In a significant move marking continued consolidation and innovation in the architecture and design industry, Collins Cooper Carusi Architects (CCC), a highly regarded Atlanta-based firm, has officially joined the global integrated design firm DLR Group. This strategic partnership positions DLR Group to accelerate its expansion across the Southeastern U.S. and deepen its capabilities in the educational sector, particularly in K-12 and higher education facilities design.

Collins Cooper Carusi: A Legacy of Excellence in Educational Design

Founded in 1989, CCC has become synonymous with high-impact, community-focused design across Georgia and the broader Southeastern region. The firm’s work has earned widespread recognition, with recent prominent projects including the Kennesaw State University The Summit First-Year Student Housing, and a range of K-12 school campuses. Over the past 35 years, CCC has established itself as one of the most trusted names in learning environment design, with a portfolio demonstrating a deep understanding of the unique needs of students, faculty, and communities.

DLR Group’s Growth Strategy and National Footprint

DLR Group is an employee-owned architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, and building optimization firm with more than 1,500 staff across 30 global locations. Recognized as a leader in learning environment innovation, DLR Group consistently ranks among the top U.S. architecture firms focusing on education, according to Architectural Record and ENR Top 500 Design Firms. The addition of CCC aligns with DLR Group’s ongoing strategy to enhance local market capacity while deepening subject-matter expertise for large-scale national and institutional clients.

The acquisition underscores DLR Group’s commitment to expanding its reach in the Southeast—the U.S. Census Bureau predicts the region will see sustained growth through 2030, especially in metropolitan areas like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Orlando. With both firms excelling in community-centered projects, the integration is expected to generate new growth opportunities for clients, design professionals, and stakeholders.

New Capabilities and Expanded Value for Clients

The combined strengths of CCC and DLR Group create a powerhouse capable of delivering end-to-end planning, architecture, and engineering solutions for educational organizations. CCC’s expertise in K-12 and higher education design complements DLR Group’s broad portfolio, which spans justice and civic facility design, performing arts venues, commercial and cultural projects, and sustainable, LEED-certified buildings.

The deal is expected to leverage advanced technologies, including data-driven design, immersive visualization tools, and net-zero energy strategies—further enhancing the value proposition for institutional clients navigating complex planning, funding, and construction challenges. With an increased bench of talent, both firms can pursue larger and more complex projects across the country.

Market Trends: Education Sector Drives M&A in Architecture

This acquisition reflects industry-wide trends. Education-focused architecture is a major driver of U.S. construction spending. According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), education sector construction will reach $112 billion in 2025, with demand driven by population growth, state and federal investment in campus facilities, and the need for adaptable, technology-rich spaces. Upcoming infrastructure legislation and increased government stimulus spending continue to drive investment in public schools and higher education institutions across the U.S.

Strategic Fit and Leadership

Both firms have emphasized cultural alignment as a core aspect of the merger. The CCC leadership team—including founding partners and senior designers—will assume significant roles in the Southeast region, supporting both continuity and local client relationships. DLR Group’s collaborative operating model allows acquired firms to retain their unique identity and expertise, while benefiting from shared resources, knowledge, and technology platforms.

“Bringing together the talent and reputation of Collins Cooper Carusi with DLR Group’s global vision creates extraordinary new opportunities for both teams and for the communities we serve,” commented Griff Davenport, CEO of DLR Group.

Outlook: Consolidation and Innovation Ahead

The acquisition provides CCC employees with national career pathways and DLR Group with a robust Atlanta hub poised for growth. As the demand for sustainable, high-performance learning environments accelerates, this combination is uniquely positioned to deliver innovative, inclusive, and future-ready spaces for generations to come.

As M&A activity continues to shape the architecture industry—2024 saw a record number of strategic deals in design and engineering—the CCC-DLR Group partnership exemplifies the sector’s shift toward multidisciplinary teams, technology adoption, and regional expertise. Observers expect further consolidation as firms seek scale, specialized knowledge, and the ability to compete for an expanding pipeline of public and private projects nationwide.