The document provides biographical information about Justin A. Mihalik, an architect based in Essex Fells, New Jersey. It summarizes his education, career experiences, and involvement with professional organizations. Specifically, it details how an internship at the Port Authority of NY/NJ influenced his approach to design. It also describes several commercial and residential projects he has completed, including a mixed-use building renovation in Boonton, New Jersey and serving as principal architect for a national childcare center rollout. Mihalik is currently president of the Newark & Suburban Architects section of the American Institute of Architects.

1. J.A. Mihalik Architect, LLC
31 Park Lane
Essex Fells, NJ 07021
Justin A. Mihalik, AIA NCARB

2. Introduction
I graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology School of Architecture in 1993, and was
already working with the Port Authority of NY/NJ as an intern. I had worked in the field of architecture
since the summer before entering NJIT. It was very important to me that I work in the field while I was
achieving my degree so that I was well prepared and could find a permanent position once I graduated.
The Influences that Impacted my Career
The internship at the Port Authority was paramount for my career and continues to influence how I
practice architecture today. Specifically that all the buildings, such as the World Trade Center, Newark
Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and JFK International Airport, were major public
structures. It was exhilarating for me to be designing with the understanding that tens of thousands of
people each day would interact and experience these structures. Of course, you cannot interview the
client under these circumstances; in fact, you are the client as well as the designer. So the design
thought process was more difficult because the questions normally posed to a client had to be
answered instinctively instead. While at the Port Authority, a significant event took place that forever
changed my perspective on what it means to be an architect — the terrorist bombing of the World
Trade Center of 1993. I was one of the many who remained in the building and made the journey down
from the 73rd floor of Tower One to West Street. It was the first time in my life that I relied upon the life
safety design of a building. We are all aware of the damage that the building sustained and that it did
not collapse although some lives were lost. What struck me and has stayed with me is that it was the
building design, the architect’s design, prevented further loss of life. Architecture is not just about
aesthetic design, and the fancy details. First and foremost it is about the health, safety and welfare of
the occupants. Architects must consistently ask themselves if the design is as safe as it can be within
the client’s budget. In fact, our business is to educate the client about life safety and that building codes
do not provide the maximum level of protection, but the minimum.
My Career
I opened my firm in 1998 in Upper Montclair, focusing on building a clientele and a good reputation.
My works consisted mainly of residential additions and alterations. In the summer of that year, I hired
my first employee, a summer intern from Lehigh University. It is my belief that in order for architects to
remain at the forefront of the building industry, we must also instruct students on how to become great
architects. For this reason, I have maintained a position for an intern in my office every summer.
Shortly after that summer, I hired my first full-time employee and focused on growing the firm. Our first
important commission came in 2000. It was the rehabilitation and renovation of a 15,000 square foot
building in Boonton. The project was most challenging for me because it was the complete “gut” of a
100-year-old building constructed of brick masonry and wood frame. It was a mixed-use building with
retail stores at the main level and offices on the other four levels. The project took 18 months to
complete and two million dollars of the owner’s money. This project gave me the confidence that I did
have the talent to work with a client to create a vision, prepare the necessary construction documents
for construction, and then coordinate a construction process to make the design a reality. This project
brought together all aspects of my training and it was successful. Since that time, we have designed
and completed over 250 residential, commercial, retail and institutional projects totaling more than $50
million in construction. I currently hold licenses in the states of New Jersey, New
York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maine, North Carolina and Florida. We have completed projects in
most of these states as well as other states in the field of retail design. I also hold a certificate from the
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (N.C.A.R.B.).
I made a tough, yet very exciting decision to join a larger practice after nine years of being a sole
practitioner. On January 1, 2008 I became a Principal of the firm Jarmel Kizel Architects and
Engineers, Inc. located in Livingston, New Jersey. I joined the firm as Principal in Charge of
Operations, and Principal in charge of the Retail Design Studio. I currently manage the retail rollout of
a major childcare development center, The Learning Experience, which is now in more than 12
states, and at the close of 2008 will have more than 80 centers in operation. Jarmel Kizel is one of the
largest and fastest growing architectural firms in New Jersey. It was bestowed with NJBiz’ magazines
New Jersey’s Finest award which honors New Jersey’s fifty fastest growing companies.

