On mergers and change
The trajectories of four firms have changed dramatically over
the past six years. They've been brought together by a shared
commitment to excellence, a desire to practice collaboratively, the
embrace of an integrated approach, and an understanding that
success in a globalized market requires the strength of a national
firm.
Change was set in motion six years ago when Cohos Evamy sought to
expand its base beyond Alberta's borders. Strategically,
Toronto was identified as the place to begin; Canada's largest
city and most international market. Leveraging the strength of a
Western economic boom Cohos Evamy successfully established a
foothold in Toronto's downtown core.
Organic growth, backed by Cohos Evamy's single-firm model, was
augmented by mergers with Archicon in 2007 and Mole White in 2009.
Together we've built a Toronto studio of over 100 people in
five disciplines - a remarkable achievement in the midst of
fundamental restructuring in Ontario's economy. As a result
we're well positioned to capitalize on a revitalized and
resurgent economy.
Having established a presence in central Canada, the next stage in
building a national firm was westward to Vancouver. However the
tight knit market called for a different approach than Toronto.
This time we've begun with a merger to a well established
Vancouver firm, Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden which came into effect
earlier this year. Organic growth will naturally follow as
opportunities in being a national multidisciplinary firm are
leveraged.
Where will this lead? What challenges will we face? How will our
clients, projects and people benefit?
The key to success in the near term resides in consolidating the
outstanding teams we've brought together. Mergers take time and
patience. They also require a commitment to build something greater
than the sum of the parts. Each predecessor firm has much to
contribute as we explore this new territory and embrace the
opportunities provided by change. Together we have the opportunity
to work on some of our country's most interesting projects in a
collaborative integrated approach, uniquely able to address the
increasing complexities of our clients, their projects,
communities, and our shared environment.
The key to success in the longer term will arise from the value of
this approach in the global context. Canada is a leader in many
arenas and there's no reason why our firm can't follow.
Today we feel well-positioned to support project work from coast to
coast, recognizing that we also carry out work south of the border
and at times overseas. Will we continue to grow further north,
south or east? Only time and opportunity will tell. At the end of
the day, success will not be determined by size, but rather by the
quality of thought and effort.
We aim to excel in both.
Tom Sutherland
Firm Managing Principal
