ROCHESTER, NY and CHICAGO, IL — CPL, a full-service design firm serving public and private sector clients across the U.S., has acquired Bailey Edward, an Illinois-based architecture, engineering, interior design, and planning firm. The acquisition strengthens CPL’s presence in Chicago and across the Midwest while expanding capabilities in education, government, healthcare, research, community, and cultural practices.
The addition of Bailey Edward’s 45 professionals adds significant depth to CPL’s multidisciplinary team. With greater technical capacity and specialized knowledge, the combined firm will be equipped to take on a wider range of project needs while delivering the responsive, locally-focused experience clients expect.
“Bailey Edward has built an exceptional reputation throughout Illinois, backed by an impressive portfolio of work,” said Chris Colby, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, President and Chief Operating Officer, CPL. “We’re excited to pair that foundation with CPL’s broader resources and create new opportunities for both organizations.”
Beyond the strategic fit, CPL and Bailey Edward share a similar approach to practice, grounded in collaboration, integrated thinking, and a commitment to meaningful outcomes. That alignment will enable more comprehensive solutions throughout Illinois and beyond.
“This partnership positions us to pursue larger, more complex work while building on what has made Bailey Edward successful for decades,” said Ellen Bailey Dickson, President and CEO of Bailey Edward. “Joining CPL gives our people new avenues to grow and brings even more possibilities to the work ahead.”
Clients of both firms will continue working with the same project teams and trusted points of contact throughout the transition, ensuring continuity as the organizations come together.
“Bringing our teams together gives us more expertise around the table and more ways to approach each project,” said Robin Edward Whitehurst, Managing Principal of Bailey Edward. “That broader perspective will make our work stronger and help us deliver even greater value for the people and the communities we serve.”
The acquisition marks another milestone in CPL’s long-term growth strategy, extending the firm’s reach and building greater scale in markets where both organizations see strong potential for continued growth.
About CPL
Founded in 1975, CPL is a 500+ person multi-disciplined architecture, engineering and planning firm offering inspiring design services and enriching communities in 25 cities across 8 states. The firm specializes in the Community & Culture, Healthcare, Higher Education, Infrastructure, K-12 Education, and Science & Technology market sectors – providing architectural, interior design, civil engineering, buildings and structural engineering, planning, landscape architecture and 3D/virtual design services to a host of public and private clients. Visit www.CPLteam.com to learn more.