Thomas Ogorzalek

About Me

Thomas Ogorzalek is a Senior University Lecturer who began teaching at NJIT in 2000. As an Educator he strives to develop innovative teaching strategies and to refine the professional architectural curriculum to meet the challenges of contemporary practice. He has served as the Chair of the Curriculum Committee and Coordinated the 1^st and 2^nd Year Undergraduate Studios. His 4^th and 5^th year design studios and seminars focus on his research in advanced material systems in contemporary architecture, a course directly related to his professional practice.
Thomas is a Principal in Continuum Design LLC, a firm he founded with his partner Cecilia de Leon, RA. The firm focuses primarily on architectural design, but also extends into the fields of interior design and industrial design. This interdisciplinary approach shapes Ogorzalek’s research interests as he examines new relationships between architecture, infrastructure and ecology with specific emphasis on building enclosure systems enabled by emerging materials, fabrication technologies and construction methods. Whether commissioned or exploratory, the work Tom develops in his practice feeds directly into his courses in the School of Architecture.

Education

M.Arch.; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Architecture; 1990

B.S.; Washington University in St Louis; Architecture; 1986

Awards & Honors

2025 Master Teacher Designation, New Jersey Institute of Technology

2009 Albert B. Dorman Honors Teaching Excellence Award, New Jersey Institute of Technology

2009 University Excellence in Teaching Award University Lecturer/Program Director, New Jersey Institute of Technology

2005 New Jersey Masonry Contractors: Teaching Excellence, Masonry Contractors of New Jersey

2003 Architects Student Union Award: Excellence in Teaching, Architects Student Union

2002 Architects Student Union Award: Excellence in Teaching, Architects Student Union