Melissa Strickland, Principal & Managing Director of New Jersey, HLW

Architecture and interiors firm HLW’s New Jersey office has successfully grown from a conceptual venture to an established player in the regional market, specializing in high-rise buildings along the Hudson River waterfront and interior design across the state. This growth has been sustained by a focus on client relationships, which has proven essential in navigating economic uncertainty. “We’ve been lucky that our growth has been pretty organic. That’s really who we are in nature. We continue to grow with our clients. We continue to grow in the market where we have established a name and a brand for ourselves,” Melissa Strickland, principal and managing director for New Jersey, told Invest:.

What is your overview of HLW, overall and in New Jersey?

Globally, HLW is a full-service architecture and interiors firm. We do have some in-house specialties, including sustainability, lighting, brand and graphics, strategy, and landscape design.

In New Jersey, we provide both architecture and interior design services. Our architectural work includes multiple buildings along the Jersey City waterfront on the Hudson River. For interiors, we serve clients throughout the entire state—from Bergen County in the north to communities in South Jersey. Our client base spans the full geographic range of New Jersey.

HLW’s New Jersey office was founded when one of our former principals envisioned establishing a true brick-and-mortar presence in the state. From its opening, the office quickly grew to a team of 35. Like many firms, we experienced some contraction during the pandemic, but our headcount has rebounded and is now back in the high 20s.

We operate as a unified team, which speaks to the culture we’ve built and the strong connections we share.

How do you approach economic uncertainty while identifying new opportunities in today’s market?

One of the reasons HLW has endured the industry’s ups and downs is the strength of our client relationships. Our clients know we’re here for them, and many have been with us since the New Jersey office first opened. They see us as true partners—we collaborate closely, and they trust that we always have their best interests in mind.

Another advantage of HLW is the way we structure our client relationships. When a specific office secures a client, that relationship stays with that team, ensuring continuity and trust. At the same time, we have the flexibility to collaborate with other HLW offices when additional expertise or resources are needed. For example, our New Jersey office has collaborated nationally and globally with other HLW offices, including New York, London, Connecticut, California, and Florida. This model not only strengthens our internal collaboration but also demonstrates to clients the value and reach of our network.

What are some recent or notable projects in the state for HLW?

While all of our projects and client relationships are ones we’re proud of, a few recent engagements stand out as especially meaningful.

Over the past year, we completed the headquarters for Lord, Abbett & Co. at 30 Hudson in Jersey City, where they occupy the top five floors of the tower. It was a significant, long-term engagement—spanning roughly seven years from start to finish. They moved in nearly a year ago, and the rollout has been successful. We continue to support them with day-two items to ensure the space evolves with their growth and remains a perfect fit.

We also delivered a confidential consulting company’s Newark headquarters, another major and successful project. Their previous office in Summit was just around the corner from our Madison location, but the move to Newark was strategic and intentional. They wanted the space to reflect the character of the city, so we incorporated local influence into the design. We sourced local graffiti artists to echo the visual energy seen along McCarter Highway (Route 21), and we integrated the history and industrial legacy of the Ironside building into the overall concept.

We also completed CoreWeave’s new office in Livingston, New Jersey. It’s a growing partnership and an exciting opportunity to support a rapidly scaling technology company in creating a high-performance space tailored to their needs.

This year, we’re working on the new headquarters for Haleon in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. It’s an exciting, ongoing opportunity and a continuation of our strong presence in the region.

Apart from the hybrid or remote work, what other trends are influencing New Jersey’s architecture, design, and construction?

Sustainability and wellness have become major drivers in how clients think about their spaces. Even when they’re not pursuing formal certifications, many clients are more conscious about the materials being used and the long-term impact of their interiors.

At HLW, we maintain a healthy materials library and design all of our interior environments to meet baseline LEED standards. That way, if a client decides to pursue certification, it doesn’t require additional cost or redesign—it’s already built into our approach. For us, it’s about being proactive, sustainable, and responsible from the start.

Wellness and inclusion-focused spaces are also becoming a priority. 

Companies are placing greater value on supporting the diverse needs of their employees and creating environments where everyone feels considered. As a result, we’re designing more prayer rooms, reflection rooms, and flexible quiet spaces—areas that offer moments of privacy, mindfulness, or cultural accommodation. These spaces aren’t an afterthought anymore; they’re becoming an expected part of the workplace.

What are HLW’s strategic priorities for growth in New Jersey over the next three to five years?

Our growth in New Jersey has always been organic, built on long-term client relationships and the strong reputation we’ve established in the market. That will continue to be the foundation of our strategy.

At the same time, we’re being intentional about expanding in sectors where we’re already well-positioned. Workplace design remains a core strength, and we have a strong foothold in the life sciences market. We’re also growing our presence in higher education, data centers, and high-rise projects along the waterfront.

We’re equally open to pursuing new opportunities that stem from our team’s passions and prior experience. When our people bring interest, expertise, or relationships in emerging areas, we’re willing to explore those directions—because it connects our employees to our growth, culture, and brand.

Overall, we’re excited about the next three to five years and confident in our ability to grow with our existing clients while expanding into new sectors.