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A gym addition at New Brunswick High School provides additional space for physical education and sports.

In PreK-12 Design, The Right Architectural Partner Completes the Team

In PreK-12 Design, The Right Architectural Partner Completes the Team 789 444 DMR Architects

Of the more than 1,000 educational projects completed by DMR Architects, more than 80% can be categorized as reinvestment relationships that have spanned decades, touched most of the districts’ buildings and guided the community through major moments.

DMR has supported at least 30 districts through 25 projects each, a window into the role that an architect plays in the process of providing modern, safe and stimulating infrastructure for learning.

While our architects are also the visionaries behind celebrated new construction, most preK-12 school needs fall into the category of essential building upgrades, additions, health and safety concerns and other facility maintenance needs.

In addition to choosing a capable designer, choosing the right architectural partner for these projects means choosing a firm that can identify unique funding sources, comprehend pragmatic functions of the building, consider how construction projects will disrupt the existing ecosystem and examine every opportunity for a chance to improve functionality.

A sampling of some of these holistic stories include:

20 Years Later, DMR Returns

Between 2000 and 2005, DMR provided extensive services for the Tenafly Board of Education, helping to pass two referendums totaling $44 million to fund projects at all schools. In 2022, DMR was retained for the second time as the district sought to again bring all of their facilities up to modern standards.

DMR was tasked with the process of identifying hundreds of needs, consolidating needs gathered by administrators, previous professionals and DMR’s own surveys; developing a cost estimate for hundreds of projects; and identifying how projects could be organized to maximize funding sources, including through an Energy Savings Improvement Plan (ESIP); Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding; the district’s capital reserve; and what became a $76 million public referendum, which passed in September 2024.

A Relationship Delivers Projects for 15 Straight Years

As Architect of Record since 2008, DMR has provided professional services for nearly 60 projects in New Brunswick, projects that range from plans and assessments that have required the examination of every square foot of every building, to working on the development team that delivered the new Blanquita B. Valenti Community School. In between these projects have been HVAC and mechanical upgrades, fields, masonry repairs, a $9 million renovation of a former parochial school into Board of Education offices and a $6 million gym addition that was championed for more than a decade.

30 Projects Delivered Without Taxpayer Increase

DMR first began working with the Hackensack Board of Education in the early 2010s, completing a number of major projects such as an emergency reconstruction when a portion of Fanny Meyer Hillers School was deemed unsafe for occupancy.

Years later, DMR was retained again by the Hackensack Board of Education, this time following a failed $170 million referendum by a previous team. While the referendum did not receive the funding that would have made it possible, upgrades across the district were still desperately needed. Since 2019, DMR has supported the district through more than 30 projects valued at more than $45 million. Many of these projects were initially part of the failed referendum, but were able to be delivered through creative funding mechanisms including an ESIP and ESSER funding.

A rendering shows what the new Middlesex College Student Center will look like. The metal exterior includes an iridescent coating that changes hues. Another notable feature is the large exterior terrace.

DMR to Deliver Space for Expanding Culinary Program at Middlesex College

DMR to Deliver Space for Expanding Culinary Program at Middlesex College 2560 1450 DMR Architects

The transformation at Middlesex College continues with a new 30,000 square foot Student Center, signaling its momentum in an education market that is responding to new demands from students, new technology, and lifestyle and career cycles.

Together with a Multipurpose Community Venue and the new Middlesex County Magnet School, the Student Center is part of the County’s Community, Innovation, and Opportunity Strategic Investment Plan.  DMR Architects is the Architect of Record for the Student Center while AECOM is the Design Architect for the Student Center and the Architect for the Multipurpose Community Venue.

In addition to featuring student meeting and study spaces, a game room, and a restaurant, the new facility will house an expanded culinary arts program that will offer two new labs—doubling the capacity of the program—as well as adding a terrace for events.  It will also give students hands-on service experience at its restaurant with indoor seating as well as the Multipurpose Community Venue, a 6,500 capacity sports and event facility, that is expected to break ground this fall.

A rendering shows what the main lobby of the Middlesex County student center will look like.

“The CIO Plan isn’t merely an aspiration or a ‘hope’ of ours, it’s a reality,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “For all of us who call Middlesex County home, the CIO strategy will be a game-changer in our economy and the quality of our lives – this includes improving the lives of students, faculty, and staff that work and attend Middlesex College.”

