TOP 100 MAGAZINE

John Riggio

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John Riggio has lived not just one dream, but two. As a world-class tennis champion and an award-winning architect, he built parallel careers that reflect both his passion for excellence and his refusal to be defined by a single path. Now, with the release of his 2025 autobiography, My Own Court – The Life Story of Tennis Legend John Riggio, he’s sharing the full scope of his extraordinary journey—from breaking records on the court to designing award-winning structures across the Northeast.

 

John’s love for architecture took root early. Growing up in a New York neighborhood that offered a variety of technical and art-based classes, he was encouraged by a sixth-grade teacher to explore architecture. He did just that—excelling in mechanical drawing and art classes all through school. But even as his talent in design emerged, so did another: tennis. By high school, he was competing against—and defeating—top names at the U.S. Open. He would go on to become the No. 1 pro tennis player in the world and sign a record-breaking $100 million contract, putting him in the same conversation as sports legends like Jose Canseco and Michael Jordan.

 

What made John’s story even more remarkable was his determination to pursue both careers simultaneously. While earning his Bachelor of Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology, his tennis matches were being broadcast on ESPN. One day he’d be center court at a major tournament, and the next he’d be back in class or meeting with an architectural client. “I always believed in staying competitive,” he says. “In tennis, it’s about winning the match. In architecture, it’s about constantly improving your work and expanding your business.”

 

In 1998, he founded John Riggio, RA Architect, LLC, based in Metuchen, New Jersey. His firm has since completed over 3,000 projects, specializing in custom home and commercial building design throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Known for blending cutting-edge CAD and 3D rendering technologies with energy-efficient materials, John’s firm has tackled everything from residential builds to medical offices, retail centers, and religious spaces. His hands-on approach—with a five-person team on-site from start to finish—has earned him recognition throughout the industry.

 

John’s professional accolades include a Gold Award from his college dean, an AIA Scholarship, and membership in Omega Delta Phi. He continues to mentor and inspire others, both through architecture and tennis. In 2016, he established the Central NJ Tennis Meetup Group, which now boasts 1,700 members.

 

Through My Own Court, John offers a candid, chronological look at his life, weaving in stories of resilience, sportsmanship, and creative evolution. His story is more than the sum of two careers—it’s a tribute to those who carve their own path, challenge limits, and build success on their own terms.

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John Riggio
Architect and CEO
John Riggio, RA Architect, LLC
Website: https://www.johnriggio.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-riggio-59ba8429/

Facebook: @John Riggio