Fort Lee Architect ‘Immediate Past President’ of NJ Chapter of AIA

The New Jersey chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA-NJ) installed a Fort Lee resident as its immediate past president Saturday at its annual awards gala in Point Pleasant Beach, the organization announced.

Laurence E. Parisi is the owner and president of Laurence E. Parisi P.C. Architect in North Bergen and has 45 years of experience, specializing in the design and development of public schools, residential and institutional projects, according to AIA-NJ.

Parisi served as AIA-NJ president in 2012 and has also served as first vice president and been a trustee with the organization for six years. He founded and chairs the AIA-NJ Homeland Security Committee and is the state coordinator for the AIA National Disaster Assistance Program. Parisi also served as a member of the NJ Department of Community Affairs’ best practices group for construction and building security.

“Serving as president of AIA-NJ for the past year has been a great honor,” said Parisi in a statement. “I’ve worked diligently with some of the brightest minds in the state to further the architectural profession in New Jersey. I am excited to continue working with the AIA-NJ leadership to further AIA-NJ’s mission.”

Jack Purvis of Howell was installed as 2013 president of the organization based in Trenton, the statewide chapter of the AIA, which was created in 1857—the New Jersey chapter was formed in 1900—and has roughly 300 local chapters, representing about 86,000 licensed architects and associated professionals.