Only 15 minutes away from Manhattan, Newark, New Jersey, provides residents with the same vibrance and amenities of living in New York City, while offering affordable living spaces. Newark gives residents plenty of work opportunities as the city is peppered with businesses in the financial, legal, and health care sectors. This city is also surrounded by luscious green spaces like Branch Brook Park. 

Many outstanding architects in New Jersey are helping to create affordable housing opportunities for Newark residents. Our editors have gathered eight of the best multifamily architects in the area. These firms have been in the industry for 6 to 46 years, with solid portfolios showcasing their expertise. They are all members of the American Institute of Architects and many are dedicated to sustainability with LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) members.

Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners

2 Gateway Center, 283-299 Market St, Suite 1700, Newark, NJ 07102-5252

Based in Newark, Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners is an award-winning firm serving the northeast region. This team pays careful attention to details and uses quality materials and sustainable elements to create the best living spaces for clients. Since their inception in 1995, they have been offering top-notch services to clients in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Philadelphia. 

Founded by David Minno and Gary Wasko, the firm is currently led by Minno, AIA. Minno uses his 26 years of experience, and Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania, to guide his team in building complex multifamily and mixed-use facilities in and outside New Jersey.  

Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners was recently recognized as the Best Redevelopment Project for Modera Lofts from the SAM Awards. Their impressive work has also been featured in publications including Elle Magazine, Industry Magazine, and Commercial Observer. 

One of the firm’s most impressive projects in New Jersey is Clarus. Located in Maplewood, this low-rise residential building has a sustainable design. It has been recognized as a WELL Multifamily Residential Certified Building, signifying the firm’s efforts to promote healthier and environment-friendly living. This residence is also accessible to transportation as it is directly next to the Maplewood train station. To take advantage of this location’s vibrant city environment, the firm’s design included retail, fitness, rest, and recreation facilities. This project is truly a representation of how Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners help in improving people’s way of living.

Jarmel Kizel Architects and Engineers

42 Okner Pkwy, Livingston, NJ 07039

Established in 1975, Jarmel Kizel Architects and Engineers is the longest-running firm on this list. Over the years, they have transformed from an interior design firm to a full-service architectural, engineering, and interior design company. Their solid reputation and quality work have been recognized by multiple publications including Westchester Magazine, ES Magazine, and New Jersey Business Magazine. They have also won many awards including the recent Bricks and Mortar Preservation Award from the Montclair New Jersey Historic Preservation Commission. 

The leadership of Jarmel Kizel Architects and Engineers includes three generations of Jarmels as well as Irwin Kizel. Currently headed by Matthew B. Jarmel, AIA, the firm was founded by Marvin Jarmel, an interior design specialist. Matthew now works together with his son, Richard Jarmel, and Kizel. Richard Jarmel, PE, is an engineer while Kizel, AIA PP, is an architect and planner. Their teamwork and collaboration have been the key to the firm’s longevity.  

A result of the company’s well-executed collaboration is the 63,280-square-foot William Flats in Newark. For this mixed-use development project, the Jarmel Kizel Architects and Engineers’ team provided architectural design, and engineering services. Their role in this project encompassed civil and structural aspects of the building, as well as MEP and fire protection. The final product was both structurally sound and safe for both residents and retailers.

Inglese Architecture + Engineering

632 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009

Inglese Architecture + Engineering is a leader in multifamily housing. Jak Inglese, AIA, PE, founded the firm intending to build structures that make a neighborhood stand out. With more than 30 years in the industry and degrees from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Inglese, a LEED AP, is also dedicated to building sustainable communities. 

Proof of Inglese Architecture + Engineering’s quality work is their collection of accolades including the Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Award from three New Jersey institutions: the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA), the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. They have also been featured in Bloomberg and New York Magazine. 

Inglese Architecture + Engineering has handled several mixed-use and housing projects in New Jersey. Part of their portfolio is Harmony Square in Newark. This multi-phased development project involved designing for two adjacent buildings. The firm provided architectural and engineering services as well as construction administration. They selected two contrasting tones for the facade of the building, fulfilling their promise of creating standout structures within the community.

