Joseph A. Di Cara, AIA is the Principal of Di Cara | Rubino Architects, located in Wayne, NJ.

He has been a resident of River Edge for over 20 years and his son attended River Edge Schools.

Mr. Di Cara is a nationally recognized and award-winning designer specializing in educational facilities.

He is a member of the Architects’ League of Northern New Jersey.

AIA/NJ coming to River Edge

As part of American Institute of Architects (AIA) 150-year anniversary of shaping American communities and lives and the celebration of National Architecture Week, the New Jersey Chapter is having 150 members address schools to discuss architecture throughout the state. Architect Joseph A. Di Cara, AIA, a resident of River Edge, spoke to sixth graders in the River Edge School District on April 11.

"I am proud to participate in AIA/New Jersey’s 150 School Initiative,” said Joe Di Cara. "Nothing will please me more, than going to the Cherry Hill and Roosevelt Schools to speak with the students and staff about architecture. It is especially relevant at this time since the children are currently watching the on-going construction of an addition and alteration project at Cherry Hill Elementary School.”

Di Cara | Rubino Architects is providing professional architectural services to the district for the project which consists of a three-story addition at Cherry Hill School to house new kindergarten and special education classrooms, a new multi-purpose room, and an expanded media center. The centerpiece of the construction is a new Discovery Classroom.

The Discovery Classroom at Cherry Hill School is based upon the award-winning Discovery Room at Roosevelt School, also designed by Joe Di Cara, AIA. This classroom is designed and constructed to be completely self-sufficient through the use of photovoltaic cells to harness energy. Additionally, the eco-conscious classroom features environmentally friendly finishes including paint with low VOC content and carpet and ceiling tiles manufactured from recycled materials. The room is designed to foster hands-on science learning.

The AIA was founded in 1857 when 13 architects got together to create an organization that would promote the scientific and practical perfection of its members and elevate the standing of the profession. Until this point, anyone who wished to call him, or herself, an architect could do so. AIA/New Jersey President Jerome L. Eben, AIA said, "Everyday AIA/New Jersey leaders and members build on the work of the original 13 members, in an effort to improve the quality of life for the citizens of our State. It makes perfect sense for our membership to visit our schools to inform our children of important mission of architects.”

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