Combination with London-based RMJM said to have no effect on local projects
By: Greg Forester
WEST WINDSOR Hillier Architecture, the architecture firm working with West Windsor Township on plans for the proposed transit village announced it will be merging with a London-based architecture practice Tuesday.
The merger won’t delay work on Hillier Architecture’s current projects, including the redevelopment around the Princeton Junction train station, according to founder and Chairman J. Robert Hillier.
"The merger will have no effect on the projects we are currently working on in New Jersey and moving forward gives us greater depth to take on larger projects in the state, the nation and the world," Mr. Hillier said.
With Hillier Architecture combined with RMJM into the North American company RMJM Hillier, the company will have offices in 16 cities in North America, Asia and Europe, with $15 billion worth of current projects and over 1,000 employees.
The new firm will provide varying services in architecture, urban design, land planning, graphics, interior design, and master planning among others, according to company officials.
Forming the other half of the merger will be RMJM, an international architecture firm founded in 1956 that is planning on opening additional offices in Delhi, India; Doha, Qatar; and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Hillier Architecture is currently working on preliminary plans for a mixed-use center built around the location of the current Princeton Junction train station.
Despite extensive planning for the project, its future remains in question with Mr. Hillier suggesting at a recent public meeting the possibility that his firm may withdraw from the project because it may lack the ability to deliver what the township wants.
Mr. Hillier said part of the reason for his comments was the May Township Council election during which the slate of winning candidates ran on a platform against the inclusion of 1,000 residential units in the transit village project.
Mr. Hillier has maintained that the inclusion of the housing is an important part of the project. He issued financial reports that show increasing negative financial impacts on the township as housing is reduced.

