Michael Graves Architecture (MG), an award-winning global leader in planning, architecture, and interior design based in Princeton, NJ, announces the acquisition of Jose Carballo Architectural Group (JCAG), a New Jersey-based architecture firm.
Following the acquisition of Maryland-based planning, architecture, and interior design firm Waldon Studio Architects (WSA) earlier this year, this new acquisition is a key part of a long-term strategic growth plan for MG.
The acquisition of JCAG will add the distinct strengths of the firm to this already robust foundation and continue to cultivate shared knowledge across design sectors, further revitalizing the late Michael Graves’ enduring legacy of creativity and innovation.
“When evaluating this acquisition, we knew our two firms would work well together. We were already collaborating with Jose on three projects, and our teams demonstrated our shared core values by operating as one team to serve our client,” explained Joe Furey, President and CEO of MG. “Our teams not only complement each other in terms of our design approach and deep market sector knowledge, but also through our common values, particularly when it comes to our devotion to innovation, commitment to quality, and unwavering client service.”
This potent combination of brand recognition, aligned values, and deep relationships are part of the continuation of an exciting new chapter for MG that simultaneously honors the firm’s established heritage.
Michael Graves, a renowned Architect who passed away in 2015, left behind a committed and talented team and an incredible legacy of innovation and design brilliance in the firm. This latest acquisition will allow the firm to continue strengthening its expertise, particularly in the multi-family residential sector.
Under the new company structure, JCAG Founder and Principal Jose Carballo will serve as Principal, as well as head of the firm’s multi-family sector in the Tri-State area. Additionally, JCAG employees will be thoughtfully incorporated into the company’s organizational makeup in key roles. Joe Furey will oversee the ongoing integration and continued future acquisition strategy as part of MG’s forward-looking strategic plan.
Regarding this strategy, Furey notes: “The future of our company is not as a corporate bureaucracy. We will grow the company in scale, and in doing so, maintain the boutique feel our clients are accustomed to as we integrate the firms and continue to deliver creative solutions and extraordinary customer service.” This plan will continue to develop the company’s depth and diversity of expertise, expand its physical presence in top-tier cities across the U.S., and ensure the continuation of its founder’s legacy for the next 50 years and beyond.
JCAG is already well-known in the Tri-State area, and is recognized for multi-family residential developments. Jose Carballo stated, “I see significant growth ahead as we join with Michael Graves, allowing a bright future for my talented team, much in the way that Michael Graves paved the way for the continued success of his firm.
At JCAG, we pride ourselves on developing lasting relationships and delivering high quality work for our clients, many of whom are repeats. When we met with the Michael Graves team, we felt an immediate sense of mutual respect and were impressed by MG’s culture of thoughtfulness and collaboration. We’re excited to work together to grow the Michael Graves brand and present new and existing clients with excellent service and innovative design solutions.”
For over 50 years, MG has provided clients across the globe with pioneering, humanistic solutions in architecture, product design, interior design, master planning, graphic design, and branding across many market sectors, including hospitality, civic, education, workplace, and residential.
Recent projects include The St. Regis Hotel in Cairo, Egypt; a Fortune 100 company headquarters at Midtown Center in Washington, D.C.; The Loutrel Hotel in Charleston, SC, and 1776 by David Burke featuring Topgolf Swing Suites in Morristown, NJ. Notable recent multifamily JCAG projects include the Three60 in Hackensack, NJ; The Iridium in Hackensack, NJ; as well as several other residential projects in the Tri-state area.
About Michael Graves Architecture
Founded in 1964 by AIA Gold Medalist Michael Graves, Michael Graves Architecture (MG) has a unique multidisciplinary practice that offers strategic advantages to clients worldwide. MG’s work is a consequence of continually striving to learn, listening to their clients. and aiming to deliver the highest level of service possible. The firm’s clients range from Fortune 100 companies and global manufacturers to start-ups, from the government to cultural, educational, and healthcare institutions, and from real estate developers and retailers to homeowners and consumers. MG has one of the leading design practices in the world, offering services in architecture, product design, interior design, master planning, graphic design. and branding, and underpins clients’ success with design strategy consulting, feasibility studies and research. For more information, visit www.michaelgraves.com.