3. American Institute of Architects
I have been a member of the American Institute of Architects since I received my license in New
Jersey in 1998. I have been actively involved on the Board with the Newark & Suburban
Architects, a Section of the American Institute of Architects since 2004 and have held the positions
of Trustee, Design Day co-chairperson, NJIT liaison chairperson, Continuing Education
chairperson, Treasurer, Delegate to AIA New Jersey, and this year I hold the esteemed title of
President. It is fulfilling for me to be actively involved with the Institute and to contribute to the
development of the AIA. As President there are three objectives that I am working on: the first is
outreach for which I have spearheaded an alliance with USGBC-NJ northern, which is the local
chapter of USGBC. We held a joint meeting that will become an Annual meeting, and will act as a
platform for the two organizations to share ideas and work together on sustainable issues that affect
the built environment. In addition to this meeting, it was my responsibility to reach out to local
government leaders to discuss important issues that affect the profession. I was able to meet with
Congressman William Pascrell of the 8th District, Congressman Donald Payne of the 10th
District, and Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen of the 11th District. The purpose of these visits
was to discuss a series of issues including Energy Efficient Commercial Building’s Tax
Deduction, Promote Healthy and Safe Communities Through Transportation Funding, Eliminate
Retainage Rules on Architects and Engineers, and others. The meetings were very inspiring and
beneficial because each of the Congressman were in support of the issues and so much so that
Congressman Pascrell picked up his phone to call one of his staffers to make sure that they were
following up to support a bill that the AIA is supporting. The second objective is mentorship for
students and emerging professionals who are studying and working to become licensed architects. I
am in the process of formally creating a program that will be known as “MatchArch” which will be an
online service that will allow students and emerging professionals to connect with a licensed
architect in their area who may act as a mentor. It is paramount that licensed architects and
members of the AIA fulfill an obligation that has existed since the beginning of the profession, which
is to mentor the architects of the future.
My third objective is social
responsibility. My section
recently held an international
competition known as “Live the
Box” which challenged
architects, designers, and
architecture students across the
world to design an urban mixed
use project utilizing shipping
Meeting with Congressman
containers. Here in New Jersey Pascrell during AIA
our shipping ports have an Advocacy Week
extreme surplus of shipping
containers that can be utilized for
other means and in this
case, housing. The competition
was a huge success receiving
well over 100 submissions from
more than eight countries. We
will be hosting an awards gala in
November to honor the winners
as well as talk about the
importance of urban design and
the importance that architects Meeting with Congressman
play in solving social issues. Frelinghuysen during AIA
Advocacy Week

4. 404-408 Main Street
Boonton, New Jersey
I was commissioned this project in my second year of
practice, 2000, and it was a major turning point for my
career. It was the first adaptive reuse project for me and it
brought together my design and construction experience in
such a way that I never imagined. The project was a
sensitive project for the owner and the town of Boonton
because the town was pushing a redevelopment plan of the
downtown area and this building was the largest building at Existing Main Street Elevation
the south end of Main Street. The building was built circa
1900 and we were completely gutting the building. The The construction process took eight months to
client was very impressed with my first vision which was to complete. I was somewhat nervous about the
eliminate the separations between the three individual units construction process because this was my
and open the floor plates. It was imperative for us to do this largest project to date. But I knew that my
because the building was being used for business offices on experience in the construction field and the
the upper two levels and lower two levels. The Main Street documents themselves would allow the project
level was to be retail. Understanding the construction of the to move smoothly, which it did. Throughout the
building was paramount to achieve the open floor plates. project there were site meetings to discuss the
My relationship with the owner could not have been better. typical construction issues, but unlike other
He fully trusted my judgment in design and the construction projects, the meetings were very much
approach. He was adamant about putting the right materials collaborative between the contractor, the owner
into the building and not comprising the purity of the and myself. The chemistry of the team allowed
original construction. the project to flow smoothly. This situation
bolstered my confidence in my personal
abilities, but most importantly in the project
team. This project taught me how important the
project team is to the project and that the
relationship between the three parties holds the
key to the project being successful.
Today, I work very hard upfront with the client
to get them to buy into the importance of the
“team”. As a result of this, I have much success
in delivering a quality project.
Completed Main Street Elevation Interior rear vestibule

