DENVER, CO CannonDesign announces that Denver, Colorado, -based Bennett Wagner Grody Architects joins the firm. This merger establishes CannonDesign's first office in Colorado and better positions the practice to serve clients throughout the Mountain State region. 

Founded in 1989 and in its 28th year of practicing architecture, Bennett Wagner Grody Architects is known for designing spaces that enliven the human experience and address environmental, social and economic challenges. Recent projects include Colorado State University's Behavioral Sciences Building, Colorado Mesa University's Engineering Building and numerous projects with Kaiser Permanente. 

"This new partnership energizes our firm with BWG's solid reputation in higher education, prek-12 and healthcare markets, strengthened by their focus on student housing, libraries, interior design and civic work," said CannonDesign's CEO Brad Lukanic, AIA. "We found a like-minded firm to align our strategic goals with, advancing our design impact across the architectural industry."

Going forward, Bennett Wagner Grody Architects will conduct business as Bennett Wagner Grody Architects | CannonDesign until a future transition to the CannonDesign name. The firm will continue providing architecture and interior design services, while offering new areas of expertise, such as building engineering, technology consulting, workplace strategy and facility optimization. The firm will also benefit from CannonDesign's advanced design technologies and innovative approach to design; in 2017, Fast Company named CannonDesign one of the 10 most innovative architecture firms in the world.

Reflecting on the merger, Donald Grody, one of the founding partners at Bennett Wagner Grody Architects, noted the partnership allows his firm to transcend the notion of what a traditional architecture practice should be. "There are many design firms that do good architecture in Colorado," he said. "But this merger allows us to do more - to harness new services and expertise to help our clients leverage the built environment to improve performance and create stronger futures. It gives us a very distinct perspective in the industry." 

Complementing Bennett Wagner Grody Architects' work in Colorado is CannonDesign's portfolio of work in the state, including the renovation and expansion of the University of Colorado at Boulder's Student Recreation Center, the expansion of the University of Colorado Hospital's Anschutz Inpatient Pavilion, and the U.S. Air Force Academy's Holaday Athletic Center among others.

"The Colorado geography is key for our clients - it's a place we've had a minor presence and now we're going to truly make a mark," said Lukanic.

CannonDesign's addition of Bennett Wagner Grody Architects expands on the firm's plans for growth; last month, CannonDesign also announced its intent to merge with Houston, Texas, -based FKP. Once that merger is complete, CannonDesign will have nearly 1,000 employees located in 19 offices throughout North America and abroad.