Lerner David occupies nearly 35,000 square feet of newly outfitted office space at 20 Commerce Drive in Cranford — Courtesy: Kimmerle Group
By Joshua Burd
A law firm has opened the doors to its new 35,000-square-foot headquarters in Cranford, following a design and fit-out overseen by Kimmerle Group.
Lerner David, a practice focused on intellectual property, has relocated to 20 Commerce Drive after nearly 50 years in Westfield. Its new home features modern design elements such as offices with full-height glass fronts and slider doors, allowing for natural light, along with high-end furniture and finishes selected by Kimmerle Newman Architects in tandem with the law firm.
“The relocation 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, is leasing the space from Signature Acquisitions. Newmark Knight Frank Vice Chairman David Simson and Dan Reider, a director, represented the law firm in the 34,373-square-foot transaction, while Joseph Sarno of CBRE represented ownership.
SLIDESHOW: Inside Lerner David's new office
All photos courtesy: Kimmerle Group
In a news release, Kimmerle said Simson’s team was seeking a space with long window lines to provide natural daylighting opportunities with minimal depth. Kimmerle Group’s furniture and architecture teams provided full coordination and oversight of the project from its inception through opening.
Kimmerle said the space’s design is first visible in the reception area, which has eight large high-tech screens featuring the Lerner David’s visual branding elements.
“We have been fortunate to have been able to collaborate with Lerner David on this process since its inception,” said Paul Newman, vice president and partner of 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.”
The design practice, which is headquartered in Harding Township, said Senior Director of Workspace Meghan Barlotta was instrumental in leading the furniture team. Plans called for developing two office types and two workstation standards so that the ebb and flow of different practice groups could intertwine while also providing the necessary flexibility.
Kimmerle also highlighted the durable plank and wood-like vinyl flooring installations, throughout the open plan areas, which provide a lofty and midcentury modern feel, the news release said. In addition, the colors and company patents were selected strategically by each office occupant and consistently placed to subtly reference branding.
Signature Acquisitions purchased 20 Commerce in 2017 and 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,” said George Kimmerle, founding president and 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.”
Law firm takes 34,000 sq. ft. for new HQ in Cranford, NKF says