Anthony Scalise and Ed O'Neill

(LINCROFT, NJ) -- For Brookdale Community College alumnus Anthony Scalise, architecture is more than a profession—it's a lifelong passion and a testament to his unwavering dedication to excellence. As the son of Italian immigrants from Calabria, Anthony's journey is deeply rooted in hard work, craftsmanship, and the belief that design can transform spaces and lives.

Anthony’s inspiration began early, working alongside his father, a skilled mason, where he connected the artistry of hands-on labor to the larger vision of architecture. By fifth grade, his dream was already clear, showcased in a school project collage that boldly declared his future: architecture.

A high school drafting teacher recognized Anthony’s innate talent and encouraged him to consider Brookdale Community College. As the first in his family to pursue higher education, Anthony found a supportive and inspiring environment at Brookdale. Enrolling in 1991, he forged a pivotal mentorship with Professor Ed O’Neill, who provided the guidance and foundation that set him on the path to success. With Brookdale’s exceptional preparation, Anthony secured a coveted internship at K. Hovnanian Homes, showcasing his advanced hand-drafting skills, and transferred seamlessly to NJIT, a rare accomplishment at the time.

“Brookdale gave me the foundation to excel,” Anthony recalls. “When I transitioned to NJIT, I was ready to hit the ground running.”

At NJIT, Anthony embraced the challenges of adapting to new technologies, transitioning from hand drafting to computer-aided design—a skill set that has become integral to modern architecture. Today, he commends Brookdale for staying ahead of industry trends, mainly its focus on 3D modeling, which equips students with cutting-edge tools for success.

After graduating, Anthony’s career soared. He worked under his former professor, Ed O’Neill, who had become a department chair and partner at a prominent firm. Driven by entrepreneurial ambition, Anthony founded his own firm, Parallel, (494 Broadway, Suite 3) in Long Branch, New Jersey. In a full-circle moment, Parallel later acquired Ed’s firm, bringing Ed back as a senior architect under Anthony’s leadership.

Now celebrating nearly 20 years in business, Parallel has grown into a leading architectural firm with a diverse team of 26 professionals, including several Brookdale alumni. The firm’s portfolio ranges from residential renovations to high-profile municipal projects. Among its standout achievements is the award-winning Long Branch Senior Center renovation, a project that doubled the center’s size and infused it with ocean-inspired design elements, creating a warm and welcoming space.

“Brookdale taught me a practical, problem-solving approach that I’ve carried throughout my career,” Anthony reflects. “Whether managing zoning challenges, balancing budgets, or creating innovative designs, that foundation has been invaluable.”

Anthony’s leadership style emphasizes collaboration and listening, qualities that have shaped Parallel into a firm known for blending creativity with technical precision—a rare distinction in the field.

Anthony’s legacy is also personal. His son, Antonio, now studying business at Brookdale, is interning at Parallel, marking the next chapter of their family’s inspiring story. “It’s incredible to see Antonio taking an interest in project management and learning the ropes,” Anthony shares.

Committed to giving back, Anthony mentors Brookdale interns, offering the same support and guidance that propelled his own journey. He encourages aspiring architects to embrace hard work and continuous growth. “You can’t coast in this field, but if you’re dedicated, the possibilities are endless,” he advises.

Visit the Brookdale website for more information about the Architecture program.