Hunter Roberts recognizes our roots in the urban fabric of New York City and the surrounding boroughs. So when a new public school was founded in Queens with a focus on construction trades, engineering and architecture, we saw an opportunity to both give back to our community and to encourage future growth within our industry.

Founded in 2005, 45 teachers educate 625 students of amazingly diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The High School for Construction Trades, Engineering and Architecture (CTEA) offers courses in urban design, civil engineering and mechanical drafting as well as math, history and English. the school prepares students not only for college, but for careers in the fields of construction management, engineering and architecture.

Andrea Baker was asked to be the First Chair on CTEA's Advisory Board. With Andrea's help, the school is partnering with New York City-based professionals in the construction, engineering and architecture fields. This relationship facilitates the combination of professional input and real-world applications with the academic environment of the classroom. The collaboration between CTEA and Hunter Roberts has resulted in curriculum development, field trips, job shadows, internships and even scholarships for the CTEA students.

"Hunter Roberts is proud to support the extraordinary work of the faculty and students at CTEA, says Larry Petretti, President of Hunter Roberts Interiors. "We like the idea that a student can choose to pursue a college degree or can join the construction trades immediately following graduation. It feels good and it makes good business sense to invest in the bright young minds that represent the future of our business."

Hunter Roberts recognizes the positive effects that nurturing a young New York City public school will have on the city as a whole and within the fields of construction, engineering and architecture and acknowledges that CTEA's success will provide future leaders in our fields.

Visit the High School for Construction Trades, Engineering and Architecture

Winter 2009 Perspective Magazine