Netta Architects

1084 Route 22 West, Mountainside, NJ 07092

Winner of the 2020 ASID Awards, Netta Architects is a leader in design. Established in 1995, this firm knows that form must meet function and that designs must be sustainable. They create buildings that help both tenants and the environment while ensuring that all plans meet Energy Star criteria. The firm’s dedication to sustainable methods is due to their oath as a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Netta Architects has also graced several publications including Biz Journals, TAPinto, and NJ.com. 

Netta Architects continues to be successful due to Nicholas J. Netta’s leadership. With memberships with AIA and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, Netta rallies his team of professionals to create unique solutions for each client’s demands. He uses his 30 years of experience and education from the New Jersey Institute of Technology School of Architecture to keep the company ahead of the game. 

Netta Architects has a high-profile portfolio that solidifies their credibility in the industry. Part of this incredible portfolio is the New Horizons Boulevard West project. Located in Newark, the mixed-use facility has a dedicated commercial space, a leasing office, and 89 housing rental units.

Comito Associates

23 Warren St, Newark, NJ 07102

Founded in 1987, Comito Associates is a Newark-based company that develops urban environments. As a full-service firm, they specialize in architecture, design, planning, and engineering. They are a reliable company that have helped communities, the environment, and many institutions. Their outstanding architecture has led to features in publications such as TAPinto, NJ.com, and My Central Jersey. 

Under the leadership of Gregory Comito, founder and president, Comito Associates has completed several high-density urban projects in Newark and surrounding areas. Comito uses his expertise in design and construction, as well as management and programming, to deliver outstanding residential spaces. Licensed in different states, Comito has produced market-rate housing, apartments, and mixed-use facilities. 

In Newark, Comito Associates helped design the Baxter Terrace to fit the urban setting. This mixed-use development project provides both residential and commercial spaces with easy access to schools in the neighborhood. As LEED AP, Comito and his team made sure to provide a sustainable design, earning the project an Energy Star certification. This stunning four-story structure is visually appealing and blends perfectly with other buildings nearby.

OCA Architects, Inc.

211 Warren St, Newark, NJ 07103

OCA Architects is based in Newark and was founded in 2015. They are an emerging firm who has already completed several projects for market-rate housing, apartment, and mixed-use developments. With expertise in architecture, planning, interior design, and engineering, OCA Architects is a well-rounded firm. These talented and creative professionals supply innovative solutions, allowing the company to compete with industry giants.

The firm’s mission is to create architecturally-significant and impressive buildings at a reasonable cost. Obi C. Agudosi, AIA, the firm’s leadership, works hard to continue the firm’s success. Agudosi is an alumnus of the University of Louisiana and has over 36 years of industry experience.

One of the projects OCA Architects has handled is the 700 Bangs Apartments, a project for Sackman Enterprises. This particular building is four stories high with 42 residential units. The 75,675 square-foot space contains underground parking, one level of retail, parking and lobby space, and a penthouse with outdoor space at the roof.

C+C Architecture

819 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306

Established in 2006, C + C Architecture is a Jersey City-based firm in pursuit of modern solutions. Specializing in urban architecture and planning, the firm uses modern techniques to increase building efficiency and energy conservation. Their goal is to lead communities to the future while respecting the environment. This kind of forward-thinking is the reason why well-known publications like The Wall Street Journal and New York Business Journal have featured their work. 

C + C Architecture handles various types of projects, both big and small. The firm’s simple and practical style is evident in all their designs, including the Lincoln Park Condominium 462. The building is simple yet impactful while also being unassuming and perfectly fitting “The Brick City.” The clean lines and simplicity are carried through the building’s interiors. With a loft-style for each residential unit, ample space for breathing room and proper air to flow is created. 

It takes years of experience to know how to use restraint and finesse in architecture and design. Luckily, C + C Architecture is guided by AIA members Frederick and Caswell Cooke who have 58 years of combined experience in the industry. Frederick has a Master of Architecture from Yale School of Architecture. Caswell finished his architecture degree at the University of Virginia.