Obituary of Raymond Nadaskay
NK Architects Remembers Raymond Nadaskay ~
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond Nadaskay, founding principal of NK Architects. A mentor to many, Ray was an accomplished architect, a passionate advocate for our profession, and a great leader. We are grateful to have worked for him, and with him, addressing many challenges and achieving much success together and, most of all, share joy and satisfaction during our time together.
Raymond earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1962 from Washington University and continued his studies at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. His longstanding contributions to Washington University include his commitment to developing scholarships for architecture students, and in 2011, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Sam Fox School as part of its annual Awards for Distinction.
Prior to forming NK Architects with Allen Kopelson in 1972, Ray directed and designed large-scale projects for institutional, corporate, and commercial clients while working for I.M. Pei & Partners. Up until his retirement in 2007, Ray held the position of president of NK Architects and had been responsible for the overall administration of the firm, which now has offices in Morristown, NJ, New York City, and Philadelphia. He has served as principal-in-charge and design architect on many of the firm’s most significant and award-winning projects.
Throughout his career, Ray had been committed to preserving New Jersey’s historic past. He initiated the formation of a not-for-profit to restore the Ralston Cider Mill as a working museum (located in his hometown of Mendham, NJ) and served as president of the board of trustees that operates the museum. He also served as chairman of the Mendham Township Historic Preservation Committee, as a member of the Blue Ribbon Committee for the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund, as well as Mendham Township’s Open Space Committee. In recognition of his work preserving the fabric of community history, open space, and streetscape, he received the 2006 Anna B. Hillock Community Service Award from the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey.
In addition to serving as a lecturer, panelist, and juror for numerous architectural organizations, Ray held leadership positions with AIA Newark/Suburban, including serving as the chapter’s president in 1993. In 2001, AIA Newark/Suburban presented him with the Herman C. Litwack Award for his contributions to the profession. Raymond is survived by his wife, Nancy Nadaskay.
Raymond Nadaskay’s legacy continues as NK Architects enters our fifty-first year in practice. We are grateful for the foundational values and reputation that have been carried forward in pursuit of improving the human condition through the power of design.
~ Funeral services were private ~
