New division will oversee operations in NYC, Miami and elsewhere |
An international construction company is merging with Midtown-based Lehrer, a construction and design firm that’s advised on major New York City projects including 220 Central Park South and new Whitney Museum.
As part of the deal, Lehrer will operate as a division of Cumming — dubbed Lehrer Cumming. The new branch, which will have roughly 80 employees, will focus on project management and related services, the companies confirmed on Tuesday. The division is currently looking for new office space in Manhattan and will oversee Cumming’s current operations in New York City, Boston, Miami and Washington D.C.
The merger marks a new chapter for industry veteran Peter Lehrer. Prior to founding his eponymous consultancy in 1996, Lehrer ran a major construction management firm, Lehrer McGovern. In 1988, that company merged with Bovis, which was acquired by Lendlease in 1999.
In addition to 220 CPS and LaGuardia, Lehrer’s advisory firm has worked on 15 Central Park West and the redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport. Lehrer said his years running a construction management firm has given him an edge in the consulting business.
“Many people who are in the consulting business have never had experience building,” he said. “We work hard at what we do, and we believe we are making a difference.”
Lehrer will serve as CEO of Lehrer Cumming, while Finlay Cumming, founder and CEO of Cumming, will oversee the entire company.
Lehrer said the merger sprung, in part, from the longtime friendship between “two friendly Scottish gentlemen,” Finlay and Lehrer COO Gavin Middleton. Middleton will serve as executive vice president of Lehrer Cumming. Cumming’s Derek Hutchison will also serve as executive vice president of the new division.
Cumming was founded in 1996 and focuses on project and cost management. The firm has 27 domestic offices — including Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and New York — and four international offices.