Featured project: Essex County College’s West Essex Campus in West Caldwell, New Jersey, designed by Netta Architects.

Updated September 12, 2026. This article revisits an earlier Netta Architects announcement with current firm and project information.

Netta Architects’ No. 8 placement on NJBIZ’s list of New Jersey architectural firms represents a milestone in the practice’s growth. The recognition provides an opportunity to look at the people, client relationships, and New Jersey projects behind the firm’s work.

In the original announcement, CEO Nicholas J. Netta described the designation as an affirmation of the firm’s strategic vision and growth initiatives, crediting its employees and clients.

Understanding the NJBIZ Architectural Firms List

NJBIZ ranks architectural firms by the number of New Jersey licensed architects, as explained in its published list methodology. This provides a measure of a firm’s professional presence in the state. For owners evaluating an architecture partner, that context sits alongside the firm’s relevant project experience, technical capabilities, and approach to collaboration.

Netta Architects’ earlier No. 8 recognition forms part of its history as a New Jersey practice. Its portfolio illustrates how that practice serves institutions, public agencies, and private clients with different operational and design needs.

A New Jersey Architecture Firm with a Broader Reach

Founded in 1993 by Nicholas J. Netta, AIA, NCARB, Netta Architects provides architecture, planning, and interior design services. With its headquarters in New Jersey and offices in New York City and Florida, the firm supports projects across education, civic and government facilities, justice and public safety, aviation, healthcare, and multifamily housing.

The firm’s work begins with understanding how a building needs to function: who will use it, how spaces connect, and what the client needs the facility to support over time. Planning, design, documentation, and construction-phase coordination translate those priorities into a building that serves its intended purpose.

New Jersey Projects Behind the Practice

Three projects demonstrate the range of Netta Architects’ work across the state:

  • Essex County College West Essex Campus, West Caldwell: A new academic facility bringing classrooms, science and computer laboratories, student services, and shared learning spaces together. Netta designed the campus building to support higher education and workforce development.
  • NJIT Maple Hall, Newark: An eight-story student housing development with 548 beds, student amenities, retail, and structured parking. Netta served as an architecture partner in association with Niles Bolton Associates on this public-private partnership project.
  • Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex, Jersey City: A 24-courtroom facility addressing Hudson County’s judicial, public-service, and security needs. Netta served as Architect of Record in association with Fentress Architects, working from a design by Rafael Viñoly Architects.

Client Relationships at the Center of the Work

Across these building types, the client’s priorities shape the design process. A college needs spaces that adapt to changing programs. A student residence must connect everyday living with campus life. A courthouse requires careful coordination of public access, secure circulation, and court operations.

Netta Architects brings its design and technical experience to those distinct challenges. The NJBIZ recognition remains part of the firm’s story, while its projects show the practical work behind its continued development.