Two global design firms focused on interiors are joining forces via a strategic partnership. IA | Interior Architects, which BD+C’s 2019 GIANTS list ranked 11th for architectural revenue, will share resources with Space Matrix, with project experience in over 80 cities, in a Global Studio that connects over 1,400 professionals across 37 locations worldwide.
This partnership will allow the firms—which continue to operate as separate entities—to jointly serve clients in more than 60 countries and over 500 cities. The firms will be completing projects, sharing research, and hosting joint think tanks to expand their expertise and drive innovation.
The two companies had been working on this partnership since last July. “It was important to spend significant time with each other to ensure that our values, culture and business were aligned before formalizing our agreement,” David Bourke, Co-CEO and president at IA, states in an email response to BD+C’s questions. The partnership was scheduled to launch earlier this year, but got postponed by the coronavirus outbreak.
Bourke explains that the partnership, and the global reach it provides both firms, make even more sense because of the pandemic. “This is extremely powerful during a time when international travel, and travel in general, is restricted but projects continue to be designed and delivered for clients. Even in more normal times this will still be true, as there is no substitute for local knowledge and data. Project delivery is complicated, and we believe that by engaging IA Space Matrix, clients will gain a more sustainable and satisfying product.”
From left: David Bourke, Co-CEO and President, IA | Interior Architects; Arsh Chaudhry, CEO, Space Matrix; Tom Powers, Co-CEO and President, IA | Interior Architects.
THE ALLIANCE SPANS THE GLOBE
IA | Interior Architects was founded in 1984, and is employee owned. It claims to be the world’s largest architectural firm focused on interiors. Space Matrix, founded in 2001, has a three-pronged business model that encompasses workplace strategy, interior design, and design-build.
Through the strategic partnership, the firms wanted to create a different delivery model “where we were highly invested in each other” and not just a “loose alliance,” says Bourke. IA has a strong presence in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Space Matrix has similar strength in Asia Pacific, “so there is no overlap in geography or ambitions” that might impede the goal of offering clients an organized delivery process, says Bourke.
He adds that the firms are aligned in other ways: shared clients, a commitment to design excellence and R&D, and complimentary market portfolios. Both firms have also invested in reimagining design technologies, “which we believe provides enhanced value for our clients creating a competitive advantage,” says Bourke.
Related Stories
BIM and Information Technology | May 26, 2015
Moore's Law and the future of urban design
SmithGroupJJR's Stephen Conschafter, urban designer and planner, discusses his thoughts on the 50th anniversary of Moore's Law and how technology is transforming urban design.
Architects | May 20, 2015
Architecture billings remain stuck in winter slowdown
Regional business conditions continue to thrive in the South and West
University Buildings | May 19, 2015
Special Report: How your firm can help struggling colleges and universities meet their building project goals
Building Teams that want to succeed in the higher education market have to help their clients find new funding sources, control costs, and provide the maximum value for every dollar.
University Buildings | May 19, 2015
Renovate or build new: How to resolve the eternal question
With capital budgets strained, renovation may be an increasingly attractive money-saving option for many college and universities.
University Buildings | May 19, 2015
KU Jayhawks take a gander at a P3 development
The P3 concept is getting a tryout at the University of Kansas, where state funding for construction has fallen from 20% of project costs to about 11% over the last 10 years.
Retail Centers | May 18, 2015
ULI forecast sees clear skies for real estate over next three years
With asset availability declining in several sectors, rents and transactions should rise.
Architects | May 17, 2015
NCARB wants the title ‘architect’ confined to those who are licensed
The Council is urging state licensing boards to come up with a substitute for the pre-licensure title ‘Intern.’
Museums | May 13, 2015
The museum of tomorrow: 8 things to know about cultural institutions in today’s society
Entertainment-based experiences, personal journeys, and community engagement are among the key themes that cultural institutions must embrace to stay relevant, write Gensler's Diana Lee and Richard Jacob.
Architects | May 10, 2015
Harness the connection between managing risk and increasing profitability, Part 2
In Part 1, we covered taking control of the submittals schedule and managing RFIs. Let’s move on to properly allocating substitutions and limiting change orders.
Architects | May 10, 2015
Harness the connection between managing risk and increasing profitability, Part 1
AE firms need to protect themselves against vague contractual and procedural situations during all phases of the project in order to minimize their liability and exposure to risk, writes AEC industry consultant Steve Whitehorn.
