Terri J. Cummings, AIA

Terri J. Cummings, AIA earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Architecture degree from the highly regarded Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She holds two professional licenses: the New Jersey Architecture License and the New Jersey Professional Planner License. She maintains national NCARB certification, allowing her to practice throughout the country. Terri is a proud member of the American Institute of Architects. Having opened her practice in 1990, she is celebrating over 20 years in business,

Terri’s designs have been recognized both locally and nationally for their innovation and excellence. Two of her dramatic remodels have been showcased on HGTV. Twice, her beach houses were featured on the covers of From House to Home magazine. An exciting contemporary house was highlighted in Design NJ magazine. Her design of a custom stainless steel dog feeding center was included in Fine Homebuilding’s annual Kitchen and Bath issue, in the “Great Ideas” column. Terri’s design of a home “spa” including a luxurious whirlpool, set in a pebble stone floor, with views of an interior ocean blue waterfall and fireplace, won Grand Prize in a national design competition.

Terri is an active member of the American Institute of Architects. She has served many years, including holding the positions of Director of Atlantic County, President of the South Jersey Chapter, and as a Trustee on the AIA/NJ Executive Board. She served as Chair for the 1997 AIA/South Jersey Scholarship Design Competition, where she helped raise thousands of dollars in scholarship monies

Ms. Cummings is a great believer in sharing and giving back, particularly to young and upcoming businesswomen. To this end, she participates in many women business groups. She belongs to the eWomen network and the South Jersey Women’s Network. Ms. Cummings was a long time member of the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners. She sat on the Atlantic County Chapter Executive Board for 10 years, holding every office, including Chapter President. Terri ran the annual Toys for Tots campaign for her NJAWBO chapter for many years. As a member of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, Terri is an ardent supporter of the local business community. A resident of the area for over twenty years, Terri has developed strong personal and business ties to her fellow residents.

Terri’s passion, in addition to architecture and design, is animals. Her family currently includes two beautiful rescue dogs, Cody and Rusty. Cody, a certified therapy dog, makes weekly visits with Terri to the local hospital to visit patients and participates in a weekly “Paws for Reading” program at the local library. Terri provides specialty design services, such as custom dog baths, animal feeding centers, and whole pet rooms, to her clients to foster a greater integration of pets into the home environment. She has provided pro-bono architectural services to the local Humane Society, where she designed improvements to their building and designed an addition to provide more space to care for additional needy animals.

HONORS AND DISTINCTIONS

• Spirit of Shore Pet Therapy Award, Shore Medical Center, 2011
• Merit Award, NJ Animal Hall of Fame, 2011
• Fine Homebuilding “Great Ideas” recognition Winter 2009
• Grand Prize Winner, National Plumbing Association Design Competition, 2008
• Design Award “Spa Room” National Bath Assoc 2008
• Cover of “House to Home” magazine March 2008
• Cover of “House to Home” magazine September 2007
• HGTV Renovations Featured Home (3 episodes) July 2003
• “Design NJ” magazine Featured Home Fall 2002
• Beautification Award “Gymnasium” NJ State Legislature January 2002
• NJAWBO Atlantic County “Business Women of the Year 2000”
• Architect of Record, Casino Redevelopment Authority 1998-2000
• Ambassador to Governor Whitman’s Conference on Women, 1998
• NJAWBO Teal Heart Recipient 1997

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
American Institute of Architects
New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners
Greater Mainland Chamber of Commerce
eWomen Network
South Jersey Women’s Network

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Date of birth: December 7, 1959
Place of birth: Monmouth, NJ
Marital Status: Married

The Architect's Role in Custom Home Design