Judy A. Donnelly M ARCH '97 To Receive NJIT Alumni Achievement Award

Since 2006, Judith Anne Donnelly, AIA has been the principal owner of Donnelly Architecture, LLC. An architectural firm that works on both residential and commercial projects, the focus of DA, LLC is “project excellence” with a personal touch. She is licensed to practice architecture in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.  

Donnelly has a B.F.A. (Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts-Interior Design) from Kean University and an M.A. (Master’s degree in Architecture) from New Jersey Institute of Technology.  She graduated with honors from both schools and received the Henry Adams AIA Award (GPA) while at NJIT along with several other achievements and awards.

In 2019, Donnelly proudly served as the president of AIA-NJ (The American Institute of Architects-New Jersey Chapter of the AIA).  This honorary position entailed running the day-to-day operations of the New Jersey Architects professional organization, being the “voice of AIA-NJ”, professional speaking engagements, and working side by side with the many committees that host weekly education, events and much more.  AIA-NJ has 2,000-plus members and is one of the eight “large-states” of the AIA (includes 52 states and also “AIA-International”). 

In 2010, Donnelly was the president of AIANS (The American Institute of Architects-Newark & Suburban Section of the AIA) where she was in charge of the AIA Membership for over 500 architects in New Jersey.  She served many positions at AIA-NJ and AIANS including but not limited to: Secretary, First and Second Vice Presidents, President Elect, Continuing Education Chairperson, Community and Charity Chairperson, and Building Tour Chairperson.

Donnelly is certified as a “Disaster Service Worker” assigned to emergency duties during times of an emergency and/or during a disaster; this certification is under the California Office of Emergency Management.

Donnelly serves the community with pro-bono architectural services and continues to volunteer her time: she has provided architectural services to local organizations such as the Hackettstown BID, the Hackettstown Elks Club, and the domestic abuse and sexual assault crisis center in Warren County.  She also has been a judge many times at the North Jersey Craftsman’s Fair, a guest critic for CCM’s (County College of Morris) Interior Design Program, a guest speaker for Norwescap, and a guest workshop instructor at the CCM Teen Arts Festival.  She hosted a Children’s Fort Building event with architects at Rutherfurd Hall in Allamuchy, N.J.  Donnelly was an adjunct teacher at Berkeley College of Business (Bergen County, N.J.); here she taught drafting and AutoCAD for the Interior Design program.

Donnelly is a strong believer in the AIA and is an advocate for our young professionals; her 2019 focus was to work closely with our young professionals so that they can continue the mission of the AIA and architecture for years to come.

Tell us about your current job.    

I am the principal owner of a small architectural firm, Donnelly Architecture, LLC which I started in 2006. I do not have a job since I love what I do; I do, however, have a profession.  My experience has been to work on varied project types and I have carried this into my business.  I feel truly blessed to be an architect, many thanks to NJIT for the excellent studies and for being there for me and for all of us many years later.

Do you think your NJIT degree helped you to pursue this? If yes, how?   

Yes! I have a Master’s in Architecture from NJIT. I loved the studies from the moment I stepped in the door at NJIT. NJIT helped me in so many ways.  To begin, they provided me with a TA (teacher’s assistance position) with a stipend.  This helped pave the way to get out of school with no bills. It eased the way.  Next, the professors, adjuncts, students and staff were such a great group to be inspired by and to spend three years with; we were one big family. The projects were challenging yet fun at the same time. I thrived at NJIT.

Did you ever envisage doing this while you were at NJIT?   

Yes, I worked toward the goals that I’ve accomplished so far today.

What did you do in the year immediately after graduating?   

I worked for Louis Barbieri, AIA, Architect.  It was a small firm where we did everything and I learned a tremendous amount toward my future.

Where did you live when you were a student?  

Rockaway, New Jersey

Did you enjoy your time at NJIT?   

Yes, very much; I missed the school and all it offered upon leaving!

What was your most memorable moment as a student?   

When our last studio went to the super jury!  We created a fantastic presentation in the Master’s of Infrastructure Studio! It was a group project that focused on the Meadowlands and our transit system. Our project was so great, the State of New Jersey reviewed it.  Also, we were on the leading edge and filled all walls in the entire lecture hall with films, fly-overs (from an airplane) and great design.

Who was your favorite professor at NJIT?   

This I cannot answer because I have so many favorites!  If I list those who influenced me the most, I’d surely leave out a few and that will not sit well with me!

What is your lasting impression of NJIT?    

Winning the Henry Adams AIA Award.  It is an award of excellence that I will always treasure; this award pushed me toward a greater confidence.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?  

The honor of being in the leadership of the American Institute of Architects.  In 2019, I served as the president of AIA-NJ and in 2010 I served as the president of AIA-NS (Newark and Suburban Section of AIA-NJ).  This volunteer dedication is the best achievement of my career.

What are your thoughts about receiving an NJIT Alumni Achievement Award?   

This award will surely be on the top of my list; I am most grateful and I look forward to this honor and celebration.

Why should alumni stay engaged with NJIT?    

There are so many reasons to stay engaged, including networking, friendship, inspiration, education, fun and going above oneself!