Lord, Abbett & Co. Offices – Jersey City
HLW designed the new headquarters for Lord Abbett & Co. in Jersey City, emphasizing open work areas, collaboration spaces, and amenities to enhance employee well-being and adaptability.
Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC (“Lord Abbett”), an independent, privately-held investment management firm, have launched their new headquarters located atop the iconic Goldman Sachs Tower designed by César Pelli. Designed by HLW, this space represents a groundbreaking approach to high-performance, sustainable workplace design. Spanning the top five floors of this architectural landmark, the headquarters reimagines how the firm engages employees, welcomes clients, and celebrates its legacy.
The design thoughtfully reflects Lord Abbett’s core values:
– Excellence: Showcased through curated displays of the firm’s 95-year legacy of leadership and spirit of innovation, throughout the space.
– Responsibility: Embodied in the space’s commitment to sustainability and wellness, which are woven into every aspect of the design.
– Transparency: Achieved through glass walls, open layouts, and unobstructed views of the Hudson River accessible to everyone.
– Collaboration: Promoted through shared amenities designed to foster connection and innovation.Each floor follows a destination-based planning strategy, guiding employees through spaces that inspire performance, creativity, and rejuvenation. Amenities include a fitness studio, training rooms, multiple cafés, a game room, and rooms with biophilia for serene moments of relaxation. A heritage library celebrates the firm’s century-long history, while The Exchange, a grand social hub on the top floor, serves as the centerpiece.
The Exchange is designed for versatility and impact, featuring breathtaking river views, a 40-foot curved ceiling, modular furniture, integrated AV technology, and a barista-staffed coffee bar. This multifunctional space facilitates employee gatherings, client events, and informal connections, showcasing Lord Abbett’s investment in its people and culture.
Architectural elements, such as framed moments and seamless transitions, immerse visitors in Lord Abbett’s story. HLW’s brandx team further amplified the narrative with super graphics that blend abstract patterns, archival documents, and contemporary visuals. For instance, the 36th floor features an artistic juxtaposition of 1980s imagery and binary code, while the 40th floor showcases a magnified scripophily pattern from a historic stock certificate.
Collaborations with artists brought additional depth to the space:
Suzanne Tick’s recycled-material artwork reflects sustainability and transparency.
Caralarga’s woven creations reinforce themes of collaboration and connectivity.
These elements collectively create a cohesive environment that balances tradition with modernity.HLW’s design for Lord Abbett’s headquarters seamlessly integrates history, innovation, and well-being. By championing sustainability, fostering community, and prioritizing employee wellness, the space is a model for the future of work. It celebrates Lord Abbett’s legacy while laying the foundation for a dynamic, purpose-driven workplace that inspires excellence in every corner.
Design: HLW
Construction Manager: JT Magen
MEP Engineer: AMA Group
Photography: Mike Van Tassel
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