An Architect of Leadership: Nick Netta’s Full-Circle NJIT Honor

Nicholas J. “Nick” Netta ‘88 has spent decades shaping the built environment across New Jersey and beyond, but just as importantly, he has helped shape the people who will carry the profession forward.

This year, the Hillier College of Architecture and Design (HCAD) will honor Netta with the Distinguished Alumni in Leadership Award at the Design Showcase 2026, recognizing a career defined not only by design excellence, but by mentorship, service and a sustained commitment to the next generation of architects.

Netta, president and chief executive officer of Netta Architects, founded his firm in 1995 and has led its growth into a practice with offices in New York City, Mountainside, New Jersey and Boca Raton, Florida. Over the years, the firm has built a diverse portfolio spanning municipal facilities, public agencies, educational institutions, health care spaces, corporate environments and retail projects. 

Its completed work includes the Piscataway Community and Cultural Center, Ashbrook Golf Clubhouse, Kean University Student Housing, Union County Family Court House and the Galloping Hill Golf Clubhouse.

For Netta, however, leadership has always meant more than overseeing projects.

“It’s deeply humbling to be honored by the same institution that launched my career,” said Netta. “At this stage, it’s less about personal achievement and more about legacy: knowing that the next generation of architects we mentor at Netta (many of them NJIT grads, including my son Matthew) can appreciate that thoughtful leadership and impactful design are still recognized and rewarded.”

That sense of legacy runs throughout his career. Netta has maintained a long-standing commitment to recruiting and mentoring graduates of his alma mater, many of whom have gone on to hold leadership roles within his firm. In that way, his connection to NJIT is not simply historical. It remains active, visible and growing.

“NJIT was foundational in shaping both the architect and the leader I became,” he said. “The program demanded technical excellence and rigorous focus — skills that enabled me to be single-minded and dedicated to achieve the goals I set for myself and my firm.”

Before establishing his own practice, Netta worked at New Jersey Transit Corporation from 1991 to 1998, serving as a project manager. His professional impact in the state has extended well beyond private practice. He was appointed by the governor of New Jersey to the State Board of Architects and later served as its president, reflecting a career deeply tied to the advancement of architecture and public service in the state. He is also an active member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Never stop mentoring and giving back, pay it forward.

Taken together, those accomplishments help explain why this recognition centers on leadership.

For students hoping to follow a similar path, Netta’s advice reflects the values that have defined his own career.

“Here’s the advice I’d give today’s students: Master the fundamentals first, excel technically and understand how projects are constructed,” he said. “Seek broad experience early, diversity will make you a better designer and a more credible leader when you step out on your own. Build relationships and trust, architecture is a team sport. 

“Never stop mentoring and giving back, pay it forward; our profession needs more principled, skilled leaders.”

At this year’s Design Showcase, NJIT will celebrate a leader whose legacy can be seen not only in buildings across New Jersey, but in the architects he continues to inspire.