By Joshua Burd
Princeton-based Michael Graves Architecture & Design has expanded its service lines and its geographic footprint with the acquisition of a Maryland-based practice.
In a news release, the firm said its integration with Waldon Studio Architects will allow it to strengthen its expertise across the health care, education and worship sectors. Additionally, the teams will combine their efforts with respect to sustainable design and historic preservation.
The deal is also part of what Michael Graves says is a long-term strategic growth plan.
“When approaching this acquisition, we set out looking for a company with a deeply rooted set of core values that we share, and we knew right away we had found this in Waldon Studio Architects,” said Joe Furey, Michael Graves’ CEO and president. “Our teams not only complement each other in our design approach and deep market sector knowledge, but also through our shared values, particularly in our devotion to innovation, commitment to quality and unwavering client service.”
Under the new company structure, WSA Founder and Principal Ravi Waldon will serve as principal and head of the firm’s faith-based sector. Additional WSA principals and directors will be incorporated into the MG’s organizational makeup as principals of various practice sectors, while Furey will oversee the ongoing integration and continued future acquisition strategy over the long term.
“The future of our company is not as a corporate bureaucracy,” Furey said. “We will grow the company in scale, and in doing so, maintain the boutique feel to our clients as we integrate the firms so we continue to deliver creative solutions and extraordinary customer service.”
Founded by the late Michael Graves, the practice goes back more than 50 years. Its work has touched market sectors such as hospitality, civic, education, workplace and residential, with recent projects including The St. Regis Hotel in Cairo, Egypt; a Fortune 100 company headquarters at Midtown Center in Washington D.C. and 1776 by David Burke featuring Topgolf Swing Suites in Morristown.
Notable recent WSA projects, meantime, include the Center for Health Care and Healthy Living at the Hebrew Orphan Asylum in Baltimore, Maryland, along with many affordable and senior living projects in the region and ongoing work for the University of Maryland.
“I want to ensure a bright future for my talented team, much in the way that Michael Graves paved the way for the continued success of his firm,” Waldon said. “At Waldon Studio Architects, our calling has always been to create and serve. When we met with Joe and his team, we felt an immediate sense of mutual respect and were impressed by MG’s culture of thoughtfulness. We’re excited to work together to broaden our horizons and present new and existing clients with excellent service and innovative design solutions.”
