Morristown, N.J., – When DIGroup Architecture (DIG) recently participated in the AIA Newark & Suburban Architects CANstruction 2023, the firm’s team members transformed 2,900 cans of food into a futuristic structure. DIG’s vision captured the firm’s commitment to a more sustainable future while engaging in some friendly competition for architecture, construction and engineering professionals statewide – all for the benefit of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.
CANstruction, which hauled in more than 17,000 canned food donations and created an open-to-the-public display at the Morris Museum in Morristown, is just one example of DIG’s commitment to community participation, engagement and giving back that is purpose-built into its company DNA.
DIG co-founders Vincent Myers, President; Jeffrey Venezia, CEO; and Rich Alderiso, COO have created an award-winning firm with a culture of giving back through architecture, interior, and graphic design as well as time and talent, is value shared – and acted upon – by all members of the firm.
Furthermore, DIG’s track record of supporting the communities in which they work is made tangible through community service efforts and volunteerism as well as its portfolio of completed projects in the sectors they serve. These include education, healthcare, senior living and community/civic spaces. In addition, team members – from principals to interns – participate in mentoring, volunteering and giving back. This often occurs after hours and has resulted in accolades for these efforts.
For example, Senior Project Manager LoriAnne Jones, a recent 40 Under 40 standout, has mentored high school students and volunteers with the NAACP Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological & Scientific Program, while Swarupa Samant, principal, was named a 2023 Woman of Influence, in part because of her work in the community. Notable outreach projects include involvement with Dina’s Dwellings, a supportive-housing haven for survivors of domestic violence.
“We walk the walk,” said Myers. “As a firm, we have contributed and donated hundreds – if not thousands – of hours of personal time to the communities we serve. We understand that creating spaces is only half of the equation in our ‘Architecture for Change’ philosophy, and that we all need to be agents of change while wearing our ‘hats’ as designers, architects and creative thinkers.”
In fact, Myers himself voluntarily redesigned the basketball courts at Ewing Township’s Moody Park, the community that he and his family have called “home” for two decades.
In addition, members of DIG also seek opportunities to get in front of minority young people and women through the ACE Mentor Program; is a past sponsor of Philadelphia’s MyWIC (Mentoring Young Women in Construction) Annual Summer Camp; and participates in guest speaking engagements at local high schools and colleges/universities. Team members serve as panelists who discuss diversity in architecture and participate in STEM and construction-related events as well.