Global design firm Stantec has signed a letter of intent to acquire VOA Associates Incorporated (VOA), a 280-person Chicago-based architecture and planning firm. VOA is recognized for building designs serving major clients in the hospitality, commercial, healthcare, workplace, entertainment and cultural, and government sectors. With commissions across the U.S. and internationally, VOA has additional office locations in New York, NY; Washington, DC; Orlando, FL; and Highland, IN.
Bob Gomes, Stantec president and CEO, says, “VOA strengthens our collective ability to grow our building practice in U.S. markets. 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. We’re excited to welcome VOA to the Stantec team.”
VOA further expands Stantec’s 3,800-person building design practice. In Chicago, VOA employs more than 140 people while Stantec has a 50-person office. Combined, they will form one of the largest design firms in Chicago.
Michael Toolis, VOA’s CEO and chairman, says, “Joining Stantec expands horizons and opportunities for our staff and clients. 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.”
From Manhattan to Chicago’s Loop, Washington, DC, and Central Florida, VOA’s designs have enriched the fabric of hundreds of local communities. Founded in Chicago, VOA has contributed to the cultural vibrancy of the Windy City for more than four decades. Their notable local projects include the Wabash “vertical campus” Building at Roosevelt University; waterfront reconstruction of Navy Pier, one of the city’s signature landmarks; and the corporate headquarters for Grant Thornton and Wintrust.
Other key projects include the flagship Virgin Hotel in New York City, scheduled to debut in 2018; the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute in Virginia; and the sustainably-designed 661,000-sq.-ft. NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC.
The acquisition is expected to close in late March 2016.