Dominick PillaView profile
Associate Professor
Dominick Pilla is an Associate Professor with tenure at the City College of New York's Spitzer School of Architecture, where he has been teaching since 2010. Previously, he served as an Adjunct Associate Professor at CCNY (2004-2010) and as a Lecturer at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2017-2021). He is also the Principal of DRPILLA, PC, an engineering firm specializing in structural, site/civil, geotechnical, and architectural engineering services. Education: M.S., Civil Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 1991 B.S., Civil Engineering with a Minor in Architecture and Planning, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1990 Dominick Pilla's research and professional interests span structural engineering, building design, and construction. His expertise includes structural analysis, building retrofitting, sustainable design, and the adaptive reuse of historic structures. He has particular focus on innovative solutions for urban environments, including sliver buildings, rooftop developments, and affordable housing projects. His work bridges theoretical engineering principles with practical construction applications. Pilla's publications demonstrate consistent focus on practical structural engineering solutions for urban environments. His research shows progression from fundamental structural analysis (as evidenced by his 2016 textbook) to specialized applications in building expansion, retrofitting, and sustainable design. Many of his works address New York City-specific challenges, reflecting his deep engagement with urban construction constraints and opportunities. Professional Memberships and Accreditations: American Institute of Steel Construction American Concrete Institute American Society of Civil Engineers LEED Accredited Professional National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying National Council of Structural Engineers Association New York Society of Architects New York Building Congress Structural Engineering Council Board Structural Engineering Institute As an educator and practitioner, Pilla bridges academic theory with real-world engineering practice. His firm, DRPILLA, PC, has completed numerous projects ranging from single-family residences to large-scale affordable housing developments. His research project on 'Effects of Wind' conducted with the New York City Mayor's Office of Recovery and Resiliency demonstrates his engagement with critical urban infrastructure challenges. His work often addresses the intersection of structural integrity, sustainable design, and urban constraints. Through DRPILLA, PC, Pilla leads a multidisciplinary team providing integrated engineering solutions across all project phases. The firm specializes in innovative structural systems for challenging urban sites, including waterfront properties, constrained lots, and historic building renovations. Their portfolio demonstrates expertise in creating efficient structural solutions that accommodate both architectural vision and practical construction requirements.
