Anthony Schirripa, who held leadership positions at Gensler and Mancini Duffy, established a legacy of extraordinary service to AIA, transforming AIA New York with his financial management and contributing his powerful advocacy to the Institute’s national board.
What’s your greatest achievement?
Not an easy question, but I take a high level of satisfaction in knowing that I turned over the leadership reins of Mancini Duffy to the next generation at the right time. I’m proud to say the firm was in a much improved financial condition, and with the right people in place, it will continue to grow by working with great clients for generations to come.
What is the most memorable moment of your career?
It is not just a moment: In 2010, I served as New York chapter president and was elevated to the College of Fellows. It was quite a year for me with a lot to look back on.
What inspired you to get involved with AIA?
My mentor and dear friend, Walter Hunt, FAIA, asked that I get involved at the local level, and as a result, I agreed to serve on the chapter's finance committee at a time when it had launched a capital campaign to raise funds to build a new headquarters and Center for Architecture. Walter wanted me to be involved in that process and to apply my experience and knowledge of complex interior renovation projects to ensure the project came in on budget. That involvement ultimately lead to nearly 20 years of service at the local level as chapter president, state level director, and regional and at-large director on the National Board.
What have you hoped to accomplish through your AIA advocacy?
I always hoped—and I think I contributed to this—to strengthen an organization that is responsive to the needs of its members, that is financially strong to weather economic cycles, and that is recognized by the public we serve as the leading voice for architects in service to society. The goal: That we become recognized thought leaders for the built environment and drive design excellence that serves our clients in ways that are environmentally sensitive and sustainable.
What’s your approach to architecture?
Successfully executing a project for a client depends on more than one person but takes teamwork and collaboration. It means building a talented project team that includes the client, and developing a schedule that allows sufficient time to develop a great design, prepare complete and accurate contract documents, and successfully follow through on construction and client occupancy.
What project that you’ve worked on best reflects that approach?
This approach has been used on most of the projects I’ve been part of, so it's difficult for me to identify just one project. But the most recent is the A+E Networks Headquarters in Manhattan. Our team—brought in after the project had begun—adapted to the fast-track schedule and delivered it on time and on budget. The teamwork and collaboration between the client, ourselves, and consultants was instrumental to success.
What’s the best description of your leadership style?
Collegial and a consensus builder. All members of a team or a firm have something to contribute to the success of an effort. It is important to listen!
How has that approach changed over the years?
It really hasn’t. The issues and players have changed and as such, a good leader must adapt to current conditions. But the source of success is still the same: listening to the people around us.
What is the greatest challenge facing architects today?
The greatest challenge we face today is keeping abreast of the ever increasing complexity of buildings and their systems in order to achieve resilient and sustainable designs that reduce energy consumption and our carbon footprint. We also must ensure that the future of our profession is diverse and inclusive and represents the public we serve.
What should architects do to respond to that challenge?
By sharing sharing knowledge with our peers through AIA and other organizations. We must collaborate with others when addressing these challenges as we can’t solve them on our own. We should also get involved in K-12 education to expose young people to careers in architecture, and mentor them to achieve success.
What was the greatest challenge you faced in your career?
The rebuilding of Mancini Duffy's New York office after the terrorist attack that destroyed the World Trade Center on September 11. We had to relocate to temporary quarters, find a new permanent home, take care of our own people and their families, and not lose a moment in serving our clients.
What jobs did your parents have?
My dad was a contractor, and my mom was a homemaker—until later in life, when she took on a career at New York Telephone Company and was involved in coordinating residential installations.
When did you first realize you wanted to be an architect?
My father owned and operated a small construction company and was a bricklayer by trade. Like many young kids, I wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps so I asked him to “show me the ropes.” Like many parents, he wanted more for me and said I needed to think about going to college. Still wanting to be involved in buildings like my dad, I focused on architecture. It drove my decision to attend Brooklyn Technical High School with its program in architecture—one of my best decisions because it instilled in me the value of design and technical thinking.
What would you have been if not an architect?
I likely would have pursued a career in construction management, based on my father’s influence. While a different role, I would still be involved in the industry.
What is your favorite building?
My favorite building—and also a significant influence on my wanting to pursue a career in architecture—is Saarinen’s TWA Terminal at Idlewild, now JFK Airport. It symbolized to me—a 13-year-old during the jet age—the soaring possibilities of design and what the future of buildings could be. I am glad that the building survives and has become part of a new hotel at the airport.
Which five architects, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner with?
Eero Saarinen, Philip Johnson, Santiago Calatrava, Hon. FAIA, Frank Lloyd Wright, M. Arthur Gensler
What does winning the Edward C. Kemper Award mean to you?
It's a thrilling but humbling experience. To have the Institute that I have been a member of and served for 40 years recognize my career and service is a high honor. I am grateful for the recognition.