5. Accredited Lock Supply
Secaucus, New Jersey
This project entailed the exterior and
interior renovation of 30,000 square feet
of space. Accredited Lock is the largest
supplier of door hardware on the east
coast. This project was challenging
because the showroom had to remain in
operation throughout the construction
process. The façade design was also
challenging because the façade was not
Main showroom entry in the same plane. The main showroom
entry (to the right on the sketch) is
setback approximately 100 feet from the
entry to the training center on the left.
The answer was to marry the
architecture for both, similar canopies
and façade treatments.
The design approach was to allow the
materials of the building to be
exposed, an industrial feel, which was
appropriate due to the nature of the
business. The owner was very excited
about the concept. We incorporated
wood veneers on the column
claddings, the furniture, and the face of
the sales counter. We incorporated
metals throughout, polished concrete
floors and a polished concrete
View of sales counter countertop with inlay glass tiles. The
ceiling of the showroom was painted
black so it would disappear, while the
mechanical ductwork was bare
galvanized metal so it appeared to hover
amongst a black backdrop.
The project was completed in a little
over one year, in two separate phases.
The project cost was $2.5 million.
View of mezzanine Initial rendering sketch

6. Accredited Lock Supply
Secaucus, New Jersey
View of training center entry
Initial design sketch
View of showroom
Detail photograph
View of showroom

7. Salerm Cosmetica USA Headquarters
Clifton, New Jersey
Salerm Cosmetica is an international company that produces
and distributes its own hair salon products. They are presently
in over 10 countries world wide. This project involves the new
construction of their US corporate headquarters located on the
site of their present northeast distribution center. The building
is to be constructed in place of their existing one, attached to
two other existing buildings. The owner has created a very
modern and chic image of the company and desired the same
of the building. This was the first project that I implemented
the use of BIM technology as well as sustainable design. The
building incorporates a green roof, high performance glass, a
well insulated building skin, building management system that
integrates lighting and HVAC controls, recycling of roof water
for landscape irrigation, spray foam insulation, and additional
smart building materials. The building incorporates glass, metal
panels, and brick for the exterior elements. The program
includes: warehouse and truck loading, offices, corporate
dining, conference room, training room with raised stage, and
product showroom. The project is
currently under construction and is
slated for completion in the
summer of 2009. The project
budget is $4.5 million.

8. The Learning Experience
National Retail Rollout
Typical prototype rendering
The Learning Experience is a franchised childcare The construction process is managed in house and
development company now operating more than 40 is quite challenging not only because of the
centers nationwide. By the end of 2008, there will geographic locations of the centers but also
be more than 80 centers operating in 12 states. because each center typically is built by a different
These are state of the art centers focusing on child developer.
development from 3 months to 5 years of age. The
The Learning Experience utilizes the building itself
centers are designed as three prototypes: 11,000
as a learning tool for the children by labeling each
sf, 12,500 sf, and 15,000 sf. Each center offers an
and every item in the building such as, soap
indoor playroom called Make Believe Boulevard
dispenser, telephone, light switch, door, etc. This
which incorporates a “main street” with building
project has literally been a Learning Experience.
facades representing a diner, fire
house, market, mechanic garage, and convenience
store where children can roll play. The playroom
incorporates an upper level that is accessed by
stairs and exits by way of a slide into a ball pit.
The largest center incorporates an enriched
curriculum called Jelly Bean Junction which adds
classrooms for science, art, dance, and a theatre
stage. Although the centers are designed as a
prototype, no two floor plans are alike. Each state
has licensing requirements which control
teacher/student ratios, and room size/student ratios.
Each design is also modified according to the
particular market that the center is located in. The
exterior building styles change depending upon Make Believe Boulevard
local architectural requirements. The building has
been purposely designed with a residential style so
that the children feel “at home” as well as the fact
that most centers are located in residential areas.