“This is our fifth project with Middlesex College,” said Pradeep Kapoor, AIA, LEED AP BD+C.  “Middlesex County’s investment in higher learning exemplifies that education is a robust development area in New Jersey’s landscape to entice local students to stay in-state with unique offerings in engaging spaces.”

DMR’s work at Middlesex College also included the 2016 design of West Hall and the 2011 design of David B. Crabiel Hall totaling more than $20 million in construction value.

The 32,000 square foot West Hall was designed to support the school’s complete change to its business model into a student services model and became the central event space on campus.

The 36,000 square foot Crabiel Hall was the first new construction building in the prior decade, kicking off the tremendous proceeding development of the campus, while adding functional, social and educational space.  It was also the first of green building on campus and served as a place maker, creating a new gateway onto campus.

A green roof.

How DMR Services Can Help You Reach New Sustainable Heights

How DMR Services Can Help You Reach New Sustainable Heights 789 444 DMR Architects

Today is Earth Day, a yearly reminder of the importance of sustainability and our environmental impacts.

When it comes to architecture and planning, working with a firm that champions sustainability may be the key to funding, resiliency, cost savings, superior interior spaces and more.

At DMR, we have been a sustainable champion since the early 2000s. What began 20 years ago is more active than ever, as both architectural and planning clients turn to DMR to provide a wide range of sustainable services.

1. Biophilic Design 

Biophilic design, which seeks to connect building design to nature, provides aesthetic, emotional and environmental benefits. At 15 branches of Blue Foundry Bank, DMR’s design called for moss art, which provides the same benefit as plants, but requires no care, water usage or replacement. And for a residential project in Fort Lee, despite its location in an urban environment, the design connected to nature through a window wall.

2. Community Energy Planning

DMR-developed community energy plans have been adopted in four New Jersey municipalities, including in Prospect Park, which was the first plan to be adopted under the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and Sustainable Jersey Clean Energy Grant Program.

State-level grants, tax credits from the Federal Inflation Reduction Act, and incentives through utility companies remain available, making it the ideal time for municipalities to address energy conservation through a Community Energy Plan.

3. Climate Resiliency Planning

DMR wrote what is believed to be the first stand-alone Climate Resiliency Plan following Governor Murphy’s 2021 amendment to the Municipal Land Use Law. Similar assessments – which address municipalities’ susceptibility to flooding and other global warming hazards – are now required as part of municipalities’ already existing obligation to update their master plan every 10 years.

4. Energy Savings Improvement Plans

Projects through the Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP) are ongoing in three preK-12 districts. A cumulative total of projects valued at $45 million are estimated to result in a total reduction in CO2 emissions by 20 million pounds annually. Through the ESIP program, energy-related projects, such as HVAC upgrades and solar panels, are funded using the value of the energy savings that result from the projects, so school boards do not have to utilize capital reserves or taxpayer dollars.

5. Sustainable Buildings & LEED Certification

Since 2003, when DMR pitched the vision for what would become the first LEED Silver public school in New Jersey, seven buildings have received LEED Certification, a celebrated symbol of high-performing and sustainable infrastructure. But DMR’s commitment to sustainability is not limited to only LEED certified projects. The use of sustainable building components is implemented as a standard, regardless of a client’s desire to seek certification.

An architects' organized desk.

In Honor of Architecture Week, DMR Minds Reflect on Profession

In Honor of Architecture Week, DMR Minds Reflect on Profession 2560 1450 DMR Architects

In honor of Architecture Week, we asked the creative minds at DMR to share more on their experiences as architects and designers. Here is what they said.

Headshots of the four new employees who joined the DMR team.

DMR Expands Practice to Address $300 Million Educational Project Pipeline

DMR Expands Practice to Address $300 Million Educational Project Pipeline 2560 1450 DMR Architects

DMR Architects’ legacy in New Jersey’s education landscape continues with additions to its education practice that address needs for elementary, specialty high school, and higher learning spaces and facilities, and a current pipeline that includes more than $300 million in education projects throughout the state.

“We pride ourselves on the ability to offer our clients access to some of the best architectural minds available in New Jersey,” said Pradeep Kapoor, AIA.  “It is a testament to our team that we can take the visions of our board of education and higher education clients and turn them into tangible successful solutions.”

