New Director of Architectural Design Edward Shim Spearheads HLW International's High-Rise Residential and Commercial Design Expansion

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Edward Shim, principal and newly appointed Director of Architectural Design for HLW International's New York Office, will lead team efforts to broaden the iconic firm's award-winning mixed-use efforts.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131119/PH20255)

Shim brings to the position more than 15 years of experience in architectural practice in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Through Shim's leadership, HLW has transformed locations throughout the New York metropolitan area with dynamic mixed-use spaces, such as the expansion of Hofstra University's medical school, automotive showrooms for BMW, and a 45-story tower in the Liberty Harbor North section of Jersey City.

"Architecture often becomes a balancing act, between design and technology, between evolving requirements for the building and for the spaces contained within it. I'm constantly working on being a 'complete' designer," says Shim.

Shim sees the HLW architectural design group as capable of multi-faceted, multi-dimensional responses to design challenges. "What we do goes beyond taking on a profession. It is an evolving role of managing people, time and finances, all while fulfilling not just our desire or vision as designers, but also that of our clients. All of these varied objectives are understood through one overarching goal -- to positively impact the cityscape with quality architecture."

Long Island's Hofstra University School of Medicine approached HLW and Ed Shim to create a design that will accommodate the university's growing medical program. HLW worked with the school on the initial phase of the project, which involved the repurposing of an athletic space (previously used by the New York Jets) into an expansive educational complex. Shim played a leading role in the subsequent project phase, which built on more comprehensive plans to accommodate vehicular and pedestrian traffic, building stock, and infrastructure. He designed an expanded medical training facility with the latest learning technologies and amenities. The new, expanded design allows for nearby campus integration, as well as more flexible and dynamic responses in the future to the university's ongoing evolution as a national leader in medical education.

Across the Hudson River in Manhattan, HLW is enhancing commercial spaces. For instance, Ed Shim and his architectural team designed the renovated operations facilities for BMW of Manhattan and BMW Mini of Manhattan. The project involved more than 325,000 sf, showrooms and supporting spaces, and LEED Silver certification.

Under Shim's leadership, HLW's New York design team is working with local city authorities and communities on their redevelopment plans. For instance, their design for the Liberty Harbor North Tower in Jersey City reflects the neighborhood and its history and special culture, while also accounting for residential perks young professionals expect, such as parking, gym access, restaurants, shops and more.

"When designing for complex programs, you are ultimately thinking about how the occupants will fill and interact in that space, but you are doing this within the context of a greater understanding of the building's impact on the surrounding architecture," explains Shim. "After coordinating with local authorities, the client, and the many stakeholders, it's about how the resident or professional feels about living or working in a space. Significantly, however, a sense of home and work doesn't evaporate once you walk through the door and exit the building. This is what HLW really gets and understands on the deepest of levels."

For information on HLW's mixed-use and urban designs, learn more here.

About HLW International
Sustaining a successful practice for over 125 years, HLW remains a strong, innovative and progressive organization with offices strategically placed around the world to support our clients. The firm designs buildings and interior places for a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from broadcast and media companies, financial corporations, organizations focused on technology and creative sectors, academic institutions, and multi-family and mixed-use developers.

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Media Contact:

Colette Taber
Writer, New York Office
T 212 353 4799 
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Rhonda Curliss
Managing Director of Global Marketing & Communications 
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SOURCE HLW International