Foundations of Success: Conor McCann's NJIT Roots and Rise at DMR

When Conor McCann looks back on his journey from NJIT to becoming a project architect at DMR Architects, one word stands out - foundation.

It's the same concept he applies to every project he touches: a structure is only as strong as the foundation beneath it. For McCann, that foundation was built during five formative years at NJIT's Hillier College of Architecture and Design (HCAD), from 2015 to 2020.

"Architecture for me was always something I wanted to do growing up," he said. "I just wanted to be involved in buildings, building things and creating things. Once I started the college search, NJIT popped up as a good option - everything kind of fell into place."

McCann thrived in the school's collaborative studio culture, where deadlines were tight, nights were long, and teamwork was nonnegotiable.

"The studio environment at [HCAD] teaches you so much more than design - it gives you a strong work ethic, time management, and how to really push through," he said. "Those are skills you can apply to all parts of life."

That discipline proved crucial as McCann navigated his final semester in the spring of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced NJIT and much of the world to shift online. "My last semester was that first pandemic semester," he recalled. "It was interesting, but we made it through." The experience tested the adaptability of an entire graduating class that would soon enter a disrupted job market. For McCann, it also reinforced a lesson from NJIT - architects must be creative problem-solvers, no matter the challenge.

McCann's connection to DMR Architects began while he was still a student. He met the firm at an NJIT career fair, landed an internship, and stayed involved through his fifth year.

"I started off actually as an intern the summer before my fifth year, worked a little during school, took a break for my last semester, and then came back full time after graduation," he said. His path reflects a growing "intern-to-hire" model - one that allows students to transition smoothly into the professional world.

Since joining DMR, McCann has contributed to a wide range of projects, from office and bank renovations to multifamily housing. But it's his work designing schools that he finds most meaningful. "You're shaping the future a little bit. It's a large collaborative effort. It takes a lot of people to make a school come together, not just the architects. And it's interesting to think about how the built environment affects how students learn - whether it's softer lighting, keeping out outside noise, or creating spaces that help students focus."

Kurt Vierheilig, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, director of design and partner for DMR Architects, graduated from NJIT in 1999. Vierheilig has played a key role in shaping some of DMR's most notable projects, including the Montgomery Municipal Center, Stephen J. Capestro Theatre Complex, Meadowlands Rail Station, and East Brunswick Ice Rink - each recognized for how thoughtfully their designs capture the unique identities and visions of DMR's clients.

He has also acted as McCann's mentor at DMR and seen firsthand his progression in the firm.

"As an NJIT alum, I know first-hand how the rigorous and pragmatic education at the NJIT Hillier College of Architecture and Design is producing students who are ready to make meaningful contributions to the architecture workforce," said Vierheilig. "We welcomed Conor to DMR Architects as a student intern after his fourth year and it has been a privilege to mentor him and watch his development into a full-time team member, a project leader and most recently a licensed architect. From day one, he was able to draw upon his NJIT education to support the diverse projects and services DMR offers."

Vierheilig added: "Professional development is a pillar of the DMR culture, and we look forward to welcoming early career NJIT graduates to the firm, knowing they have the foundation to be significant contributors to our team and the profession."

That curiosity and care for how people experience space stem from the design thinking he honed at NJIT. "A lot of the processes of how to design - that's what the studios taught the most," said McCann. "Even something like the brick-building exercise we did in the studio gave us real-life experience - working with a contractor, learning how to actually get something built."

McCann completed the Architectural Registration Exam in just half the typical time - most applicants take about 13 years to finish. "I learned time management and work ethic from the studio environment," he said. "Once I decided I wanted to get licensed, I just put my head down and got it done. A lot of people gave me great advice - do it young while you can. Life happens, and suddenly it's been years and you haven't finished."

He credits DMR for encouraging that ambition and providing resources to help him study. "They've been very supportive. You get opportunities to prove yourself and show you're ready to take a step up the ladder," he said. "That's what makes the environment special - it's collaborative, diverse, and they give you room to grow."

That diversity, he added, brings out the best in people. "We have a lot of different people here - people from different backgrounds. You get different perspectives from that. Some people are very technical and focused, others are more creative. All those things are valuable in different ways. Getting to see how different people work is really helpful - you're not just getting one way of doing things."

McCann also appreciates the NJIT presence within the firm. "There are a lot of us here," he said with a laugh. "We joke that you can throw a rock and hit an NJIT alum. It's one of the better architecture schools in the state, and you see that reflected in the talent."

For current NJIT students hoping to follow his path, McCann's advice is simple but meaningful. "Try to get your hands in as many different parts of the job as possible," he said. "Find what works for you, and don't be afraid to ask questions - that's how you learn and get better. People know you're an intern. Asking questions shows you care and want to do things the right way."

From long nights in the studio to shaping the classrooms of tomorrow, McCann has turned hard work into opportunity - and opportunity into impact. His story is proof that with the right foundation, every architect can build something lasting.