Architectural and Design Firm CetraRuddy Goes International
New York--CetraRuddy Inc., an architectural and design firm, recently opened an international division. Over the past three years, the firm has successfully attempted expansion in India and Great Britain.
By Jessica Fiur, Online News Editor
New York—CetraRuddy Inc., an architectural and design firm, recently opened an international division. Over the past three years, the firm has successfully attempted expansion in India and Great Britain.
Though some design companies are currently struggling nationally and have no desire—or means—to venture abroad, expansion to the foreign market was a natural progression for CetraRuddy.
“Our clients have encouraged us to work internationally for years,” Nancy J. Ruddy, principal, CetraRuddy Inc., tells MHN. “We had been hesitant, because our practice is based upon a high level of service and active personal involvement of the principals, but over the past few years, we have added several senior-level personnel who are incredibly experienced in the overseas market. Dan Stewart, our hospitality group director, has successfully completed a number of projects overseas, and Joseph Jebran has just joined the firm as international group director, with 25 years of extensive experience in Europe and the Middle East.”
Stylistically, the international market offers further advantages to the architecture and design firm.
“We have found that our overseas clients find value in our design approach. The combination of our extensive research into the local culture and our experience with the most sophisticated building technologies and sustainability practices has been very well-received,” Ruddy says.
Bringing international flavor back to the United States
According to Ruddy, CetraRuddy’s international work has positively influenced its design work—and business practices—back home.
“We have always traveled extensively and incorporated global elements into our work in the United States—fire pits from Africa at 77 Hudson in Jersey City, N.J., and mahogany showers from Italy at 76 Madison in New York City; but becoming more active in the global market has expanded our sensitivity to other cultures, taught us new ways of doing business, and inspired us to use new technologies, materials and methods in our designs.”
