Torres of Urbahn Architects receives 2026 Emerging Designer in Architecture Alumni award

Manhattan, NY The J. Robert and Barbara A. Hillier College of Architecture and Design (HCAD) at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) recognized Urbahn Architects’ associate Liliana Torres, AIA, NOMA with the 2026 Emerging Designer in Architecture award. The award is given to alumni who have graduated within the past ten years in honor of their exceptional professional achievements, community service and contributions to their area of professional practice.

“Our goal at the Hillier College of Architecture and Design is to produce creative thinkers, competent professionals and engaged citizens who will meet their ethical responsibilities to the environment and to the society in which we live,” said Gabrielle Esperdy, Ph.D., dean and professor of architecture, Hillier College of Architecture & Design, New Jersey Institute of Technology. 

“Liliana Torres’ career trajectory makes it clear that her time at Hillier College was about so much more than simply a professional education in architecture and planning. She was also learning how to be an engaged citizen and a custodian of the built environment. Today, Liliana is an inspiring role model for our students,” she said.

“It is very rewarding to be recognized by my Alma Mater. I strongly believe in the importance of quality public architecture as a critical element of improving the society and see the 2026 Emerging Designer award as a reflection of this perspective. Urbahn Architects has been synonymous with public architecture since 1945 and I am proud to be involved in my firm’s numerous projects, in particular accessibility improvements throughout the MTA New York City Transit subway network,” said Torres.

“Liliana joined our firm in 2018 and has quickly proven to be a talented, thoughtful and creative designer as well as a skilled manager, leading to her promotion to associate. Today, her portfolio of completed design work exceeds $1.3 billion in value. I am very proud of Liliana’s recognition with the Emerging Designer award and look forward to her continuing contributions to Urbahn Architects, the design industry and the society at large,” said Urbahn Architects managing principal Donald Henry Jr., AIA, LEED AP, CPHC.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Torres moved to the United States in 2012 to continue her studies in architecture after completing three semesters at Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM). She is a 2017 and 2018 undergraduate and graduate alumna of the NJIT Hillier College of Architecture and Design, as well as a scholar of the Albert Dorman Honors College.

Torres is currently an associate at Urbahn Architects, where she focuses mainly on public infrastructure projects for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). While at Urbahn, Torres has served as project architect and designer on accessibility improvements at 14 subway stations across New York City, which included expansions, renovations, technology upgrades and additions of elevators, stairs and ramps to achieve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) throughout the subway system.

Her most recent design projects include improvements to the Sutphin-Archer, 34^th St. - Penn Station, 170^th St., 57^th St., Broad St., Church Ave. and Mosholu Pkwy. subway stations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.

Urbahn has designed numerous major civic and educational projects in New Jersey, including the LEED Platinum-certified Jersey City Municipal Services Complex, BelovED Community Charter Middle School, BelovED High School and The Family Promise of Hudson County (FPHC) headquarters and transitional housing in Jersey City, NJ; and The College of New Jersey Science Complex in Ewing, NJ. 

Torres is involved in numerous industry, community and charitable organizations and causes. She serves as New Jersey Chapter Secretary of The National Organization of Minority Architects (NJ NOMA) and volunteers as a mentor for the Immigrant Architects Coalition and with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ.) She also volunteers for Urbahn’s pro-bono projects, including the firm’s AIA New York construction food fundraiser and improvements to homeless shelters operated by Bowery Residents’ Committee (BRC.)

Torres continues her involvement with the Hillier College of Architecture & Design through Alumni Association, serving as resident assistant for the high school student summer program and other activities.