Chermayeff & Poole Architects (C&P) &
International Design for the Environment Associates  

C&P
51 Melcher St., Boston
I D E A
253 Summer St., Boston

Services Provided: Tenant Representation Services

Space Size: Approximately 12,000 SF, Combined need

Client: Chermayeff & Poole Architects

Landlord: Boston Wharf Co.

The Challenge:
The majority principal in the architectural firm C&P, was also the majority principal in a sister company, IDEA. His companies were both located in Cambridge and had lease expirations about 1 year apart. As an active owner, he required both companies nearby to one another so that he could easily split his time between offices and was anxious to leave Cambridge and relocate to a downtown location. The companies had very different cultures- C&P’s employees often collaborated with one another and preferred creative space with an open layout, while IDEA’s employees worked autonomously and preferred private offices and a more formal work environment.  Both companies also had growth needs to address.

The Solution:
Lisa DonFrancesco undertook the assignment and assessed the space needs of each company.year later for IDEA.  Boston Wharf’s properties provided the necessary mix- immediate availability of space that worked for C&P; a sizable portfolio of properties concentrated within blocks from one another; flexible floor plans; and several space options in Class A, B and C. C&P entered into a long term lease of approximately 8,000 SF in one of Boston Wharf’s non-renovated buildings, with open studio style space, and approximately one year later, IDEA signed a lease and occupied approximately 3,500 SF of space less than 1 block away, in Boston Wharf’s flagship headquarters building.