Edmonton's HIP Architects to Merge with Kasian

Kasian Positioned for Continued Growth and Prosperity in Alberta

EDMONTON, Aug. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd (Kasian), one of Canada's largest global architecture, interior design and planning firms, has entered into an agreement to merge the Edmonton-based practice of HIP Architects into its existing operations.

Originally founded in 1938, Edmonton's HIP Architects has evolved through seven decades of practice to create some of the most recognizable buildings in Alberta's capital city. These include the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre and the Sturgeon Community Hospital Expansion. Kasian also has deep roots in Edmonton, with its establishment in the city nearly 30 years ago.

HIP Architects provides consulting services to clients in Edmonton and Northern Alberta, with particular emphasis on the core areas of commercial and retail, conservation, culture and recreation, industrial and medical. Under the terms of this agreement, HIP Partners Stewart Inglis and Randy Krebes will become Principals with Kasian. In addition, fifteen members of HIP staff will transfer to Kasian's Commerce Place headquarters in Edmonton, significantly increasing office capacity and capability. Craig Henderson of HIP will continue in his position as Senior Consultant assisting with business development for emerging key clients and providing design leadership on complex new projects. This merger is the latest strategic growth investment for Kasian, building on the company's established track record of disciplined and pragmatic expansion.

Combined, Kasian and HIP Architects offer over a hundred years of design experience and share a strong common culture. "Both companies have an established customer-focused delivery approach, with a desire to serve clients with passion, energy and commitment. This merger will enable us to continue providing sustainable, community-based solutions for clients, and an excellent platform of growth for our employees," commented Randy Krebes, Principal with HIP Architects.

Both Kasian and HIP Architects are recognized as industry leaders, embracing emerging technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), which facilitates new ways of technical collaboration, drawing production and coordination. The two companies also share a joint commitment to an established and dynamic mentoring program, which ensures that staff are guided by senior members of the firm to ensure consistency of design and delivery.

"We are committed to maintaining a large presence in Edmonton, the birthplace of our company. This merger allows two excellent organizations to better leverage their collective talents and address significant market opportunities" noted Don Kasian, President of Kasian. "Together we will continue to provide an attractive and exciting company for our employees and seek new opportunities to grow the Kasian brand throughout Alberta" concluded Jim Ebbels, Kasian's Managing Senior Principal in Edmonton.

About Kasian

Kasian is one of the leading 100 architecture, interior design and planning firms in the world, with offices in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. Our goal is to harness the collective expertise and imagination of our global team of innovative professionals to find feasible solutions to the complex questions posed by our clients. We employ an integrated, collaborative approach to design to create exceptional places and sustainable environments for people everywhere. Our award-winning projects range from the most advanced children's hospital in the world, to master plans for the most densely populated cities on the planet. Kasian's landmark projects in Edmonton include the new Epcor Tower on Station Lands and the redevelopment of the Federal Building and new public plaza which will create an enduring expression of Alberta's history and future interests. To learn more, please visit us at www.kasian.com. To learn more about HIP Architects, please visit www.hiparchitects.com

SOURCE: Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd.

For further information:

Honor Morris
Kasian Media Relations Manager
604.631.8205
[e-mail]