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
Adaptive Reuse | Jul 27, 2023
Number of U.S. adaptive reuse projects jumps to 122,000 from 77,000
The number of adaptive reuse projects in the pipeline grew to a record 122,000 in 2023 from 77,000 registered last year, according to RentCafe’s annual Adaptive Reuse Report. Of the 122,000 apartments currently undergoing conversion, 45,000 are the result of office repurposing, representing 37% of the total, followed by hotels (23% of future projects).
Hotel Facilities | Jul 26, 2023
Hospitality building construction costs for 2023
Data from Gordian breaks down the average cost per square foot for 15-story hotels, restaurants, fast food restaurants, and movie theaters across 10 U.S. cities: Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Phoenix, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
Sustainability | Jul 26, 2023
Carbon Neutrality at HKS, with Rand Ekman, Chief Sustainability Officer
Rand Ekman, Chief Sustainability Officer at HKS Inc., discusses the firm's decarbonization strategy and carbon footprint assessment.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jul 26, 2023
10 ways public aquatic centers and recreation centers benefit community health
A new report from HMC Architects explores the critical role aquatic centers and recreation centers play in society and how they can make a lasting, positive impact on the people they serve.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 25, 2023
San Francisco seeks proposals for adaptive reuse of underutilized downtown office buildings
The City of San Francisco released a Request For Interest to identify office building conversions that city officials could help expedite with zoning changes, regulatory measures, and financial incentives.
Designers | Jul 25, 2023
The latest 'five in focus' healthcare interior design trends
HMC Architects’ Five in Focus blog series explores the latest trends, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of healthcare design.
Urban Planning | Jul 24, 2023
New York’s new ‘czar of public space’ ramps up pedestrian and bike-friendly projects
Having made considerable strides to make streets more accessible to pedestrians and bikers in recent years, New York City is continuing to build on that momentum. Ya-Ting Liu, the city’s first public realm officer, is shepherding $375 million in funding earmarked for projects intended to make the city more environmentally friendly and boost quality of life.
Market Data | Jul 24, 2023
Leading economists call for 2% increase in building construction spending in 2024
Following a 19.7% surge in spending for commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings in 2023, leading construction industry economists expect spending growth to come back to earth in 2024, according to the July 2023 AIA Consensus Construction Forecast Panel.
Hotel Facilities | Jul 21, 2023
In Phoenix, a former motel transforms into a boutique hotel with a midcentury vibe
The Egyptian Motor Hotel’s 48 guest rooms come with midcentury furnishings ranging from egg chairs to Bluetooth speakers that look like Marshall amplifiers.
Office Buildings | Jul 20, 2023
The co-worker as the new office amenity
Incentivizing, rather than mandating the return to the office, is the key to bringing back happy employees that want to work from the office. Spaces that are designed and curated for human-centric experiences will attract employees back into the workplace, and in turn, make office buildings thrive once again. Perkins&Will’s Wyatt Frantom offers a macro to micro view of the office market and the impact of employees on the future of work.
