JERDE Certified as Minority Business Enterprise
From its Los Angeles home, JERDE has designed some of the world's most iconic and visited places. Becoming a minority business enterprise reflects not only the power of our City's diversity and creativity, but how we represent ourselves to the global community.
JERDE announced today that it was certified as an official minority business enterprise (MBE) by the State of California. Later this month, the company anticipates similar MBE certification from the City of Los Angeles. JERDE was also certified by Los Angeles County as an eligible participant in the County's Community Business Enterprise Program, utilized by County departments, public agencies, private-sector prime and subcontractors to meet subcontracting goals.
Founded more than 40 years ago, the firm has evolved into a partnership shareholder structure. Currently, almost 90 percent of JERDE's shareholders identify as a recognized minority or women. Similarly, more than 75 percent of JERDE's staff identifies as people of color.
From its Los Angeles home, JERDE has designed some of the world's most iconic and visited places. Becoming a minority business enterprise reflects not only the power of our City's diversity and creativity, but how we represent ourselves to the global community.
"We methodically hired the best candidates and that has allowed us to build a powerhouse architectural firm that is enriched by its diversity. With the renewed focus on racial justice, we decided it was time to certify our firm and search out opportunities that align with our long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion. We now have one of the most diverse architecture firms based in California," said Eduardo Lopez, Design Principal and Shareholder of JERDE.
A MBE is a firm that is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by individuals who are citizens of the United States (or lawfully admitted permanent residents) who are "African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, or Asian-Indian Americans."
"From its Los Angeles home, JERDE has designed some of the world's most iconic and visited places," said Ambassador Nina Hachigian (ret), Deputy Mayor for International Affairs, City of Los Angeles. "Becoming a minority business enterprise reflects not only the power of our City's diversity and creativity, but how we represent ourselves to the global community."
JERDE has designed mixed-use and retail destinations throughout the world including such iconic places as Santa Monica Place, Bellagio in Las Vegas, the Mall of America in Minnesota, Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles, Pacific City in Huntington Beach as well as Langham Place in Hong Kong, Roppongi Hills in Tokyo, and Kanyon in Istanbul.
"We've long felt that our success is tied to embracing the diversity of the cultures and communities in which we work all around the world," said Jeri Oka, Design Principal and Shareholder of JERDE. "The difference in views and experiences has helped us to create unique places attracting a melting pot of people and realizing financial success for our clients."
The company recently opened offices in Mexico City and Singapore.
