DIG Marks Dual Library Renovation Milestones at Hofstra and Stockton Universities

Hempstead, NY / Galloway Township, NJ [December 1, 2025]– DIGroup Architecture (DIG), with offices in New York City, New Brunswick, NJ, and Philadelphia, Pa., is reinforcing its “Architecture for Change” philosophy by spearheading two major higher education library renovations: the recently completed ninth floor of the Axinn Library at Hofstra University and underway renovation of Stockton University's Richard E. Bjork Library. 

Hofstra University: Creating Connected, Student-Centric Spaces 
Hofstra University students are approaching fall finals with a fully renovated ninth floor of the Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library. Led by Graf & Lewent Architects (G&L), a studio of DIG, this project follows the successful redesign of the tenth floor just over a year ago, keeping student learning and community at the forefront for the university's 10,680 students. 

“Following well-received renovations on the 10th floor, we initiated a student-led focus group for the 9th floor,” said Howard Graf, DIG principal and G&L co-founder. “Based on their input, we maintained the same look and color palette, bringing cohesion to the two floors.” 

The design challenge for the ninth floor was to create varied group study and gathering spaces while avoiding a fragmented layout. G&L strategically placed private, individual rooms around the perimeter and utilized furniture systems to define open gathering spaces in the center. 

“The open center areas allow for easy wayfinding,” Graf explained. “Keeping the individual spaces at the perimeter and creatively using furniture to define the center prevents a confusing, disconnected floorplan. It also helps students navigate seamlessly.” 

To brighten the space, the team added glass vision panels to perimeter doors, exposed the concrete ceiling slab in the center and minimized utilities. In addition, a maple-finished wood grid was incorporated to soften the design. 

True to DIG's commitment to sustainability and efficiency, the renovation maximized existing resources. “Although this was a gut renovation, we were able to maintain and reuse the majority of the perimeter partitions from the previous offices as group rooms,” Graf noted. “This reduced construction costs and minimized waste while meeting new needs. Most of the existing ductwork was reused and new LED lighting and controls added to maximize efficiency.” 

Like most colleges and universities, Hofstra had a tight budget. “Our focus is to provide the best possible space,” said Graf. “We believe that quality, sustainability and comfortable spaces cannot be sacrificed and we strive to find solutions that meet our commitment while meeting the budgetary requirements of our clients.” 

Stockton University: Designing for Modern Collaboration 
Meanwhile, 150 miles south, students at Stockton University in Atlantic County, NJ, are anticipating a newly refreshed Richard E. Bjork Library, slated for completion next fall. 

The $19.5 million, 60,000-square-foot redesign and renovation of the E-Wing Library is funded by the NJ State Bond Solicitation of 2022. DIG completed the programming concept in 2022 and is now spearheading the design phase. The completed wing has been reconfigured across three stories into layers for student collaboration, a café, student advisement, tutoring, career development, technology and media recording/editing studios. It also includes a quiet study and a special collections archive and gallery. 

“The Bjork Library renovation was driven by a commitment to anticipate the evolving way modern students learn and collaborate,” said Jaime Masler Beach, DIG associate principal. “Our design successfully implements a logical relationship between different study zones, from quiet reading rooms to collaborative and café spaces, offering a variety of options for student engagement and study.” 

Similar to the methodology on the Hofstra project, DIG collaborated with students, faculty and other stakeholders at Stockton University to assure space needs were met; that key design features were appropriately planned and, when necessary, acoustical separation was specified.   

The result DIG achieved is a design that intentionally overlaps, incorporating dynamic areas such as the café and a circulation core, with spaces used for casual gathering and interaction among academic peers. “The new circulation core activates the entire space, offering a physical connection that is both functional and intuitive for everyone who uses it,” said Masler Beach. 

Higher Ed, Higher Purpose: Architecture for Change 
The collective work of DIG and G&L, which was acquired in April, underscores a deep understanding of the education sector and a shared mission to create stronger communities through design and its guiding axiom of “Architecture for Change.” From PK-12 public and private schools to higher education projects, respecting tight budgets and finding creative solutions to manage costs without sacrificing service or community benefit is paramount. 

“Education fosters future opportunity,” said DIG's Jeffrey Venezia, CEO and co-founding principal, who spearheads the Higher Education Studio. “We understand that access to education is vital to growth and new pathways to success. When we can provide spaces that are functional, adaptable and comfortable for our education clients, we're doing our part in bettering the community. Our experience navigating a university's complex ecosystem ensures we deliver inspired places that promote scholastic and community achievement.” 

This commitment to the educational ecosystem is evident in a multitude of projects on behalf of colleges and universities, including the Kean University Master Plan; Union College of Union County; CUNY Bronx Community College; Kingsborough Community College; Tuoro University; Stony Brook University's UNITI Cultural Center; Rutgers University's Clinical Academic Building; New York University's Center for Student Life; and Rutgers University's Van Nest Hall. 

# # #