Property of the Month: JRS Architect, P.C. reimagines expanded and renovated office for Forchelli Deegan Terrana, LLP

Photos by Michael Zwiebel Photography

Uniondale, NY A successful project design extends beyond just creating a place to work; it creates an environment where team members achieve life balance with a career they embrace.

Forchelli Deegan Terrana, LLP (FDT), a highly successful law firm based in Uniondale, held this as a guiding principle as they began the challenge of examining their programing requirements for their anticipated expanded and renovated office. JRS Architect, P.C. presented their recommendation to navigating and assessing the options with a team who approached their work like FDT. JRS was given the challenge of merging FDT’s unique collegial culture, traditional core values and business philosophy with future focused office design—one that would help retain their existing leaders and attract new talent. JRS responded with a beautifully harmonious, comfortable yet stimulating, transitional office design that not only supports their current needs but also anticipates future requirements.

“As our firm continues to grow, we needed to expand. We wanted to make the most of natural light, improve air quality, add the latest technology and build space that reflected the high level of work we perform. JRS listened to what we wanted and designed our space in such a way that exceeded all our goals and provided everything our staff and clients need to continue to be successful. They were a pleasure to work with and I recommend them without any hesitation whatsoever,” said John Terrana, co-managing partner, FDT.

The success of the project stemmed from JRS’ approach which initially focused on a thorough programming evaluation. This work was key in helping FDT to effectively assess their options ranging from expanding at their current location to relocating to another corporate facility. With this input and JRS’ test fit analysis in hand, FDT decided to remain at their current location, expanding 20% to a total of 50,000 s/f.

To achieve their objectives, the JRS design solution involved a complete gut and buildout of the new space, renovation of the reception and elevator lobby and the addition of a new multifunctional conference center. FDT’s existing space redesign called for a major refresh including all new flooring, wall treatments, lighting and furniture.

Programming was a critical component to ensure success for this project as it needed to be completed in a manner allowing FDT to be fully operational during the construction. With their deep programing experience, the JRS team developed a plan that not only accomplished this but also did so in a single phase thereby expediting the construction timeframe.

Today, as employees and guests exit the elevator into FDT’s office space, the dynamic, bright, expanded lobby is timeless and welcoming. The strong reception desk anchors the lobby and the expansive views from the movable glass front conference center. Incorporating their community culture, this multi-functional conference center can be reconfigured and opened to the lobby creating a grand event space giving FDT maximum flexibility. Natural light was brought through to the interior spaces and circulation corridors by adding glass sidelights and clear story glass at the perimeter and atrium offices. The new FDT Café was expanded and designed as an employee’s only communal space, where they can gather to socialize and confer with their fellow colleagues.

Through the selection of finish materials, lighting and design, the JRS team successfully captured and delivered FDT’s vision of a beautiful harmonious space that reflects their values, philosophy and culture well into the future.