Red Hawk Spotlight: Mike Chiappa, Architectural Design Specialist

Architectural Design Specialist Mike Chiappa provides design and management services for the University on new construction, and expansion and renovation projects of existing facilities. Through collaboration with various colleagues, he develops design solutions that support the University’s mission and strategic plan while working with external consultants and contractors to ensure that the proposed work is in line with the University’s long-range master plan, architectural style, visual identity and campus needs.

Chiappa has worked at Montclair since 2015. He earned a Master of Architecture from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he served as chapter president of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and later went on to serve on its National Board of Directors.

From developing master plans that look decades into the future to selecting paint colors and furniture finishes, through his work, Chiappa is able to collaborate on all aspects of design projects. “No two days are alike,” he says, and finds the biggest reward of his work is “the opportunity to be a part of a dedicated and talented team.”

When he is not working on planning initiatives, his interests include photography, travel, wildlife, and improvisational theater (both performing and teaching). He is active in the architecture community through continued service with professional organizations such as the NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board), AIA (American Institute of Architects), and AIAS as a legacy member. As a true architect at heart, he often enjoys walking the campus whenever possible and getting to see projects that were once on paper come to life.

A few fun facts to know about buildings on campus:
– Montclair State University was the first in the country to have a diner on campus (Red Hawk Diner).
– A number of buildings on campus, including Café Diem, the School of Communication and Media, and the Student Recreation Center, have received architectural awards.
– The campus is also home to what Architectural Digest deemed the “Best Designed Museum in New Jersey” (Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center).
– The oldest campus building (Bond House) predates the founding of the University.

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