Summit, NJ – The architects of the Claremont Corporate Center in Summit, WESKetch Architecture, Inc. has grown considerably in its decade plus of existence. The inspiration of founder William E.S. Kaufman, WESKetch began solely as practitioners of residences. Catering to an upscale clientele, the firm soon discovered that there was a demand for a smartly designed office complexes, commercial centers and multi-dwelling units that were built on the principles of timeless design and sustainability, the core of WESK's residential practice.

"Residential design was the backbone of this firm for many years," said Kaufman about WESKetch's progression into commercial design. The firm won numerous awards for their beautiful homes and appeared in several national magazine layouts because of their projects. "It wasn't long after the time that people began to take note of our residential work that queries about projects in the commercial sector began to appear."

Seeing that there was a market for his firm's cutting-edge designs, Kaufman expanded the capabilities of his firm, adding a commercial division to his already busy residential workload. The firm's experience base was expanded through merging with prominent, reputable existing firms such as Donald Chapman, formerly of Chapman Studios. More recently, Harry Osborne joined the firm from the Henderson Group as principal. WESKetch began to grow its commercial capabilities and projects by combining these known entities and their experiences with its own philosophies on smart building and creative, collaborative thinking.

Almost immediately, Kaufman's foresight began to materialize. Landing the prestigious Henley on the Hudson condo and townhouse project in Weehawken, the firm expanded into corporate facilities including International Foods and Fragrances, National Starch and Chemical, Wyeth to name a few.

Work continues to be robust for the firm, and Claremont exemplifies WESKetch's design philosophies and expertise as it draws from both the historic residential component that is the firm's roots and the newly established commercial team.

"There is a market for smart design," said Kaufman. "Unfortunately, the era of the craftsman who labored with the skill and diligence seems to be lost with today's technology. We believe that sustainable design is reminiscent of the pride of a craftsman. Building for today and tomorrow as well."

The epicenter of the building remains a structure that dates back to 1873 and is one of the oldest and most well preserved structures in Summit. The desire to preserve this structure and yet utilize the space was a concern for Kaufman and his commercial team. The two-story building features underground parking and is located minutes away from routes 24 and 78. The firm was able to draw upon its extensive work in the building restoration and renovation as an asset in keeping the charm and characteristics of the turn-of-the-century structure while providing all the amenities of modern business.

"Claremont is a testament to WESKetch’s ability to group think," said Ted Osborne, a principal within the firm who boasts two decades of commercial design and planning. "I think the great thing about WESKetch is the ability of its architects to morph with the environment of the project," said Mitchell Fritz, whose construction management experience was called on in the design phase of the project.