Both firms have built a sterling reputation working for clients in corporate, health care, government and higher education. In recent years they have worked for some of the same clients, including Target Corporation, the University of Minnesota and Mayo Health System.
Damon Farber, who founded his firm 20 years ago and has seen it become one of the largest landscape architectural offices in the region, says there are a number of compelling reasons for the alliance. “We embrace the collaborative process,” he said. “We often work with other design/engineering firms and offer an objective and complementary viewpoint. Teaming with a firm like Ellerbe Becket creates an opportunity to bring larger projects to the table, as well as projects from all over the world. In addition, the idea of working with a strong design firm such as Ellerbe Becket appeals to us.”
Damon Farber Associates handles 80-100 projects a year, ranging from intimate to large scale. Currently the firm is working for the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Cargill Corporation, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, American Express and HealthEast.
The two firms first worked together on a project for Franciscan Skemp Healthcare/Mayo Health System. “Damon Farber is a very collaborative, hands-on firm,” said Ellerbe Becket Project Manager Laurie Jones. “What sets them apart is that they are flexible. You can involve them from the start or rely on them as a resource whenever you need them on a project.”
Ellerbe Becket, which was founded nearly a century ago in St. Paul, now has offices in downtown Minneapolis in a building it designed (LaSalle Plaza). Over the years the firm has influenced the skylines of both Minneapolis and St Paul, as well as cities around the globe. The firm just completed redevelopment of a three-block area of Minneapolis’ venerable Nicollet Mall, which includes the new Target headquarters, a Target store and the headquarters for US Bancorp. The US$400 million development includes 3.5 million sq.ft./325,200 m2 of office space, 247,000 sq.ft./22,950 m2 of retail space and 1,500 parking spaces.
“We’ve earned the reputation of being a trusted advisor to our clients,” said Jones. “The Damon Farber alliance is another in a long line of creative solutions we can offer our clients.”
An innovator since its founding in 1909, Ellerbe Becket is a leader in architecture, engineering and the construction industry with office locations worldwide.
Damon Farber Associates was established in 1981 to provide quality services to the corporate, institutional and architectural communities in the areas of landscape architecture, site planning and urban design. “We believe that we bring added value to the table both for Ellerbe Becket and its clients,” said Farber. “We are excited about the opportunities an alliance such as this presents and look forward to working with Ellerbe Becket for years to come.”
