Hartford, Conn. -JCJ Architecture nnounced it will be relocating its offices to more efficient spaces in Boston, New York and San Diego to support its nimble, collaborative approach to design and on-time, on-budget project delivery. In addition, the firm recently made several strategic hires to keep pace with growing demand, especially in the hospitality, education and civic sectors.
“As the market edges toward recovery, JCJ is now perfectly positioned to serve our clients as they move projects from the discovery to execution phase in an economic climate of growing consumer optimism and improving credit markets,” said Peter Stevens, JCJ’s President. “Our hiring strategy and new offices in Boston, New York and San Diego will serve as our national benchmark to inspire greater collaboration, innovation and creativity to drive industry-leading design for our clients in all sectors in which we work.”
The firm’s growth is reflected in a 64 percent increase in project work compared to the same time last year with a corresponding increase in staffing levels nationwide to serve the growing demand. JCJ’s current design work includes Resorts World Casino New York City, Downstream Casino Resort in Oklahoma, projects at the Yale School of Medicine, University of Akron and California Baptist University and select projects in Latin American, the Caribbean and the Middle East.
New JCJ team members include:
· Boston: Richard Friedson – Design Principal, Higher Education
· Hartford: Thomas Haskell – Studio Director and Senior Project Manager
· New York City: Jeffrey Wynkoop – Senior Project Manager, Hospitality
· Phoenix: Yvonne Olsen – Senior Project Manager
· San Diego: Steve Schrader – Senior Project Manager and Lalaine Tanaka – Design Principal
JCJ’s new open-layout office design supports the firm’s collaborative culture, where the open work environment encourages professional development and dynamic interaction.
“The reduced barriers of this new format enable more nimble communication, which ultimately will deliver cost savings and shortened project completion time frames for our clients,” added Stevens. “This dynamic underscores the evolving role of the architect, who today not only needs to have superb design skills, but also a consultative partnering approach that interprets clients’ desires through the lens of market realities in today’s increasingly complex environment.”
The smarter, more efficient redesign of the new offices also reduces JCJ’s total footprint – and occupancy costs – without sacrificing productivity.
“While the market shows signs of a rebound, we want to operate as efficiently as possible to drive financially sound solutions for our clients,” said Stevens. “A move to more effective, well-designed space with favorable lease terms and expanding our team with multi-faceted employees who can wear many hats supports our commitment to fiscal responsibility.”
· In Boston, JCJ relocated from 330 Congress Street to a loft at 319 A Street. Located in the heart of the rapidly growing downtown arts district, the new office is also in the center of Boston’s transportation hub, in close proximity to the South Station for train and subway access, Interstate Highway 93 and the Mass Pike, and Logan International Airport.
· In New York City, JCJ relocated from the Empire State Building (350 Fifth Avenue) to a 3,000-square-foot space on the 14th floor of 2 Grand Central Tower (140 East 45th Street). Benefits of the new Midtown office include close proximity to Grand Central Station, a well-appointed location within the city and the building’s upscale, welcoming aesthetic and superior views.
· In San Diego, JCJ will be relocating from 3838 Camino del Rio North, Suite 361 to the Symphony Towers (750 B Street, Suite 2880), an iconic structure providing easy access to two major freeways, the San Diego International Airport, City Hall and the County Administration Center. The firm will move into this new location in April.