JERDE Gets Certified as a Minority Business Enterprise

JERDE was recently certified as an official minority business enterprise (MBE) by the state. The company anticipates similar MBE certification from Los Angeles as well. 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.

“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.”

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.

“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 longstanding 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 U.S. citizens (or lawfully admitted permanent residents) who are African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans or Asian-Indian Americans.

JERDE has designed mixed-use and retail destinations throughout the world including 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.

ConnectCRE was recently certified as an official minority business enterprise by the state of California as well.