RTKL’s parent company Arcadis has announced its intention to acquire Callison, a 1,000+-employee architectural and interior design consultancy with offices in the United States, China, Europe, Middle East and Mexico.
The acquisition of Callison, known predominantly for its leadership in retail and mixed-use design, builds on Arcadis’ strong global design and architecture position, currently provided by RTKL. With the addition of Callison, ARCADIS plans to strengthen its global design leadership in retail and mixed-use, and gain the leading position among international architecture firms in China.
"With the addition of Callison, Arcadis has created a true leadership position in high-end design and architecture,” said Neil McArthur, CEO of ARCADIS. "We will have a clear leading position in retail globally, a strong leadership position in mixed use/commercial globally and will have a leading international design and architecture position in China."
RTKL, which provides architectural and design services across the commercial, healthcare and workplace sectors, was acquired by ARCADIS in 2007. A single global network of RTKL, Arcadis, Callison, and other Arcadis operating companies like EC Harris and Langdon & Seah, further expands the offer for RTKL’s clients through greater scale, a wider range of skills and broader market reach.
Lance Josal, FAIA, President and CEO of RTKL, said: "Callison is a well-respected industry peer, and home to great professionals, including several thought leaders in our industry. Callison has a long history in the profession, a strong culture of client service and share the entrepreneurial drive that took our companies to the global stage. Having two industry leaders within Arcadis provides a great opportunity to create something quite unique."
Arcadis will acquire Callison from its primary owner, Blue Point Capital, and from company management and principals. The closing of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of approval from the Beijing Municipal Commission of Commerce and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2014.
"We are excited to be a member of the Arcadis team which has created value for the many other companies that have joined its ranks," said Callison Chairman and CEO John Jastrem. "Our combined global capability will benefit all our employees and clients. We are known for our high quality design and excellent service and with the support of Arcadis we will be able to deliver that quality on an even larger scale."
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | Dec 7, 2022
SOM reveals its design for Singapore’s tallest skyscraper
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has revealed its design for 8 Shenton Way—a mixed-use tower that will stand 63 stories and 305 meters (1,000 feet) high, becoming Singapore’s tallest skyscraper. The design team also plans to make the building one of Asia’s most sustainable skyscrapers. The tower incorporates post-pandemic design features.
Office Buildings | Dec 7, 2022
Software giant SAP opens engineering academy for its global engineering workforce
Software giant SAP has opened its new SAP Academy for Engineering on the company’s San Ramon, Calif. campus. Designed by HGA, the Engineering Academy will provide professional development opportunities for SAP’s global engineering workforce. At the Engineering Academy, cohorts from SAP offices across the globe will come together for intensive, six-month training programs.
Multifamily Housing | Dec 7, 2022
Canada’s largest net-zero carbon residential community to include affordable units
The newly unveiled design for Canada’s largest net-zero carbon residential community includes two towers that will create a new destination within Ottawa and form a striking gateway into LeBreton Flats. The development will be transit-oriented, mixed-income, mixed-use, and include unprecedented sustainability targets. Dream LeBreton is a partnership between real estate companies Dream Asset Management, Dream Impact, and local non-profit MultiFaith Housing Initiative.
Student Housing | Dec 7, 2022
Cornell University builds massive student housing complex to accommodate planned enrollment growth
In Ithaca, N.Y., Cornell University has completed its North Campus Residential Expansion (NCRE) project. Designed by ikon.5 architects, the 776,000-sf project provides 1,200 beds for first-year students and 800 beds for sophomore students. The NCRE project aimed to accommodate the university’s planned growth in student enrollment while meeting its green infrastructure standards. Cornell University plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035.
Office Buildings | Dec 6, 2022
‘Chicago’s healthiest office tower’ achieves LEED Gold, WELL Platinum, and WiredScore Platinum
Goettsch Partners (GP) recently completed 320 South Canal, billed as “Chicago’s healthiest office tower,” according to the architecture firm. Located across the street from Chicago Union Station and close to major expressways, the 51-story tower totals 1,740,000 sf. It includes a conference center, fitness center, restaurant, to-go market, branch bank, and a cocktail lounge in an adjacent structure, as well as parking for 324 cars/electric vehicles and 114 bicycles.
Multifamily Housing | Dec 6, 2022
Austin's new 80-story multifamily tower will be the tallest building in Texas
Recently announced plans for Wilson Tower, a high-rise multifamily building in downtown Austin, Texas, indicate that it will be the state’s tallest building when completed. The 80-floor structure will rise 1,035 feet in height at 410 East 5th Street, close to the 6th Street Entertainment District, Austin Convention Center, and a new downtown light rail station.
Geothermal Technology | Dec 6, 2022
Google spinoff uses pay-as-you-go business model to spur growth in geothermal systems
Dandelion Energy is turning to a pay-as-you-go plan similar to rooftop solar panel leasing to help property owners afford geothermal heat pump systems.
Contractors | Dec 6, 2022
Slow payments cost the construction industry $208 billion in 2022
The cost of floating payments for wages and invoices represents $208 billion in excess cost to the construction industry, a 53% increase from 2021, according to a survey by Rabbet, a provider of construction finance software.
Mixed-Use | Dec 6, 2022
Houston developer plans to convert Kevin Roche-designed ConocoPhillips HQ to mixed-use destination
Houston-based Midway, a real estate investment, development, and management firm, plans to redevelop the former ConocoPhillips corporate headquarters site into a mixed-use destination called Watermark District at Woodcreek.
Office Buildings | Dec 5, 2022
How to foster collaboration and inspiration for a workplace culture that does not exist (yet)
A building might not be able to “hack” innovation, but it can create the right conditions to foster connection and innovation, write GBBN's Chad Burke and Zachary Zettler.
