Architectural firms merge

SOUTH BEND -- Two South Bend architectural firms have decided to end their friendly competition and merge instead.

James Childs Architects on Lincoln Way East and Architecture Design Group on Wayne Street formed a new firm effective Thursday, called Alliance Architects.

The two companies started talks a little more than a year ago, because they wanted to diversify their project types, increase staff project experience and provide more staff growth and development.

"It seemed very natural, but we didn't want to rush it," said Martin Murphy, a principal at James Childs and now president of Alliance, in a phone interview.

"We were facing an ownership transition at our firm and we looked upon that as an opportunity to recast some things and take it to different level," he said.

The new firm wanted a name that reflected its new direction.

"Our thinking was that it speaks to the collaborative nature of the practice," Murphy said. "Our goal is to align our efforts with the clients' interests and push forward as a team."

The transition will be seamless from a client standpoint, he added. The new firm will consolidate all staff from both companies -- a total of 21 -- and operations at the current James Childs Architects building at 929 Lincoln Way E.

The project teams also will remain intact. The firm has 17 registered and graduate architects, with an average of 20 years of experience.

"Moving forward it's helpful to have more legs at the stool in terms of what projects come available," Murphy said.

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Architectural firms merge