Stephen L. Schoch
Principal
Stephen L. Schoch, AIA LEED AP is a Principal and Director of Housing at Thriven Design. Since joining the firm in 1984, Steve has been either the Lead Designer or Principal-In-Charge for residential development projects surpassing 65,000 units. Of that total, approximately two-thirds are ‘affordable’ homes – developed specifically for individuals and families with low-to-moderate incomes. His work is regarded as among the best examples of design for the disabled, and is held up as an example of excellence on a national level. His influence as an advocate has helped institute changes in the NJ regulations that allocate funding for affordable housing – giving projects that integrate Supportive Housing into their communities a competitive advantage.
Steve has been an active member of the Supportive Housing Association of NJ (SHA) since its founding in 1998. He is the only architect ever to serve on SHA’s Board of Directors, and he contributes key perspectives as both someone fully engaged in the housing development process, and as the parent of a disabled child.
Steve served as Managing Principal of Thriven Design from the retirement of founding partner Beth Kitchen in 2011 to May 2022. He is credited with expanding Thriven Design into a multidisciplinary design firm with strong footholds in student and market-rate housing, as well as affordable, senior, and supportive housing. During his tenure, the firm earned national recognition and garnered more than 55 project awards.
Steve is a regular presenter on supportive and special needs housing, sustainable and green design, and the adaptive reuse of historic buildings. He is NCARB certified, A LEED® Accredited Professional and is a Registered Architect in twenty states.