Shyam Perangur, AIA comes back to DMR with more than 30 years of experience including his work at DMR from 1997-2000 focusing on new construction, addition, renovation, and capital improvements projects in preK-12 districts.

His previous work with DMR includes new schools in Sparta and Lacey, as well as upgrade projects in Teaneck, Hasbrouck Heights, Nutley and statewide for the NJSDA (previously the NJEDA). Coming back to the role of Sr. Project Manager, he has been playing an integral role in DMR’s work for the Edison Board of Education, valued at $100 million.

He earned a Master of Architecture from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in Architecture (History, Theory & Criticism) from the University of Cincinnati, and a Bachelor of Architecture from Bhopal University in Bhopal, India.

Hyunjin Jang joined DMR as a Job Captain with more than 15 years of experience.

His current projects include the Highland Avenue Learning Annex & Recreation Center in Wood-Ridge, a $32 million design-build project that will include new construction of 49,000 SF in addition to interior renovations to 12,000 SF of existing space at the Doyle Elementary School. The new construction portion is primarily classrooms to address the growing population, as well as a gym, kitchen, and new offices, and the renovation scope will add a security vestibule and provide upgrades to classrooms, the media center and the art room.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Hanyan University in Seoul, Korea, a Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute and a Master of Science in Architecture from Columbia University.

Juliana Moreno joined the Construction Administration department as a Designer with more than five years of experience, which she is applying to her work at the Hudson County Vocational High School at Bayonne High School. The project is being completed through a design-build approach and will support vocational and career technical education in mechanics, construction, carpentry, plumbing, electrics, finance, digital communications, criminal justice, cosmetology, and medicine.

She earned a Bachelor of Architecture from New York Institute of Technology.

Brianne Aveta also joined the firm as a Designer with more than five years of experience. She is working with Mr. Perangur in Edison, including on the 48,000 SF addition to J.P. Stevens High School which will add 30 new classrooms, as well as several other projects at Thomas Jefferson and Woodrow Wilson Middle Schools.

She earned a Bachelor of Architecture from The Pennsylvania State University.

34 Eden River Park exterior.

DMR-Designed 34 Eden River Park Offers Renters Luxury, Nature and Proximity to Commerce

DMR-Designed 34 Eden River Park Offers Renters Luxury, Nature and Proximity to Commerce 789 444 DMR Architects

Robust leasing activity at 34 Eden River Park in the Whippany section of Hanover is an indication that DMR Architects’ design for the 81-unit boutique rental community has hit the right chord in a housing market that mostly consists of larger single-family homes.

DMR planned the community’s one-, two- and three-bedroom as well as one- and two-bedroom plus den units to be some of the most spacious available in Morris County and appointed them with high-end finishes and appliance packages complemented with large windows to take in the community’s natural surroundings.

“As the latest new residential rental product available in Morris County, it was important for it to stand out through its amenities package that includes spacious interior common areas, along with the luxurious outdoor communal plaza spaces,” said Kurt Vierheilig.  “Today’s rentals need to be designed as immersive experiences that feel like a vacation getaway. The location is close to amazing restaurants, work, and shopping, a critical benefit.”

34 Eden River Park’s opulent gathering spaces that include a lobby level residents lounge and clubroom, an outdoor lounge with sundeck, pergola, water feature and fireplace are complemented by an outdoor pool with hot tub and a 1,000 SF, state-of-the-art fitness center.

34 Eden River Park connects directly to Route 10 and 287/80 making it convenient to travel via car or public transportation.

34 Eden River Park is the latest DMR multi-family project to open, following The Vale earlier this month and The Residences at Upper Saddle River and the Ted R. Green Senior Residences in 2023. The Mural in Orange, NJ is expected to open later in 2024.

A group photo of the four panelists and moderator on the construction and design panel.

Pradeep Kapoor Joins MARE Journal Healthcare Panel

Pradeep Kapoor Joins MARE Journal Healthcare Panel 789 444 DMR Architects

On January 30, DMR President & CEO Pradeep Kapoor, AIA joined a panel at the Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal Healthcare and Medical Properties Conference at the Sheraton Edison Hotel.

Pradeep joined industry colleagues on “Critical Construction and Design Issues for Medical Properties and Hospitals” panel to discuss project planning, financing, design trends and what DMR is seeing in the healthcare marketplace. Other panel members included Nathan Howell of STV, Inc.; Kate Kerpcha of BFI; Mitchell Brie of Empower HCP & moderator Ron Simoncini of Axiom Communications.

