Melissa Strickland
By Joshua Burd
Global architecture, design and planning firm HLW has named Melissa Strickland as its new managing director in New Jersey.
Strickland, a principal and workplace sector lead who joined the firm in 2017, will helm the Madison-based team as it looks to strengthen and diversify its portfolio with an increasing emphasis on agility, sustainability and innovation, according to a news release. She will also seek to cultivate talent across its roster of designers and consultants, while staying active in oversight of the office’s projects — including work totaling more than 1.7 million square feet that’s currently in progress.
“When I started at HLW seven years ago, I was inspired by its client-centric mission, because it mirrored my own project philosophy,” Strickland said. “What I found was a culture that embraces the differences and strengths of each of its team members, supporting our development and success as the unique individuals we are. I am excited to play a greater role in fostering that environment and the growth it affords — for both the New Jersey office and the firm as a whole — through this new opportunity.”
Strickland’s work with HLW has included a portfolio of spaces and facilities across the technology, life sciences, manufacturing, legal and financial industries, the firm said. She has overseen projects totaling millions of square feet for longstanding clients such as Prudential Financial, Everest and Kyowa Kirin, while she recently completed a string of new headquarters spaces for organizations including Audible, Eisai, Integra and Kering.
HLW added that the New Jersey team has nearly doubled in size since she joined the firm and has secured accolades such as NJBIZ’s 2018 Emerging Business of the Year award, as well as placement in its 2019 Best Places to Work in New Jersey list and the 2022 Leaders in Real Estate, Construction and Design Awards. Her projects have received awards from AIA’s New Jersey and Newark & Suburban Architects chapters, Metropolis Magazine and IIDA PA NJ DE.
Strickland assumes the role of managing director from Kim Sacramone.
“Melissa has been a pillar of the New Jersey team from day one,” Sacramone said. “I have had the distinct pleasure of working closely alongside her for many years across progressive roles and could not be more proud to see her outsized impact recognized with this elevation. While I explore my next professional chapter, I am confident that there is no one better equipped to navigate such an exciting future for New Jersey than Melissa.”
Susan Boyle, managing partner at HLW, added: “HLW has been in continuous practice since 1886, a longevity we celebrate and honor by building thoughtfully on the legacy of those that came before us. It is through this lens that we extend our deep and sincere appreciation for Kim, her enduring work, and her foundational role in establishing our Madison practice that we welcome Melissa to the helm. In just under a decade — a mere fraction of our firm’s history — the New Jersey office has become a powerful piece of the business, and Melissa has been an unrivaled champion of that success. We look forward to seeing her capabilities flourish in this new role.”
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