Innovation Hub Earns AIA Central New Jersey Design Award

Seton Hall University’s Innovation Hub ("Hub"), located within the Teaching, Learning and Technology Center (TLTC) in Walsh Library, opened in spring 2026 and has received a 2026 Design Award from the Central New Jersey Section of the American Institute of Architects (AIA CNJ) in the interior design category.

The award was presented October 6 at AIA CNJ’s third annual Design & Service Awards Night at Cherry Valley Country Club in Skillman, New Jersey. The event recognized architectural projects and professionals for excellence in design, leadership and service across Central New Jersey.

Petar Mattioni, AIA, of KSS Architects was named the award recipient for the Innovation Hub project. The recognition highlights the project’s contribution to Seton Hall’s campus environment and the role of thoughtful design in supporting the University’s academic mission.

Developing the Innovation Hub required careful coordination of the facility’s design, engineering and construction to create a space that supports new ideas and collaboration,” said Victoria Pivovarnick, associate vice president of Facilities and Business Affairs. “We’re proud to see the project recognized and grateful to our partners at KSS Architects for helping bring this vision to life through thoughtful design and execution.

The Innovation Hub serves as a resource for Seton Hall students, faculty and researchers. Its spaces support individual study, collaboration, research and access to academic and multimedia content creation resources, making the Hub an important part of the University’s learning environment.

The AIA CNJ awards program recognizes projects spanning educational facilities, residential design, historic preservation, public spaces and community institutions. This year’s other honorees included projects for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and Long Branch Free Public Library, as well as residential and civic projects.

The awards celebration also featured a presentation by Sal Forgione, AIA, PMP, associate federal principal and design lead at HDR, on the role of planning, programming and collaboration in creating civic and public architecture that serves community needs.

For more information about the 2026 AIA Central New Jersey Design & Service Awards and to view the award-winning projects, visit AIA Central New Jersey.

Categories: Campus Life