Stantec has signed a letter of intent to acquire the Chicago-based architecture and planning firm VOA Associates. With 280 employees, VOA has offices in New York, Washington, DC, Orlando, and Highland, Illinois. The acquisition is expected to close in March.
“VOA strengthens our collective ability to grow our building practice in U.S. markets,” says Bob Gomes, Stantec’s president and CEO. “Their talented staff has produced an impressive portfolio of workplace, healing, leisure, learning, civic, and entertainment venues. Culturally, they share our commitment to transform lives through integrated design and active community engagement.”
VOA’s notable Chicago projects include the Wabash Building at Roosevelt University, known as the vertical campus; the waterfront reconstruction of Navy Pier; and the corporate headquarters for Grant Thornton and Wintrust. Other key projects include the flagship Virgin Hotels location in New York, set to debut in 2018; the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute in Virginia; and the 661,000-square-foot NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC.
In Chicago, VOA’s 140 employees will combine with Stantec’s 50 employees to create one of the largest design firms in the city. In total, Stantec has 3,800 employees in its building design practice, and 15,000 employees total across 250 offices.
“Joining Stantec expands horizons and opportunities for our staff and clients,” says Michael Toolis, VOA’s chairman and CEO. “Both firms share a commitment to design, a global growth strategy, and market diversity. We’re thrilled to become part of this top-tier company and to continue our design legacy alongside this premier team of professionals.”
