Service has been the defining principle of Stacey Ruhle Kliesch's career—as an architect, mentor, educator, and advocate. That lifelong commitment has earned her the 2026 NJIT Alumni Achievement Award. Selection criteria include professional success, recognition by peers, and service to the school. Across every role she holds, Kliesch, M.Arch. ’99, M.S. ’99, is recognized for her dedication and expertise. At NJIT she has served for years on the dean’s alumni council, supported students in a myriad of ways, and worked with the college visiting high school students across New Jersey to introduce the possibilities of an architecture education at NJIT.
A long-term volunteer for the New Jersey chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), she got her start by creating a program using thousands of LEGO bricks to introduce architectural design education to grades K-12. This LEGO lesson eventually gained national reach and then evolved into a mobile digital model. Kliesch designed training workshops for fellow members to deliver charrettes to engage young people in the design of the built environment. Ultimately, this program received a national award for its ability to inspire interest in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) careers. Today, she is a contributing writer, speaker and mentor for the national AIA K-12 Pathways program and has received multiple grants to continue developing and providing content to thousands of young people every year.
“Architecture is fundamental, shelter is one of the oldest basic needs of human beings,” said Kliesch. “[Architecture] gives us a wonderful opportunity to be servants to the community, to be observant, to make good decisions for our planet. I'm excited for the fact that we're preparing young architects who care deeply about these responsibilities.”
“As students neared graduation, Stacey helped prepare them for the transition to the workforce, organizing events at Hillier College to allow students to network with potential employers, practice interview skills, learn about industry trends in New Jersey, and get feedback on their professional portfolios,” said Professor Emeritus Anthony Schuman.
“Architecture is a service profession; architects serve their clients and, by extension, the communities in which they work. But some architects are also dedicated to serving the profession itself, because they know the profession is also a community. Stacey’s many years of service to the architecture profession and professional education are exemplary; she works tirelessly to foster a sense of belonging, to cultivate shared values, and to serve as a role model for, in particular, our students and alumni. Stacey is richly deserving of the Alumni Achievement Award," said Gabrielle Esperdy.
Her commitment to service extends beyond education, in 2019 Kliesch became the founding chair of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New Jersey Chapter Equity in Architecture Committee. In this role she supported underrepresented architects and developed programming to increase the understanding and application of the AIA Guide to Equitable Practice in architecture firms. “She has been a champion of underrepresented architects through articles, interviews, special events, panel discussions, gallery exhibits, showcases, book signings, storytelling, mentoring and more,” said Melissa Nieves, Assoc. AIA, who earned her Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Infrastructure Planning in 2019 and is currently an aviation project manager at the Port Authority of NY and NJ.
“Seeing her champion diversity and inclusion in architecture has inspired my own journey. Her leadership has reinforced my commitment to advancing diversity within the profession, and many of my achievements have been influenced by the example she continues to set. She has shown me what is possible when you lead with purpose, generosity, and a genuine desire to elevate others,” said Nieves.
That dedication has earned admiration throughout New Jersey's architecture community where Kliesch is widely regarded among her colleagues, who are equally commendatory, noting her support of others, her ability to balance several roles, and her professionalism. Michael Hanrahan, FAIA, ’96, of Clark Caton Hintz, and long-time leader within AIA said this of Kliesch, “Since 2003, Stacey has led her own architecture firm, practicing in New York and New Jersey. An award-winning architect, she has produced tour-worthy designs while raising a family and sustaining extensive volunteer commitments. As a result, she serves as a powerful role model for balancing professional success, entrepreneurship, and family life. She is equally generous in mentoring peers, openly sharing best practices, and guiding others through career transitions.”
Kliesch believes that a strong professional community is essential to the success of architects at every stage of their careers. She has strengthened connections within AIA New Jersey, where many members practice in small firms that benefit from sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices. For emerging professionals, that sense of community is especially valuable, providing access to mentors, networking opportunities, and employers who support the rigorous path to licensure and professional development. “I completed my B. Arch and required internships before coming to NJIT for my post-professional degree at the New Jersey School of Architecture (NJSoA). That experience has played an important role in my career and in the careers of so many of my peers. NJSoA has had a tremendous impact on the architecture profession in New Jersey. During my career, our industry has gone through waves of change that made people feel like architecture was being transformed—or even crumbling,” said Kliesch. “We saw it with the shift from hand drawing to computer-aided drafting (CAD) in the 1990s, and we are seeing it again with artificial intelligence. These are simply new ways of communicating and using the tools available to us. Most importantly, though, we have a community that will help us navigate whatever comes next.”
“I have always valued serving alongside Stacey on boards and committees. She is an enthusiastic, supportive leader who shares recognition, uplifts colleagues, and fosters confidence in others’ achievements,” said Robert Cozarelli, FAIA. “Highly regarded across New Jersey’s AEC community, she is frequently sought out for events and committees and contributes to government affairs efforts that strengthen legislation related to the built environment, improving the lives of New Jersey citizens.”
Judy Donnelly, AIA, M. Arch ’96, past president of AIA NJ and prior recipient of the NJIT Alumni Achievement Award said this of Kliesch, “Stacey is defined by her positivity, confidence, and enthusiasm. She is widely respected for sharing the spotlight and encouraging other women to pursue leadership and professional opportunities. She has consistently reached across New Jersey to ensure that every woman questioning her place in the profession knows she is seen, heard, and supported on her path to success.”
Through decades of leadership, mentorship, and service, Kliesch has demonstrated that architecture extends far beyond designing buildings. By investing in students, colleagues, and communities, she has helped shape the future of the profession. The NJIT Alumni Achievement Award recognizes not only an accomplished architect, but a leader whose greatest legacy may be the people she has inspired.
