CannonDesign acquires Astorino, forms design-led design-build division

CannonDesign is acquiring and merging with Astorino, a Pittsburgh-based multidisciplinary firm in a deal that strengthens processes, assets, and opportunities for both firms. The merger increases collective capabilities, opens new markets, and enhances value for clients.

The firms cited their close alignment on values, vision, and culture as the foundation of the new relationship—both CannonDesign and Astorino place a premium on design solutions that address unique challenges faced by clients.

“Together, our talented professionals will pursue outcome-based design solutions that optimize our clients’ performance,” commented Gary Miller, Co-Chairman and CEO of CannonDesign. “This merger brings added value and opportunity to both organizations.”

The merger also extends CannonDesign’s presence in the markets Astorino currently serves and positions the firm to expand capabilities into industry innovations for project delivery offering increased choices for clients.

A Design-Led Design-Build division to be managed from the Pittsburgh office will advance innovative methods for project delivery. Louis P. Astorino, Jr., who spearheaded Astorino’s Design Led-Design Build practice group during the last decade, will lead this strategic growth initiative nationwide.

“CannonDesign is a recognized global leader, and we’ve partnered on projects in the past,” said Louis Astorino, Jr., CEO of Astorino. “We are compatible in culture, and complementary in talent, experience and capabilities. This is a superb opportunity for our team to work with CannonDesign’s professionals to expand and innovate.”

While strengthening the firm’s existing focus on healthcare, education, and corporate commercial markets, CannonDesign will gain access to Astorino’s breadth and depth of talent and experience in both standard architectural services as well as innovative processes in research, design, and construction. The firm also will gain access to a valued network of relationships in Pittsburgh and Abu Dhabi, vibrant regions with high growth potential.

Before you get your shorts in a knot, I have nothing against science, technology, engineering, or even mathematics; to the contrary, I love all four “STEM” disciplines (I’m lying about the math). But I question whether we need to be building K-12 schools that overly emphasize or are totally devoted to STEM.

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