Select Page

CTE Success Story: Hudson County Schools of Technology graduate uses education to create creative and innovative designs for DMR Architects

February 5, 2025

CTE Month Success Story Nikole Marin, Hudson County Schools of Technology, Architecture Class of 2017, NJIT Alumna, Architect at DMR Architects Nikole Marin, of North Bergen, takes pride in her work as a designer for DMR Architects in Hasbrouck Heights. Marin says she feels a great sense of accomplishment when she designs projects for educational settings and sees them come to life to give students places to thrive and feel inspired. A 2017 graduate of Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST), Marin credits her high school experience as a source of inspiration for her work and also for giving her the fundamentals to thrive so early in her career.

“At HCST, I gained my educational foundation and understanding of architecture,” said Marin. “Being exposed to design through different forms of creative outlets such as 3D modeling programs, 2D drawings, and laser cutting machines sparked my interest early in my career. My teacher, Gregory Simon, profoundly influenced my career and inspired me to continue pursuing architecture. His engaging in-class lessons always encouraged me to explore my ideas and foster my creativity.”

After high school, Marin attended the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where she earned both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in architecture. She said the curriculum at HCST developed her communication skills as well as her knowledge of architecture, which helped her thrive in her post-secondary and professional pursuits.

Marin remembers a class trip she took with her HCST classmates that gave her insight on how architecture affects daily life. Students in the Architecture program visited The High Line in New York City and were introduced to many design concepts, sustainability practices, and creative and innovative ways to reuse space. The trip’s objective was to document a series of images highlighting key design elements and use them as a collage to create a reimagined visual of the High Line.

“This was a larger lesson that I keep with me to this day and apply what I learned from it to my own design process,” said Marin. “I am grateful for my time in the HCST Architecture program, and with classmates and teachers, which shaped the designer I am today.”

Alumni Success Stories

The owner of this website has made a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, please report any problems that you encounter using the contact form on this website. This site uses the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin to enhance accessibility.