Building upon its reputation for award-winning architecture, interior and environmental graphic design, DIGroup Architecture (DIG) has been named to the MidAtlantic Real Estate Journal’s annual “Best Of 2024” rankings in its March issue. This recognition highlights the company’s significant achievements in serving clients across the education, civic, healthcare and senior living sectors throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region during the past year.
The MidAtlantic Real Estate Journal’s “Best Of” awards celebrate the top properties/facilities, companies, best practices and projects across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. DIG’s inclusion in this list underscores its commitment to excellence as well as impactful contributions to the region’s architectural landscape.
The firm earned top honors in the following categories:
Best of Architecture [Long Branch Free Public Library]
Type of Project: Size: 22,500 SF
“DIG’s transformation of the Long Branch Free Public Library showcases architectural ingenuity in revitalizing a historic landmark in the community. Through strategic architectural interventions, DIG modernized the space while maintaining its historic integrity through interior reconfigurations that improve daylighting, accessibility and functionality. Material selection and detailing were executed to honor the original Carnegie-era aesthetic while enhancing durability and sustainability. The firm re-envisioned the children’s library to offer a new teen library, complete with technology access for after-school services. Blending architectural preservation with purposeful modernization, this project reinforces DIG’s commitment to design spaces fostering connection, equity and long-term community impact,” according to the selection committee.
Best Historic Preservation [Long Branch Free Public Library]
Type of Project: Size 22,500 SF
The editorial team stated, “DIG’s Long Branch Free Public Library transformation was a rare opportunity to blend historic revitalization with modern innovation. This $5.5 million transformation revitalized a Carnegie-era landmark, restoring original architectural details while introducing a special collections room, dedicated young adult space and flexible community areas. Energy-efficient upgrades and a whole-building emergency generator ensure long-term sustainability. The project was both technically challenging and deeply impactful, preserving a vital community resource while equipping it with much-needed updates. This renovation will sustain the library as a cultural and educational anchor, honoring its past while preparing it for a vibrant future.”
In addition to its project acknowledgements, DIG was also recognized for its outstanding workplace culture. Here is what MAREJ had to say:
Best Places to Work: “Founded to combat inequality within education through the design and building of schools in underserved communities, DIG is a workplace where individuality is valued and celebrated, praised and recognized. As a matter of practice, the firm provides aspiring professionals – particularly women and people of color – with the necessary mentorship and tools to foster inclusiveness across architecture and all STEM-related careers. Recognizing underrepresentation limits creativity within the built environment, DIG’s business practices are purposefully developed to connect people, improve lives and enrich and strengthen communities – all while creating building blocks through community-based mentorship, licensure development, career experience and networking.”
Best of Giving Back: “DIG’s commitment to social impact extends well beyond its design work to community outreach initiatives and mentorship. This includes spearheading, participating in and sponsoring programming that harnesses its expertise to create positive societal change through its “Architecture for Change” mission. Examples include getting in front of minority young people through the Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program; guest speaking engagements at local schools and colleges/universities; serving as panelists to discuss diversity in architecture; participating in STEM and construction-related events; and outreach within the communities in which DIG projects are located.”
DIGroupArchitecture is an award-winning, mid-sized architecture, interior design and graphic design firm with studios specializing in various areas of concentration: education, healthcare, senior housing and community-civic. A minority-owned business with a philosophy that everyone deserves great architecture, DIG is currently staffed with approximately 30 professionals and looking to expand our team and to fill the Architect III/Architectural Staff III position.
Desired Qualifications
Compensation & Benefits
Interested candidates please send your cover letter, resume and portfolio to: [email protected].
At DIG, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.Architect III
Barbara graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute’s Architecture program. She has spent over a decade in marketing, where her understanding of architecture uniquely enhances her ability to inform the firm’s proposal development and marketing communication strategies and to position the firm as an industry leader. Barbara leverages the team’s knowledge and expertise into compelling content that reinforces brand identity and builds recognition among our clients and peers.
She handles the rigors of her role with determination and adapts quickly to challenges, which stems from an adventurous spirit. When not fine-tuning workflow efficiencies, Barbara is out and about with her family enjoying the outdoors; from ski slopes to local trails to playgrounds to CrossFit.
Emily graduated with a Business Degree from TCNJ and has worked in the Accounting and Finance departments for software, manufacturing and construction companies. Her professional strengths in accounts receivable, process improvement and account analysis are well suited for the complex nature of architectural project billing.
Emily loves to bake, but don’t ask her to make dinner – cooking is not her forte! Her husband is the family chef, and their two young daughters love to “help” in the kitchen. Some of Emily’s favorite things to do include riding bikes with her older daughter Layla, reading with her younger daughter Evelyn, going out to dinner with her husband and friends, and drinking a cup of coffee in peace and quiet.
Chris A’Hearn comes to DIG with over 20 years of experience in corporate financial management across several industries. Along with a BS in Accounting from Rutgers University’s School of Business and an MBA from Monmouth University, Chris has a keen interest in sustainable building solutions and earned the LEED AP Certification. With his experience in engineering and commercial construction, Chris helps DIG to achieve its financial growth initiatives. He brings his passion for sustainable construction and design to the firm as well as contributing his financial expertise to the DIG team focusing on future success.
Away from the office, Chris and his wife, Anne, stay busy with 2 children. Emily studies at Bucknell University and is interested in life sciences. Andy is a gifted and talented student as well as a competitive YMCA swimmer.
DIGroupArchitecture is an award-winning, mid-sized architecture, interior design and graphic design firm with studios specializing in various areas of concentration: education, healthcare, senior housing and community-civic. A minority-owned business with a philosophy that everyone deserves great architecture, DIG is currently staffed with approximately 30 professionals and looking to expand our team and to fill the Architect I/Architectural Staff I position.
Desired Qualifications
Compensation & Benefits
Interested candidates please send your cover letter, resume and portfolio to: [email protected].
At DIG, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
