ANDREW E. THOMPSON
Passaic County
SAY IT LOUD - NEW JERSEY Exhibitor
New Jersey Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
My mentor Richard Franklin NOMAC AIA. Over the years he has provided guidance on my path to becoming a licensed architect and providing an opportunity to be part of one the largest transportation projects in the state of New York.
ANDREW E. THOMPSON
Bio:
Andrew Thompson is the Passaic County Architect in New Jersey. His work includes historic preservation projects, courthouse renovations and building infrastructure upgrades for various County properties. He is the 2025 President for AIA New Jersey. He is a member of the NOMA Council (NOMAC). From 2010 to 2014 Andrew was a Planning Board Commissioner for the City of East Orange. He has a BArch from Pratt Institute and a Masters in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I became interested in architecture after building a 1/4" scale balsa wood frame house in high school. My model was exhibited in the mall in Flatbush Brooklyn. I knew I can make an impact on my community and the environment by becoming an architect..
What do you do?
I am an architect currently working for local government. Working with local and state government on projects is important to show the value of our profession. My projects involve new construction, courthouses and building infrastructure.
What excites you in the work you do?
Working with County stakeholders as an architect and the fact I am a Black architect gives me pride. My projects benefit the County and State staff, but it is the public who make use of those buildings and spaces that provide me satisfaction.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
My mentor Richard Franklin NOMAC AIA. Over the years he has provided guidance on my path to becoming a licensed architect and providing an opportunity to be part of one the largest transportation projects in the state of New York.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Completing the renovation of the Passaic County Court House Annex, built in 1899, in Paterson NJ . This project started before and then during the pandemic. A good partnership with the consulting architect brought this historic building back to life.
Featured Project Name:
Dey Mansion Museum Restoration
Featured Project Location:
Wayne New Jersey
Featured Project Completion Date:
2016
Role in Featured Project:
County Architect overseeing design and construction
Featured Project Description:
The Dey Mansion built in 1772 was one of the headquarters for George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Andrew worked with the architect of record John Milner Architects on a major interior and exterior restoration and renovation of the Dey Mansion Museum that incorporated ADA access. Andrew coordinated construction with the contractor Dell Tech. He oversaw coordination with the New Jersey State Preservation office as per state requirements for historic projects receiving state funding.