Jillian Dorell, director of design with Larken Associates, was named the Somerset County Business Partnership’s annual 40 under 40 list at the organization’s annual meeting on Dec. 11. — Courtesy: Larken
By Joshua Burd
The Somerset County Business Partnership has recognized Jillian Dorell, director of design with Larken Associates, as a member of its 40 under 40 list for 2023.
The real estate firm, which is based in Branchburg, announced the selection this week after Dorell was highlighted during the organization’s annual meeting on Dec. 11. Larken noted that the 40 under 40 program recognizes businesspeople, professionals, entrepreneurs, elected officials and community leaders whose successes and demonstrations of strong leadership have gone above and beyond within their jobs, families and community organizations.
“We are so proud of everything that Jillian has already accomplished in her career at Larken Associates,” said Lenny Tartamella, Larken Associates’s chief operating officer. “Her impact resonates across our portfolio, among colleagues and within every Larken Living community she has helped design and construct. We’re excited for her ongoing growth as a top professional in construction and design within the state.”
Dorell joined Larken Associates in 2015 and has created and continues to refine an aesthetic and design standard for the company’s portfolio of nearly 4 million square feet of commercial space and some 2,500 owned and managed residential units across 19 properties, according to a news release. The firm cited her meticulous attention to detail and her embrace of the latest design trends, materials and technologies, ensuring its properties are at the forefront of innovation and stand out in their respective local markets.
She has also been instrumental in expanding Larken’s design capabilities and resources by forging relationships with manufacturers and external professionals, the firm said, noting that she has become an influential figure in the regional design and construction community and is a role model for her fellow female employees in the organization and the industry.
Dorell has actively participated in Larken Associates’ partnership with From Houses to Homes, an organization based in Guatemala that focuses on providing sustainable housing, health care and education to impoverished indigenous communities, the news release said. She has traveled to Guatemala twice, most recently leading a team of volunteers from the firm in constructing homes and delivering essential supplies and food to families in need in 2022.
