Larken Associates bolsters construction and design capabilities with director appointment

Branchburg-based Larken Associates, a regional leader in real estate building, development and management, has promoted Jillian Dorell to director of design, according to a Thursday announcement.

Dorell joined Larken Associates in 2015 and quickly established herself as one of the construction and design industry’s brightest stars. Working closely with Larken Associates’ development, marketing and leasing teams, Dorell has played an integral role in many aspects of the company’s residential and commercial design work, from tenant buildouts to new construction.

Dorell’s attention to detail and creativity were highlighted by her recent success in managing the design of Autumn Ridge, a brand-new 198-unit multifamily community in Lopatcong. Harnessing her vision and understanding of the demands of today’s residents, Larken Associates created an unmatched residential experience and earned the prestigious Community of the Year and Best Home in a Rental Community Awards from the New Jersey Builders Association, as well several other awards throughout 2022.

As director, Dorell will build upon her success to lead the creation of a companywide aesthetic and design standard across Larken Associates’ commercial and residential portfolio. In addition, Dorell will continue to build relationships with manufacturers and outside professionals to expand the company’s design capabilities and resources. Looking ahead, Dorell will lead the researching of new trends in design as well as materials and technologies for use across the firm’s existing and planned commercial and residential properties.

“It has been extremely rewarding to see Jillian’s growth during her time at Larken Associates,” David Gardner, CEO and president of Larken Associates, said. “Jillian has been an invaluable member of our construction team since 2015, leveraging her keen eye for detail and her commitment to constantly learning to contribute significantly to our success. We applaud her for her tremendous efforts and are excited to see what the future holds for her.”

Dorell added: “When I joined Larken Associates, I was immediately impressed by the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence in both their commercial and residential properties. As someone who holds themselves to equally high standards, I take great pride in the trust they have placed in me to help the company continue to improve our processes and raise the bar for what our tenants and residents can expect at every Larken Associates property.”