Hermann TDS - Building Storefront and Office Design

9,000 sq ft | Monmouth Junction

Hermann Total Distribution Services (Hermann) engaged Berkowsky and Associates, Inc. (BAI) to reimagine their Monmouth Junction, New Jersey location to make way for a new corporate office. Expanding from 3,000 square feet, the office now occupies 9,000 of the 98,500 square-foot facility. The new program includes a grand storefront entry with lobby, offices, conferencing, and training room.

As a family-owned business founded in 1927, Hermann wanted to honor their legacy with a prominent display of their first delivery truck, ‘Old Timer.’ This inspired relocating the employee office entry door from the side yard to the streetside. What was a continuous flat white wall is now a predominantly glass focal entry brightly showcasing the Hermann name. New landscaping, barrier free ramp, and lighting guide you to the enlarged glass storefront, complete with corrugated metal siding and canopy. The glass entry, vestibule, and window wall in the lobby create layered transparency with distinct views of the interior.

In the foyer sitting on polished concrete floors, guarded by velvet rope, and lit by pendant light is the historic Old Timer truck. The backdrop is a floor-to-ceiling window wall to see the warehouse abuzz with Hermann’s abundant activities today. Brick walls bring the outside in. The adjacent reception lounge is outfitted with leather seating, fireplace, and snack bar.

The interior was greatly driven by the 1920’s era, evoking an industrial feel throughout. The design incorporated weathered bricks, steel, black trim, tall ceilings with exposed beams, and pendant lighting. The open office is supported by a conference room featuring photographs of the Hermann family founding members, and a large break room with an island table for gathering. A large stair creates a loft to additional office space. Era-inspired finishes carry into the restroom with copper pendant lighting, faux tin ceiling, high toilet tank, pedestal sink, and black and white subway tile.

The completed project was a long-awaited achievement for Hermann and commemorated their 95th anniversary.