Pictured left to right – WSA Founder and Principal, Ravi Waldon & President and CEO of Michael Graves Architecture, Joe Furey
Michael Graves Architecture (MG), an award-winning global leader in planning, architecture, and interior design based in Princeton, NJ, has announced the acquisition of Waldon Studio Architects (WSA), a Maryland-based planning, architecture, and interior design firm.
Part of a long-term strategic growth plan for MG, the acquisition will combine the distinct strengths of the two firms to cultivate shared expertise across design sectors and further invigorate the late Michael Graves’ enduring legacy of creativity and innovation.
“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,” explains Joe Furey, President and CEO of MG. “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.”
This potent combination of brand recognition, aligned values, and commitment to a culture of innovation make for what will be an exciting new chapter for MG that simultaneously honors the firm’s established heritage. Michael Graves, a renowned Architect who passed away in 2015, left behind a committed and talented team and an incredible legacy of innovation and design brilliance in the firm. This acquisition will allow the firm to strengthen its expertise across the healthcare, education, and worship sectors. Additionally, the firms will come together in their commitment to sustainable design and historic preservation.
Under the new company structure, WSA Founder and Principal Ravi Waldon will serve as Principal as well as head of the firm’s faith-based sector. Additional WSA principals and directors will be thoughtfully incorporated into the company’s organisational makeup as principals of various practice sectors.
Joe Furey will oversee the ongoing integration and continued future acquisition strategy as part of MG’s forward-looking strategic plan. About this strategy, Furey notes: “The future of our company is not as a corporate bureaucracy. 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.” This plan will continue to develop the company’s depth and diversity of expertise, expand its physical presence in top-tier cities across the US, and ensure the continuation of its founder’s legacy for the next 50 years and beyond.
