In recognition of its transformative, decades-long commitment to designing environments for older adults, New Jersey-based DIG Architecture (DIG) was honored by The Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey (JCHC) at its 2026 Annual Gala.
Co-founded by CEO Jeff Venezia, President Vince Myers, and COO Rich Alderiso, DIG was celebrated for its philanthropic dedication and its specialized approach to creating physical spaces that foster independence, dignity, and vibrant community connections for senior populations.
For nearly ten years, DIG has maintained a close partnership with JCHC and Lester Senior Living management to reimagine and upgrade environments for older adults. Most notably, DIG spearheaded a sweeping, multi-phase renovation spanning over 20,000 square feet across the Heller Independent Living and Weston Assisted Living wings at Lester Senior Living’s Whippany, N.J., campus.
The award-winning project introduced modern, interactive gathering spaces—including a new café, a reading room, a refurbished dining room, a state-of-the-art cinema theater with a concession area, and a self-contained memory care unit. The collaboration earned DIG and Lester Senior Living a prestigious “Best Non-Profit Project” award for the Mid-Atlantic Region.
“It is a deep honor for DIG to be recognized by the Jewish Community Housing Corporation, an organization whose commitment to providing dignity, safety and vibrant community for older adults closely aligns with our core mission,” said Vince Myers, President and principal-in-charge of the Senior Living Studio, who attended the gala alongside Managing Principal Suzette Bather and Principal Jaime Masler-Beach. “Senior living architecture is about far more than bricks and mortar. It is about creating spaces that foster connection, independence and the most appropriate care for our senior population.”
Beyond its senior living portfolio, DIG continues to leave a major mark on New Jersey community spaces. The firm serves as Architect-of-Record for the new 80,000-square-foot Ewing Township Senior & Community Center (ESCC), a project that doubles the size of the original facility following a 2022 fire. In addition to creating a modern hub for wellness and recreation, DIG oversaw the restoration of the property’s adjacent, historically significant Louis I. Kahn-designed bath house.
The JCHC Annual Gala celebrates organizations and leaders dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors through quality housing and supportive services. DIG was honored alongside fellow community champions, including Assemblywoman Dr. Rosy Bagolie (NJ 27th Legislative District) and the WILF Foundation, which has supported vulnerable populations across New Jersey for over six decades.
The evening featured a keynote address by Katie Smith Sloan, CEO of LeadingAge and Executive Director of the Global Aging Network, as well as a special performance by the JCHC Resident Choir. Proceeds from the gala directly benefit financial assistance programs and quality-of-life enhancements for JCHC senior residents.