About Jose Carballo Architectural Group
Jose Carballo Architectural Group has been servicing clients since its inception in 2003. Its focus has been mainly in lasting relationships with clients leading to quality design, quality documentation, and using the latest building technology to produce positive building experiences for its occupants. Recognized as one of the leading multifamily residential architects in the Tri-State area and beyond, JCAG has completed projects in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Dominican Republic. JCAG has also expanded its services to include hospitality and institutional work, including hotels, restaurants, and adult and child day care centers. JCAG is looking forward to this new venture so that they can draw from our past and expand their future under the Michael Graves Architecture brand.
Related Stories
Architects | May 2, 2024
Emerging considerations in inclusive design
Design elements that consider a diverse population of users make lives better. When it comes to wayfinding, some factors will remain consistent—including accessibility and legibility.
K-12 Schools | Apr 30, 2024
Fully electric Oregon elementary school aims for resilience with microgrid design
The River Grove Elementary School in Oregon was designed for net-zero carbon and resiliency to seismic events, storms, and wildfire. The roughly 82,000-sf school in a Portland suburb will feature a microgrid—a small-scale power grid that operates independently from the area’s electric grid.
AEC Tech | Apr 30, 2024
Lack of organizational readiness is biggest hurdle to artificial intelligence adoption
Managers of companies in the industrial sector, including construction, have bought the hype of artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative technology, but their organizations are not ready to realize its promise, according to research from IFS, a global cloud enterprise software company. An IFS survey of 1,700 senior decision-makers found that 84% of executives anticipate massive organizational benefits from AI.
Codes and Standards | Apr 30, 2024
Updated document details methods of testing fenestration for exterior walls
The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) updated a document serving a recommended practice for determining test methodology for laboratory and field testing of exterior wall systems. The document pertains to products covered by an AAMA standard such as curtain walls, storefronts, window walls, and sloped glazing. AAMA 501-24, Methods of Test for Exterior Walls was last updated in 2015.
MFPRO+ News | Apr 29, 2024
World’s largest 3D printer could create entire neighborhoods
The University of Maine recently unveiled the world’s largest 3D printer said to be able to create entire neighborhoods. The machine is four times larger than a preceding model that was first tested in 2019. The older model was used to create a 600 sf single-family home made of recyclable wood fiber and bio-resin materials.
K-12 Schools | Apr 29, 2024
Tomorrow's classrooms: Designing schools for the digital age
In a world where technology’s rapid pace has reshaped how we live, work, and communicate, it should be no surprise that it’s also changing the PreK-12 education landscape.
Adaptive Reuse | Apr 29, 2024
6 characteristics of a successful adaptive reuse conversion
In the continuous battle against housing shortages and the surplus of vacant buildings, developers are turning their attention to the viability of adaptive reuse for their properties.
AEC Innovators | Apr 26, 2024
National Institute of Building Sciences announces Building Innovation 2024 schedule
The National Institute of Building Sciences is hosting its annual Building Innovation conference, May 22-24 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. BI2024 brings together everyone who impacts the built environment: government agencies, contractors, the private sector, architects, scientists, and more.
Mass Timber | Apr 25, 2024
Bjarke Ingels Group designs a mass timber cube structure for the University of Kansas
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and executive architect BNIM have unveiled their design for a new mass timber cube structure called the Makers’ KUbe for the University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design. A six-story, 50,000-sf building for learning and collaboration, the light-filled KUbe will house studio and teaching space, 3D-printing and robotic labs, and a ground-level cafe, all organized around a central core.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 25, 2024
How pools can positively affect communities
Clark Nexsen senior architects Jennifer Heintz and Dorothea Schulz discuss how pools can create jobs, break down barriers, and create opportunities within communities.
