ENR New York is pleased to announce the region's 2020 Design Firm of the Year: Jaros, Baum & Bolles.
Manhattan-based mechanical and electrical engineer JB&B saw regional revenue rise to $67.43 million from $60.9 million—and $4.59 million, or 7%, of that is from green design. The firm engages with clients and owners to develop plans to effect substantial carbon reductions associated with NYC’s vast amount of existing buildings, consistent with the city's plans and regulatory policy to reduce overall carbon emissions by 80% by the year 2050. Managing partner Scott Frank was even appointed to the Local Law 97 Climate Advisory Board in December 2019.
That capped off a year in which the firm was a major player in The Shed, ENR New York's 2019 Project of the Year—a $400-million, 200,000-sq-ft art and performance space with a slider phone-like shell that deploys to turn an outdoor patio into a theatrical hall. In its role on the project, JB&B sorted out how to keep mechanical systems functional and disconnect and reconnect them as the shell moved back and forth. Other notable projects the firm has worked on include numerous other structures at Hudson Yards, completed in 2019, and the $3.3 billion One Vanderbilt, slated to finish this year.
While COVID-19 has forced shutdowns of non-essential construction projects in New Jersey and New York, it's important to recognize those in our industry who have done good work—and whose expertise will help us all weather these and other challenges. JB&B says it is "working with multiple teams in the region on alternate health care facilities to accommodate the surge in health care needs during this crisis."
The firm touts its design services, including increased focus on smart buildings, combined with its expanding capabilities in commissioning, MEP project management and operations support.
You can read more about JB&B, and about the Top Design Firms of the region, in the May issue of ENR New York/New England.
