Summer 2005
Gerry Roach ’93, ’02: Architect finds niche in Brazil
Gerry Roach (left) with Oscar Niemeyer
Since leaving UDM, New Jersey native Gerard Paul (Gerry) Roach ’93, ’02, has bridged two cultures. After receiving his bachelor’s degree and working for several small firms, he began working in New York City on major projects including the Grand Central Terminal renovation and Battery Park City. This experience led him to start his own firm and work in New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia, as well as competitions and exhibitions in art and architecture.
But the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks marked a turning point for him.“I had been teaching some Brazilian students and grew to adore their culture and language. After the 9-11 attacks, I decided to visit Brazil. The experience was the beginning of a long journey,” he describes.
After designing several projects in Espirito Santo in Brazil, he returned to UDM to earn his Master’s degree in Architecture. He then returned to Rio de Janiero to discover that (famed architect) Oscar Niemeyer, 96 at the time, was still alive, designing and writing books.
“I contacted his greatgrandson Paulo Niemeyer, and was invited to meet the family and eventually Oscar. Shortly afterwards, I was asked to participate in designing some projects,” Roach says.
His first work with Paulo involved construction administration in the historic district of Gloria, Rio de Janeiro. Recently completed projects include a library and theater. “Lately, I’ve been working on a retirement community design,” he explains. “This project deals with new concepts in housing to accommodate the increasing population of retired persons in Brazil, the U.S. and throughout the world.”
The greatest challenges of working in Brazil, says Roach, are the social conditions and inequality between the richest few and the abundant poor.
Roach considers himself “very fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend college and be born into a society that encourages the values of education and work.” Lured to UDM by his family’s comments about the School of Architecture’s reputation and history, he was impressed with the School’s strong philosophy of design, initiated by then Dean Bruno Leon, “and the individual approach to teaching, instilling values that I incorporate every day into my work and life,” he adds.
Roach, who appreciates Brazil’s being open to new ideas and not afraid of expression, hopes to teach at the university in Rio and continue working in both Brazil and the U.S.
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