Jessica O’Donnell Named AIA New Jersey Chapter 2026 President
Urban Practice’s Senior Architect to Lead AIA New Jersey Chapter
Camden, NJ – February 02, 2026 – Urban Practice is proud to announce that its Senior Architect, Jessica O’Donnell, has been elected as President of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New Jersey Chapter. She was inducted earlier this month at the Chapter’s annual Installation and Awards Gala and her term will last through December 2026.
“We are thrilled to see Jessica selected as AIA New Jersey Chapter President,” said James Haley, Principal of Urban Practice. “This is a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and leadership she displays every day, and we look forward to watching her continue to make a difference in the AEC industry.”
As AIA New Jersey Chapter President, Jessica’s focus will be on increasing active member participation by making AIA New Jersey a valued place of belonging through its culture of inclusion and the community of resources available.
“I have had the privilege to learn from members, supporters, and leaders across our state and throughout the AIA family over the years,” she shared in her inaugural welcome message. “I am excited to build upon the legacy they have created—a legacy that engages members, empowers architects, and expands our reach across New Jersey.”
Jessica has been an AIA member for over a decade and was the co-founder of AIA New Jersey’s Emerging Professional Community (EPiC). She previously served as President of AIA West Jersey, the Chair of AIA’s National Young Architects Forum (YAF), Steering Committee Chair for the YAF Mission 2130 event, and the 2025 Moderator of the AIA Strategic Council. She is a 2022 AIA Young Architect award recipient, a 2022 BD+C Network’s 40 under 40 honoree, and a 2024 Engineering News-Record New York Top Young Professional.
Jessica has 14 years of professional experience in architecture, focusing on affordable and attainable multifamily housing. She joined Urban Practice in 2023, and her work includes the award-winning Oliver Station, a landmark healthcare and housing hub in Camden that offers 47 affordable apartment homes for senior residents atop a 5,350-square-foot medical office operated by Virtua Health, South Jersey’s largest health system.
About Urban Practice
Urban Practice is an architecture and design firm based in Camden, NJ, dedicated to shaping equitable, sustainable spaces that uplift underserved communities. The firm partners with mission-driven organizations to transform visions into impactful, inclusive developments.
Tags: AIA