Global Law Firm Relocates to New 35,000-square-foot Headquarters That Will Inspire Firm’s Next Generation
Kimmerle Group, a multifaceted design, real estate planning, development and branding practice with offices in New York and New Jersey, has worked closely with Lerner David as the boutique law firm sought to relocate and find a new headquarters in New Jersey. Lerner David, a law firm that practices only intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights), hired Kimmerle Newman Architects to design the buildout of the 35,000-square-foot spaceat Signature Acquisitions’ 20 Commerce Drive in Cranford, NJ.
“The re-location of our New Jersey operations into this modern and beautiful space in Cranford is just one of the exciting changes our organization is undertaking as we continue to grow and plan for the future,” said Keith Gilman, Managing Partner of Lerner David. “Kimmerle Group was a valued partner for us as we planned and built our new high-tech space to best serve our clients. We were glad to have Kimmerle on board to guide us through the process in all aspects and are pleased to deliver a workplace with the resources and amenities that our staff and attorneys seek.”
Lerner David, which also has offices in Japan and China, moved its operations from Westfield, New Jersey where it had been for nearly all of its 50-year history.
The brokerage team at Newmark Knight Frank, led by David Simpson, that worked to find Lerner David’s new headquarters found a space with the ideal amount of light and long window lines which would provide many natural daylighting opportunities while keeping minimal depth.The space’s multi-faceted design is first seen in the reception area which highlights eight large high-tech screens featuring the firm’s visual branding elements.
Kimmerle Group’s furniture and architecture teams provided full coordination and oversight of the project in addition to furniture procurement, design and architecture from the project’s inception through opening. Meghan Barlotta was instrumental in leading the furniture team to develop the Two office types and two workstations tandardsso that the ebb and flow of different practice groups could intertwine while also providing the necessary flexibility.Critical to Gilman’s vision, offices were constructed to have full height glass fronts, with slider doors, so that daylight could stream into the entire inner office. Office fronts were built to have a frameless glass demountable furniture system provided by the furniture team and the open plan areas now feature durable plank and wood-like vinyl flooring instillations which provides a lofty and mid-century modern feel. In addition, the colors and company patents were selected strategically by each office occupant and consistently placed to subtly reference branding.
“We have been fortunate to have been able to collaborate with Lerner David on this process since its inception,” said Paul Newman, Vice President & Partnerof Kimmerle Newman Architects. “Both our Architecture and Interior Design team and furniture design team have worked hand in hand with the company in order to help them plan for their future and come up with a cutting-edge and modern design for their new headquarters.”
Since acquiring 20 Commerce in 2017, Signature Acquisitions has begun to modernize the building with upgraded cafeteria space, conference centers, and an on-site management office. The building also has direct access to the Garden State Parkway.
“Understanding our client’s needs is part of Kimmerle Group’s daily approach,” added George Kimmerle, Founding President & Partner of Kimmerle Group. “For over 30 years we have skillfully provided an end product that is successful for all parties.This is a major part of what elevates Kimmerle Group beyond a typical architectural firm.”
About Kimmerle Group
Kimmerle Group is a multifaceted architecture, design, procurement and consulting practice with over three decades in the real estate and construction industries, specializing in office, multifamily, retail, medical, industrial, and investment properties throughout the United States, with a focus on the New York metropolitan area.
Architecture and design expertise support the consulting approach at the core of Kimmerle’s practice since its foundation in 1990. Since inception, the firm has operated in a set of affiliated specialties, including urban planning & design, healthcare real estate consulting and design, workspace procurement, project management, real estate services, and branding. Kimmerle’s sustained growth is a result of both a big-picture focus on every assignment, and the intimate and transparent business relationships the firm has built throughout the years.
Kimmerle is recognized for its commitment to evidence-based design and the application of green, sustainable architecture principles. Kimmerle’s leadership is also continuously engaged in academic research, extending the depth of the firm’s practice, especially on issues relating to community health, sustainability, justice, and human empowerment.
Please visit www.kimmerle.com for more information.
