I was five.
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I can often be found touching buildings or taking exact ceiling “selfies” to study design details.
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I balance my creative work with fitness and hobbies, from barre classes to golf and knitting.
Who or what are your inspirations for architecture?
It’s a broad answer, but inspiration can always be found in the world around you. You can almost always catch me touching a building as I pass by (to the consternation of my travel companions), or trying to get the exact right angle for the perfect ceiling selfie.
Who or what are your inspirations for life?
I’m inspired by people - and I do mean all people. I love watching people follow their passion and creativity, and find joy in both the big and small moments. Small actions have loud reverberations, and I am inspired by watching people live these small moments around me every day.
What’s exciting about what you are doing now in the office?
I am excited to be helping to train the next generation of design professionals at HLW. Working with them is not only a great reminder of where we all started and how far we’ve come, but it is also a great way to reignite a passion for the industry by seeing it through fresh eyes.
What advice would you give to recent graduates entering the professional world?
Remember to grow at your own pace - it’s easy to look around and compare your own professional progress to your peers, but everyone’s path unfolds differently. What matters most is working hard and staying true to yourself, and know that the opportunities in your career will come when the time is right.
Projects
Confidential Project 1
This new HQ for a large and fast-growing confidential tech company sought to create a community- and technology-forward workspace capable of keeping up with the dynamic needs of the client. The 24,000 SF space strikes a deliberate balance between innovative energy and the comfort of hospitality. The pantry space, pictured here, brings employees together for two meals a day and has become the hub of their operations over the last year. Project is located in Livingston, NJ and was completed in early 2025.
Confidential Project 2
Located in Bridgewater, NJ, this 8,000 SF office represents a new workplace chapter for a long-standing marketing company. Equipped with hoteling-only workstations, flexible seating options, various-sized conference spaces, and a large pantry, the space invites employees and clients from all over the country to stop by, touch down, and dig in. Completed in 2025.
Avantor Sciences
A state-of-the-art laboratory and office facility designed to foster innovation and efficiency. HLW worked closely with Avantor to create a holistic working environment, bringing their office and laboratory operations under one roof. Completed in 2024, this 65,000 SF laboratory and office space represents a fusion of cutting-edge scientific spaces and thoughtfully designed workplaces.
