Aztec, total architecture with a personal touch.

Tracy Kasper, one of the founding members of The Aztec Corporation, helps her clients design an environment that they will not only love, but that also will help increase their company's efficiency.

The Aztec Corporation was created in 1993 with the objective of creating a business entity that could offer clients a better approach to the traditional disciplines of architecture and interior design. Value added services, such as relocation management, complete project management and construction administration, coupled with business-minded approach to the way the firm addresses project issues and advises its clientele, have allowed Aztec to grow in size and service offerings.

Kasper's responsibilities range from business development to overall project management as the principal in charge.

"I think what makes Aztec different is that we, the principals, of the firm are primarily involved throughout the whole project," Kasper said.

Using her experience in real estate, business administration and human relations, she is able to assist clients in making educated facility decisions and solving budgetary and time sensitive issues that match their business goals and objectives. Her training in human relations enhances communications and camaraderie within the project team and creates a comfortable environment to complete the project process.

"My job allows interaction with people," Kasper said. "I'm not the kind to sit behind a desk in my office. I like communicating with people. I like the satisfaction of improving people's environment, adding to their productivity and their functionality."

The firm's entrepreneurial approach to projects has allowed it to assist hundreds in more than 22 states in maximizing their facility's potential while minimizing their downtime.

Today, with approximately 40 staff members, through proper analysis of client's needs and desires, clear understanding of their business goals and objectives and sheer desire to create the best solution, the firm has completed in excess of 20 million s/f of space for its clients.

Aztec's projects vary in size up to 250,000 s/f and include professional, corporate, educational, institutional, hospitality and research and development facilities for a Who's Who of America's businesses, including the American Red Cross, Pearson Education, AT&T, Jersey City Economic Development, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, New York Life, First Savings Bank, Bank of New York, Gibbs College, International Risk Management Group, Qwest Communications Inc., Reed Smith LLP and Enzon Corporation.

Aztec's philosophy is that a physical environment has to be functional, efficient, cost effective and flexible to maintain the firm's ability to be competitive and to evolve.

Communication, flexibility, information access, quality of life, employee retention and recruitment are but a few of the crucial challenges facing businesses today. Coupling these challenges with the multitude of trades, vendors, and solicitors that inevitably become part of the project, there is the monumental task of sifting through the process and making the best decisions for an organization.

This is where Aztec's "Total Architecture" philosophy provides the solution. Aztec's process of coordinating the vast amount of architectural and interior design elements that are required to complete a built environment through a professional team, diverse in its knowledge and experience, dedicated and passionate about its process, and up to the challenge when the need arises, is second to none.

"A typical architectural design firm will do the architectural part and interior design, Kasper said. "We felt there was a gap in that service. We provide total project management, including signage and security systems. It becomes a total package, total architecture."

On many projects, Kasper help clients see the big picture.

"The most challenging is unrealistic deadlines," Kasper said. "People tend to wait to the last minute to pull the trigger on projects. We need to understand their expectations and to meet them. Sometimes it hard for them to verbalize their expectations."

Being part of Aztec's professional team, Kasper brings with her over 20 years of experience in the design and architectural interiors field.

Her education background, which includes a bachelor of science degree with a dual major in Interior-Design and Business Administration from Northern Arizona University, also serves her and her clients well. She was an assistant teacher at Dale Carnegie and is currently a NJ Real Estate licensed sales person.

"I always like to dabble in the arts and I was also drawn to math." Kasper said. "The combination is a nice blend."

In 2001, Kasper's talents helped to earn Aztec a TOBY award from the Building Owners and Managers Association of New Jersey for 550 Broad St. in Newark. The award recognizes excellence in building management, operational efficiency, tenant retention, emergency planning and community impact.

"I think we won the award because the renovation matches the philosophy of Newark," Kasper said. "There is resurgence in Newark in improving infrastructure and improving classical buildings. There are a lot of old buildings and they need a facelift. I think the renovation matched what the town was trying to do and it was appreciated."

The residential building at 550 Broad St. underwent a major renovation headed by principle Tracy Kasper and included the addition of a marble entrance lobby and upgrade of the common areas and building exteriors and building systems.

With Kasper's passion for the outdoors and the environment, she also supports numerous wildlife and preservation organizations, giving her time to assist in the clean up of our national and state parks.

Additional time is spent in the betterment of others through her efforts in fund raising for the American Cancer Society and assistant teaching with Dale Carnegie.