From left: Stephen V. DeSimone, chairman and CEO of DeSimone Consulting Engineering, stands with Kelly Houlihan, founder of KP Elevator Consulting, and Kurt Schieszer, now a principal and director in DeSimone’s San Francisco office. — Courtesy: DeSimone
By Joshua Burd
DeSimone Consulting Engineering has acquired KP Elevator Consulting, its latest move aimed at broadening and diversifying its platform for clients worldwide.
In a news release, the firm said the addition of San Francisco-based KP Elevator will enable it to offer services ranging from due diligence and concept development through final construction of vertical transportation solutions for new, renovated and converted buildings. Case in point is KP’s long track record with clients such as The Space Needle in Seattle, Greystar, Hines, Tishman Speyer, the Federal Reserve and The Orden Co.
Going forward, KP will operate under the DeSimone banner, merging with the company’s existing San Francisco office. Terms of the merger were not disclosed.
“The exceptional quality of work and professionalism we’ve experienced in our past collaborations with KP Elevator Consulting has truly impressed us,” said Stephen V. DeSimone, chairman and CEO of DeSimone Consulting Engineering. “KP’s high level of skill and expertise aligns closely with DeSimone’s commitment to providing our clients with superior quality and service. Bringing this recognized leader in vertical transportation in-house enables us to offer an important new service in response to our clients’ needs.”
DeSimone, whose New Jersey projects include a 670-unit luxury residential project at 290 Coles St. in Jersey City, cited KP’s growth under the leadership of founder Kelly Houlihan, a 37-year industry veteran. Houlihan will now lead DeSimone’s new vertical transportation team as a firm principal.
“Having collaborated with property managers, owners, architects, developers and elevator contractors to successfully complete hundreds of complex vertical engineering projects, we’re excited to bring our experience in innovative vertical transportation solutions to DeSimone, and look forward to collaborating on groundbreaking projects with the global DeSimone team,” Houlihan said.
DeSimone’s acquisition of KP Elevator Consulting is the latest in a series of moves aimed at expanding the firm’s capabilities and resources while offering local experience and presence, according to a news release. Since 2020, the firm has grown its total workforce to nearly 700, adding new offices in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom.
