About

Edward
Jacobs

30+

years of spiritual and artistic creations

Introduction

Edward Jacobs Design is a creative design studio whose work focuses on spiritual and educational undertakings including synagogue design, exhibition and concept design, memorial and commemoration design, communication architecture, industrial design, and graphic arts. The company’s main studio is located just outside of Jerusalem.

Synagogues

Along with the actual design articulation of an entire project, Edward Jacobs Design is also intimately involved with the administrative processes necessary to see a project through to fruition. The first step is a phased approach commencing with the composition of an initial program document or executive summary elucidating the following areas of concern:

 

  • A fully realized programmatic description of the needs and desires of the community, compiled in conjunction with the synagogue board
  • An accurate zoning summary of the desired property
  • Potential impact statements necessary to prepare for inevitable neighborhood and municipal conflicts
  • Gross budgetary estimates for various building options, according to proposed ideas
  • General design description that includes contextual directions, proposed building materials, and overall vision for the property
  • General fundraising strategy in concert with the synagogue board
  • Proposed overall schedule for project

 

The programmatic aspect of this report is done in concert with a local architect, who would be appointed architect of record for the project.

 

Other professionals necessary for the completion of this initial stage include:

 

  • A local expeditor and/or legal counsel, who assists the project team in accurately defining zoning parameters of the new property, allowing us to make the most practical planning decisions
  • Local contractor, who would assist us in creating non-binding but reasonable gross budgetary projections based on standardized construction costs, allowing us to make practical building considerations for the proposed property

 

After the executive summary is completed, contents are found reasonable, and challenges are found operable, the community will decide to proceed to the next phase of work with Edward Jacobs Design. This next phase would cover continued work with the architect on architectural design of the building, interior design, and complete Judaica design for all aspects of the project. This resulting document would be a complete presentation tool with all necessary renderings and visualizations for the proposed project. Further, all initial pro-forma financial documents would be included so that a coherent fundraising plan can then be drafted.

 

In short, Edward Jacobs Design’s specialty is providing a complete articulation of project vision, definition, scope, and inspiring design for the institutional client. As creative director, Edward Jacobs then devises stimulating and exhilarating presentations which convey the essence of the project and engender excitement and participation. Invariably, these presentations form the backbone of the fundraising efforts of which Edward Jacobs Design is a fundamental component. Jacobs then works with the stakeholders and other professionals to define the fundraising methodologies and to create the necessary plans and products to ensure a successful fundraising plan.

Museums and Memorials

In recent years, Eddie has joined Dr. Michael Berenbaum and together they formed one of the leading museum and exhibition design consultancy’s in their field. Please visit www.Berenabumjacobsassociates.com to see their work.

Judaica

Long before working on synagogue and museum commissions, Edward Jacobs Design created Judaica. A natural outgrowth of the years Edward Jacobs spent learning in Yeshiva, Judaica allowed Jacobs to combine his natural design and fabrication talents with his Judaic studies. This resulted in the production of unique pieces now found in several museums as well as private collections around the world. Over the years, Edward Jacobs Design has fulfilled commissions for private clients desiring a custom work, or a series of Judaica elements as gifts for family and friends. The company also has designed several Judaica items derived from some of its iconic synagogue projects, as fundraising vehicles for the institution. Jacobs also has created meaningful donor and special recognition gifts for various clients in both America and Israel.

Edward Jacobs Design’s Judaica projects are based on a three-fold philosophy:

  1. The object must be functionally suited for its purpose
  2. It must meet the exacting and detailed requirements of Halacha/Jewish law
  3. The spiritual nature of the object must dictate its physical form

By working within these parameters, Edward Jacobs Design is fulfilling the mandate of Rav Kook: Make the old, new – and make the new, sanctified.

 

Edward Jacobs also designs:

RESTAURANTS
SCHOOLS
VARIOUS CREATIVE FACILITIES 

You can contact him at [email protected] to learn more about how he can help advance your unique project.