DIG Architecture promotes Cruz, Harris and Jones to associate

Firm grows presence across NJ, PA and NY

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — In stride with DIG Architecture’s recent 20th-anniversary milestone and the launch of an evolved brand identity, the firm has announced the promotion of three key professionals to the role of associate: Dalina Cruz, senior interior designer; Wally Harris, senior project manager; and LoriAnne Jones, senior project manager.

The appointments, officially revealed during the firm’s recent 20th-anniversary celebration, mark a defining moment for DIG as it expands its regional footprint and welcomes a new wave of leadership. In their expanded roles, Cruz, Harris and Jones will maintain their current project responsibilities while stepping into elevated leadership positions to shape the firm’s strategic direction, foster community-centered design and mentor emerging talent.

Within the firm’s Interior Design Studio, Cruz has been instrumental in aligning multiple disciplines across architecture, interiors and environmental graphics to create seamless, intuitive environments. Her approach ensures that specialized interior spaces across education, healthcare, civic spaces, senior living and transportation sectors are grounded in purpose, impact and human experience.

Harris’ 20+ years of design experience includes highly specialized expertise in building envelopes and historic restoration. Known for his technical precision, he expertly navigates some of DIG’s most-complex public- and private-sector projects, including several Carnegie-era libraries across Philadelphia and New Jersey. His deep technical knowledge ensures multi-layered structural and historic restoration requirements – from code review, materials search and design detailing to scheduling and construction administration – are seamlessly integrated, managed and monitored across every phase.

Rounding out DIG’s “Class of 2026” Associates is Jones, whose 9-year tenure at the firm features a highly specialized focus on community-centered healthcare, education and transformative reuse. An emerging leader in evidence-based design (EDAC) principles, she has expertly spearheaded a decade-long relationship and nine FQHC assignments for New York City’s Urban Health Plan. Using BIM workflows and an MBA in strategy, Jones guides multidisciplinary teams through clinical planning, feasibility, and construction administration, whilechampioning industry equity through involvement in AIA Central NJ and the ACE Mentor Program.

As one of the region’s largest majority African American-owned architecture and design practices, DIG has spent the last 20 years demonstrating diversity as a powerful design advantage. The appointments of Cruz, Harris and Jones, along with new principals Jaime Masler Beach and Kelli Glasgow, reinforce the firm’s unique ability to deliver the technical resources of a national firm with the agility, accessibility and personal attention of a trusted partner.