9. Redevelopment Project
Morristown, New Jersey
This project entailed the redevelopment of a
ten acre site know as the “Oxbow Area”
which is bounded by Spring Street, and
Center St. and Coal Avenue, and is bisected
by the Whippany River. The area is a low
lying site and extremely restricted to site
disturbance. The program includes the
following: two buildings of four stories and
80 units of residential, and one building five
to six stories with 80 units of residential and
Rendering- perspective view 40 unit building
ground level retail stores.
The area has multiple redevelopment sites
currently under construction and it was
important to the Mayor and Redevelopment
Board that the site incorporated architectural
elements prevalent to the existing residential
homes in the area as well as a modern sleek
approach to the mixed-use building. Parking
is provided on grade as well as in a parking
garage behind the mixed-use building.
This is a very exciting project due to its
historic setting and its impact on a site that
has been underutilized for decades.
The project is currently in the approval
process.
Rendering- perspective view 80 unit building
Rendering- side elevation

10. Private Residence
Smoke Rise, Kinnelon, New Jersey
This project was for a past client who came to
me with the challenge of designing a very large
addition/renovation to his home, and would take
advantage of the beautiful views of his rear yard
and lake. The initial reason he came back to me
was because the architect he chose to work
with, told him that there was nothing that could
be saved of the original home and that it had to
be demolished. The owner could not believe
View of completed front elevation
that this was the only approach to the project.
Since we just completed renovating a historic
building in Boonton, he had confidence that I
could design the addition.
His vision was rustic, ski lodge-
like, timbers, large fireplace, with lots of glass
overlooking the rear yard. The project was
challenging on multiple levels, lots of rock, lots
of trees, and deep property setbacks.
The result was a success in that 50% of the
original first floor remained, the plan was
improved by opening rooms to one another, the
family room and kitchen have expanded views
to the rear as well as a private sitting room off
the master bedroom suite. The materials used
on the interior and exterior are all natural woods
and stone.
View of completed entry
View of completed family room Existing home viewed from rear

11. Abbreviated Project List
Institutional
HARLEY DAVIDSON OF BERGEN
MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY, COUNTY
UPPER MONTCLAIR, NJ Project Architect responsible for the
Dean Suite Renovations 4,000 sq. ft interior renovation renovation and conversion of an existing
including private offices, general office 12,000 sq. ft. industrial building into sales and
space, conference rooms, waiting areas. service areas of merchandise and
motorcycles, warehouse space, office
Project cost: $250,000. space, and a meeting room.
Core Technology Upgrades Installation of a new fiber Hospitality
optic backbone connecting nine buildings on campus.
Consultant in charge of coordinating all penetrations and RADISSON HOTEL, ENGLEWOOD,NJ
paths of communication and mechanical lines. Various facilities upgrades including ADA
Project cost: $2,000,000 est. accessibility, exterior canopy and entry
redesign, health club upgrades.
Commercial
PRIME HOSPITALITY CORPORATION
ACCREDITED LOCK SUPPLY COMPANY
AmeriSuites Hotel 125,000 sq. ft. nine-story
27,000 sq. ft. interior/exterior renovation incorporating a building consisting of 152 guest
new showroom, sales floor area, administrative suites, meeting rooms, laundry and food
offices, training room facility, corporate dining accommodations. Project Architect responsible
room, and executive offices. Project cost: $4,500,000 est. for design development, coordination of
TOWN & COUNTRY PHARMACY contract documents, and shop drawing review.
8,000 sq. ft. interior/exterior renovation including a retail Project cost: $5.1 million.
pharmacy and doctor’s offices. Project Locations:
Project cost: $2,500,000. Secaucus, NJ., Topeka, KA, Albuquerque, NM
, Oklahoma City, OK
404–408 MAIN STREET, BOONTON, NJ
Industrial
15,000 sq. ft. multi tenant residential building with street
level retail shops converted into business offices and UNITED STATES GYPSUM CO.,
upscale retail shops. PORT REDDING, NJ
Project cost: $2,500,000. 15,000 sq. ft. of new employee dining
Retail facilities, training room with kitchen
facilities, and management offices. Project
ANN TAYLOR cost: $500,000.
Design architect for Ann Taylor Loft stores nationwide Commercial
ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 sq. ft.
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
TUMI
Project Fix-Up Retail driven alteration
Installation of luggage and handbag displays within program for existing Post Offices in the
existing luggage shops, 150–500 sq. ft. per store. Bronx, Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Locations nationwide Project Architect in charge of design, contract
documents and construction administration.
THE GAP STORES, INC. Projects included upgrades of main lobby
Project Architect responsible for developing various Gap areas, lighting upgrades in workroom, A.D.A.
stores nationally. Responsibilities included the accessibility and compliance, masonry and
management and coordination of various brick restoration, and the investigation of
consultants, design development, contract documents and building failures.
construction administration. Project cost(s): $300,000 – $900,000.

