Jaros, Baum & Bolles
Jaros, Baum & Bolles Consulting Engineers, LLP (JB&B) is an American engineering firm that specializes in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design (MEP). It was founded in 1915 in New York City by Alfred L. Jaros, Jr. and Albert L. Baum. The firm also has offices in Boston and Philadelphia and is led by Managing Partners Mark R. Torre, Scott E. Frank, and Walter J. Mehl, Jr., along with several other partners.
JB&B is best known for high‑rise projects. Notable works include One World Trade Center and Hudson Yards in New York City, the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) in Chicago, and the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong. In 2020, Engineering News-Record named JB&B New York’s Design Firm of the Year.
History highlights: In 1915 the founders started the firm after leaving a large consulting firm. Frederick Bolles joined in 1932, bringing plumbing design to JB&B. The firm claims several firsts, such as the first sprinkler system for a high-rise (Willis Tower, 1974) and the first high‑speed elevators in the original World Trade Center (1973).
Recent work and innovations: In 2022 JB&B created the Deep Carbon Reduction Group to help buildings cut carbon. A notable project at 555 Greenwich Street in Manhattan uses a Nordic-inspired geothermal system that uses about 40% less energy than a typical large office building. Completed in 2023, this 16-story building uses geothermal wells, DOAS units, radiant heating and cooling, and a central control system. Heat moves from underground water to the roof, where heat pumps add or remove heat as needed. The system is fully electrified with no on-site fossil fuels and uses roughly 40% less electricity than similar buildings. The project, designed with COOKFOX Architects and AECOM Tishman for Hines Interests Limited Partnership and Hudson Square Properties, meets New York City’s Local Law 97 (Climate Mobilization Act).
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 03:28 (CET).