Troy– Nick Waer, longtime partner at Mosaic Associates Architects, has announced that he plans to retire at the end of the year after working for 33 years in the profession, more than 25 of those years at Mosaic. After January 1, he will provide advice and counsel to the firm.

“It’s time for me to indulge my passion for travel, hiking and other outdoor activities more regularly, and join my wife as she too plans her retirement,” Waer said. “With Mosaic in a strong position following our successful move back to Troy nearly two years ago, I think it’s an opportune time to step down.  I have great confidence in my partners and their continued ability to lead the firm into a successful future.”

“Nick has made a lasting mark on Mosaic, and certainly on the landscape of New York schools through his work designing facilities throughout the state, and we will miss him when he retires, but after a busy and fulfilling career, we think he deserves more time now to have some fun with his family,” said Mosaic Managing Partner Michael Fanning.

A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Waer has spent his entire career in the Capital Region.  His work included several projects for local school districts, including the design of Pine Bush Elementary School and the extensive redesign and renovation of Guilderland High School, both for the Guilderland Central School District.  Throughout his career, he has been involved in or has led the design of many construction projects for the Shenendehowa Central School District. A highlight of his career was the design of a 200,000-square-foot high school for the Beacon City School District in Beacon, N.Y, a $32 million project.

Waer will continue to volunteer his time as a board member of the Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society.

In late 2013, Mosaic Associates, which had its beginnings in Troy in the 1860s, celebrated the return to its roots at its new office location on the top floor of Troy’s historic Frear Building, located at 2 Third St.

Previously headquartered in East Greenbush, Mosaic traces its history back to 1865 when it was founded by Charles E. Loth. One of the firm’s first projects was the design of Public School No. 12 in Troy.  Since that time, the firm has specialized in working with educational institutions, helping to redesign and renovate learning spaces, integrate new technologies and materials and ultimately serve as a catalyst in transforming these spaces to reflect learning in the 21^st century.