THOMAS LAPORTA
ARCHITECT
Thomas LaPorta - the Architect
Thomas has more than twenty years of experience in all phases of architecture and construction. Thomas started his career in the construction industry where he was a construction manager and partook in all phases of construction. After gaining valuable hands-on experience in construction Thomas moved onto investing in the redevelopment of distressed and abandoned residential properties. With this strong foundation of construction skills, Thomas then decided to begin his journey into Architecture. Since then Thomas has worked as a Project Architect and was also a partner in two firms.
Thomas is a graduate of Drexel University with a 5-Year Bachelors of Architecture Degree that was recognized with the status of Magna Cum Laude. During Thomas's academic career he received numerous accolades for design competitions through his entire duration in the Architecture Program. Thomas also received an award for his Thesis which was recognized by the state and was displayed in the Philadelphia Center for Architecture.
While Thomas was in school he worked full-time at an Architecture Firm where he was a Project Architect and learned to develop himself in the field of Architecture as not to lose any time waiting until he graduated.
Thomas has been the Project Architect for a multitude of project types including commercial, industrial, institutional, tenant fit-outs, single and multi-family residential. From conception to completion, Thomas has exceptional experience with all phases of a project, including the city and state approval process.
Previously to founding T. LaPorta Architect, Thomas was the co-founder of Gambino + LaPorta Architecture, where he ran the day to day business operations as well as manage their notable clientele. At GLA Thomas was responsible for designing and running over a million square feet worth of projects totaling over five hundred million in construction costs. The bulk of Thomas' experience is in Manhattan and Brooklyn along with the three other boroughs. The location of their work was not just limited to New York State, recent projects also included Illinois, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
In 2021 Thomas decided it was time to move on and start his own firm. This enabled him to focus on the development of his own office and ensure his relationships with clients and consultants were always his number one priority. Thomas is dedicated to getting things done correctly and promptly no matter what it takes. His passion for getting work done and sharing his knowledge in order to better serve his clients, consultants, and employees is his top priority. He is driven to be there for everyone who needs him, he can't help but give everyone and anyone his attention at all times. Due to his work ethic he is bound to his cell phone and email to ensure he is always available regardless of your project, or relationship.
Licenses
New York
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Illinois
Maryland
Florida
Professional Affiliations
AIA
ICC
NCARB
NFPA
SARA
A New Chapter
After years of dedication, creativity, and leadership, I've reached a pivotal moment in my professional journey. Starting my own architecture firm was a dream come true, and I am immensely proud of the innovative projects and strong team we've built together. However, as I reflect on my career and aspirations, I recognize a new and exciting opportunity that aligns with my long-term goals and values.
The architecture field thrives on collaboration, diverse experiences, and continuous learning. While leading my firm has been an incredibly rewarding experience, I have come to understand that expanding my horizons and engaging with a broader spectrum of professionals will not only enhance my skills but also enrich the architectural community as a whole. By joining a larger, well-established firm, I can immerse myself in a diverse array of projects and learn from a multitude of talented architects, engineers, and designers.
This decision is not about leaving behind what I've built but rather about amplifying the impact I can make. Working with a new team will provide me with fresh perspectives, advanced resources, and the opportunity to tackle challenges on a larger scale. Moreover, this move will allow me to share the knowledge and expertise I've accumulated over the years with a wider audience, fostering innovation and excellence in every project I contribute to.
Developing more relationships within the field is another compelling reason for this transition. Architecture is fundamentally about people – understanding their needs, envisioning their dreams, and creating spaces that enhance their lives. By integrating into a new professional environment, I can build meaningful connections with clients, collaborators, and peers, furthering my commitment to creating transformative architectural solutions.
In conclusion, my decision to transition from leading my own firm to joining another esteemed organization is driven by a desire for growth, collaboration, and a broader impact. I am excited to embark on this new chapter, confident that it will bring valuable experiences, foster professional development, and ultimately contribute to the advancement of the architecture field.