CannonDesign Adds New Chief Technology Officer, Acquires Four New Firms In Nine-Month Flurry Of Expansion

CannonDesign CEO Brad Lukanic

Over the past nine months, CannonDesign has executed multiple mergers, acquisitions, new partnerships and hires as part of a five-year strategic plan to reshape the firm and chart its future. The spate of activity brings CannonDesign to offices in 21 cities and over 1,000 employees around the globe offering 15 services ranging from master planning and construction services to workplace strategy and technology consulting. The deals expand its expertise in healthcare, education, and science and technology, and added a chief technology officer to the firm.

CannonDesign Executive Director of Firmwide Strategies Deb Sheehan

CannonDesign CEO Brad Lukanic said the moves will help the company meet the needs of its clients in a marketplace where technological innovation and specialization are becoming the norm.

“We want to lead our industry and not just react to changes in an evolving world so our diverse skill sets challenge and partner with our clients for best results,” Lukanic said.

CannonDesign launched the strategic plan in September by merging with Houston-based FKP, a respected healthcare and education design firm known especially for its expertise in pediatric healthcare design. The move gave CannonDesign entry into the Texas and Ohio markets.

In November, CannonDesign established its first office in Colorado with the acquisition of Bennett Wagner Grody Architects, whose most recent projects include Colorado State University’s Behavioral Sciences Building, Colorado Mesa University’s Engineering Building and numerous projects with Kaiser Permanente.

In April, CannonDesign acquired gkkworks, a firm known for its progressive approach to integrated project delivery with five locations in California, Colorado and India, and added hospitality to its specialties. CannonDesign also entered a new partnership with San Francisco-based Assembly Design studio, whose clients include Uber, Zillow, Cisco and Pinterest.