Prior to assuming the role of President & CEO of DMR in January 2024, Pradeep established himself as a leader in specialty work during his 20+ year tenure with the firm. As a project manager and project executive, he has led healthcare projects for clients including Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hackensack Meridian Health, Hunterdon Healthcare, Valley Hospital and St. Peter’s University Hospital.

For more on DMR’s healthcare experience, visit our portfolio page.

A rendering shows what closing George Street to vehicular traffic could look like, such as outdoor dining under a pergola, protected by bollards.

DMR Impact Study and Conceptual Design of Reimagined George Street Reviewed by New Brunswick Mayor & Council

DMR Impact Study and Conceptual Design of Reimagined George Street Reviewed by New Brunswick Mayor & Council 789 444 DMR Architects

Responding to the desire for continued outdoor dining and experiences, New Brunswick’s mayor and council reviewed an impact study and design concepts for a reimagined George Street at their January 17 meeting.

One of the design options is for the conversion of George Street, between Bayard and Albany Streets, to become a pedestrian only mall that features year-round activation including outdoor dining, performance spaces and winter festivals.

The closure of the three-block area was first explored during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow for its restaurants to safely stay open, which then morphed into a lively area that also hosted art shows, football watch parties and live music.

“We’re seeing a lot of municipalities exploring ways to encourage public gathering in ways that are reflective of their culture while supporting economic growth and sustainability,” said Francis Reiner.  “In New Brunswick, we provided four options including a no-build which would keep the existing, summer only closure, one-way traffic conversions for either vehicles only or buses only, and a complete closure to convert the area into a permanent pedestrian plaza.”

As part of the assignment, DMR studied how these options would impact traffic on nearby streets, emergency vehicle access, public transportation routes for NJ TRANSIT and Rutgers University buses, as well as parking, wayfinding, and trash and recycling pickup.

The plans could provide for a central 24 ft. wide spine, which includes outdoor seating and temporary Tivoli lighting during the spring, summer and fall months and year-round programming.

Lloyd Rosenberg and Pradeep Kapoor

As New Era Begins, A Look Back at DMR History

As New Era Begins, A Look Back at DMR History 789 444 DMR Architects

On January 3 DMR named Pradeep Kapoor, AIA, LEED AP BD+C President & CEO, becoming only the second person in the firm’s 32-year history to serve in that role. Pradeep succeeds Lloyd A. Rosenberg, AIA, the visionary and driving force behind the firm that we know today.

As a new era begins, we look back on the other projects and moments that changed the course of our firm.

Pradeep Kapoor

DMR Names Pradeep Kapoor President & CEO; Founder Lloyd Rosenberg Chairman

DMR Names Pradeep Kapoor President & CEO; Founder Lloyd Rosenberg Chairman 2560 1450 DMR Architects

Pradeep Kapoor, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, who joined DMR Architects in 2001, has been named President & Chief Executive Officer of DMR Architects. Lloyd A. Rosenberg, AIA, who founded the firm in 1991, has been named the newly created role of Chairman and will remain active in strategic initiatives.

As part of a long-term succession plan, DMR named Francis Reiner, PP, LLA, Kurt Vierheilig AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Charles H. Sarlo, Esq., and Mr. Kapoor partners of the firm in 2017.

Mr. Rosenberg’s strategy of integrating design, planning, and construction management services has resulted in it rising to the third largest architectural enterprise in the state with special strengths in municipal planning, residential, public, educational, and healthcare practice areas.

“Lloyd’s visionary leadership has not only shaped the identity of our firm, it has fostered an environment of creativity and excellence,” said Pradeep Kapoor.  “His guidance has left an indelible mark and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to build upon the remarkable legacy he has created.”

“Pradeep has grown immensely during his years at DMR and it is very gratifying to see him assume control of the day-to-day operations of the firm,” said Lloyd Rosenberg.  “The culture of DMR has continuously evolved, but threshold moments like this are rare in any firm.  It is especially important to me that the partners are collaborating not only in selecting a new leader but in directing the future of the firm.  DMR is at the all-time height of its productivity and influence in the marketplace and is on the precipice of becoming an even greater version of itself.”