12. Abbreviated Project List (cont.) Professional Organizations
Transportation ■ American Institute of Architects
BOSTON-LOGAN INTERNATIONAL ■ The New Jersey Society of Architects
AIRPORT
Treasurer, 2009-present
International Gateway Addition and alteration to the
Delegate, 2006-2008
existing terminal. Building program included new
ticketing hall/check-in counters, retail hall, meeter/ ■ AIA Newark and Suburban Architects
greeter hall, renovate existing departures lounge,
President, 2008
new arrivals/departures roadways. Produced details
of the exterior wall systems, interior finish systems. Board of Trustees, 2004–2009
Project cost: $300 million. Design Day Co-Chairman, 2004
NEWARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: Continuing Education Chairman, 2005
REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Treasurer, 2006-2007
Automated People Mover Remote Stations Project
President, 2008
involved the design of four monorail stations at
approximately 12,000 sq. ft. per station. Designed ■ United States Green Building Council
various details and handled design alterations during
Member, 2004–present
the construction phase.
Project cost: $742.0 million (overall project cost) Professional Licenses and
Canopies at Remote Stations 6,100 sq. ft. of exterior Certifications
canopy at two stations. Responsible for the design,
coordination and preparation of the contract ■ New Jersey License AI13989
documents.
■ New York License 027468
Project cost: $650,000.
■ Pennsylvania License RA 402349
JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL
■ Connecticut License 10431
AIRPORT: REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
■ Maine License ARC3160
American Airlines Terminal Buildings:
Redevelopment of Frontage Area Scope of work ■ North Carolina License 11621
included 62,000 sq. ft. of exterior canopy,
■ Florida License AR 95150
realignment of existing roadways,
crosswalk/walkway areas, drop-off and pick-up ■ N.C.A.R.B. Certification 55,923
areas for both on-airport and off-airport
transportation. Responsible for developing the Education
design and contract documents for the elements of
the frontage area: bus shelters, windscreens, and taxi New Jersey Institute of Technology,
dispatcher’s booths. Involved in the development of School of Architecture, Newark, NJ
various details of the exterior canopy.
Date of Graduation: May 1993
Project cost: $43.5 million
Bachelor of Architecture
LA GUARDIA AIRPORT
Award: Design Related to Construction and Engineering
Central Terminal Building: Remodernization
Renovation of existing building into a multi-level,
16,000 sq.ft. atrium space encompassed by 50,000
sq.ft. of retail spaces and 30,000 sq.ft. of concession
and airline spaces. Assisted in the design of various
interior and exterior elements by performing various
materials studies and the investigations of color
schemes.
Project cost: $47.0 million.