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
| Aug 18, 2014
SPARK’s newly unveiled mixed-use development references China's flowing hillscape
Architecture firm SPARK recently finished a design for a new development in Shenzhen. The 770,700 square-foot mixed-use structure's design mimics the hilly landscape of the site's locale.
| Aug 18, 2014
Seaside luxury: Arquitectonica, Melo Group introduce Aria on the Bay condo tower in Miami
Melo Group has launched sales for Aria on the Bay, its new 647-unit luxury condominium in Miami. The bayfront condo will overlook Margaret Pace Park, Biscayne Bay and the Miami Beach skyline.
Sponsored | | Aug 16, 2014
Fire-rated framing system makes the grade at Johnson & Wales University Center
The precision engineering of TGP’s Fireframes Aluminum Series creates narrow profiles and crisp sightlines at Johnson & Wales University Center for Physician Assistant Studies
| Aug 16, 2014
Decoupling the professional services firm
Business consultant Tim Williams authored a recent LinkedIn post that highlights the emerging trend among professional services firms toward “decoupling,” or consciously separating the high-value services that are scarce from the low-value services that are plentiful. SPONSORED CONTENT
| Aug 16, 2014
The science of learning: Designing the STEM learning facilities of the future
New technology and changing pedagogies are influencing how to best teach a generation of learners who have never known a world without smartphones or tablets, writes HOK's Kimberly Robidoux.
| Aug 15, 2014
First look: RMJM’s 'jumping fish' tower design for the Chinese Riviera
The tower's fish-jumping gesture is meant to symbolize the prosperity and rapid transformation of Zhuhai, China.
| Aug 15, 2014
Periscope structure gives public toilet an unobstructed sea view
Polish architect Adam Wiercinski designs a public toilet with a periscope mechanism that gives visitors unobstructed views of the sea.
| Aug 14, 2014
8 do's and don'ts for completing an HVAC life cycle cost assessment
There are many hurdles to overcome when completing a life cycle cost assessment. RMF Engineering’s Seth Spangler offers some words of advice regarding LCCAs.
| Aug 14, 2014
Life cycle cost analysis using energy modeling
A life cycle cost analysis helps a school district decide which HVAC system to use in $198 million worth of future building projects.
| Aug 14, 2014
Museum of Mayan Culture draws inspiration from temple design [slideshow]
The Museo Maya de América in Guatemala City will be the world’s largest museum of Mayan history and culture, at 60,000 sf.
