JERDE's new global headquarters, located in Downtown Los Angeles, served as the venue for the firm's 40th Anniversary celebration on September 13th. 

JERDE Chief Executive Officer & Design Director John Simones honored the hard work and dedication of his fellow shareholders in his keynote speech including Mark Liu, Managing Director, China, and Phil Kim, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, who both flew to Los Angeles for the event. In addition to thanking his colleagues and honoring JERDE's past work, Simones also spoke of his excitement for the firm's future in Downtown Los Angeles. With a number of large-scale mixed-use projects underway overseas, the firm is also looking to expand its role locally in Southern California, with multiple high-profile projects currently in development.  

Through a representative, Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar bestowed upon the firm a Certificate of Recognition, honoring JERDE's extensive contributions in the field of architecture and design.   

Chris Rising, whose Rising Realty Partners owns and operates the CalEdison building in which JERDE's offices reside, served as the event master of ceremonies. Rising spoke of the ongoing revitalization of downtown Los Angeles, which attracted JERDE earlier this year. Rising praised the firm's legacy of innovative design work and spoke of what an honor it is to have JERDE as a prominent tenant in the CalEdison.

Among the 100 plus guests on-hand were several of the real estate industry's  top figures, including Tom Gilmore, Trammel Crow's Brad Cox, and Jamison's Director of Architecture Fred Kerz.  Assemblyman Miguel Santiago also visited and spoke at the event.