KGD Architecture, a multidisciplinary, full-service architecture and design firm based primarily in the DMV market, has entered into a strategic partnership with Signal Hill Equity Partners. The transaction allows KGD to consider a host of substantially larger initiatives and growth opportunities, while ensuring the continuation of its brand, leadership and employees.
Signal Hill is a middle-market private equity firm that invests in AEC and essential service businesses, with the goal of leveraging their resources and industry experience to help grow enduring businesses. KGD Architecture will partner alongside three previously established Signal Hill investments: CSArch, a prominent AEC services provider to the education sector; ZMM Architects and Engineers, a trusted firm primarily serving education and municipal clients; and Kluber Architects + Engineers, an integrated full-service A/E firm primarily serving municipal clients. Together, the partnership unites more than 210 professionals across 13 offices delivering comprehensive AEC services to clients within the social infrastructure sectors throughout the Northeastern, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwestern United States.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
With more than 40 associates between its Washington, D.C., headquarters and Arlington, Virginia, offices, in addition to staff based in Bangkok, KGD Architecture will retain its existing name, workforce and operations in the partnership. The firm’s executive leadership, including Principals Tsutomu Ben Kishimoto, Christopher Lee Gordon, Manoj Dalaya, Tom Donaghy and Henry Mahns, will continue to collectively lead the firm following the transaction.
“We are extremely pleased to have found such a like-minded ally in the form of Signal Hill,” said Dalaya. “Their vision, together with their commitment to our team members and communities, made them an ideal partner at this stage of our company’s evolution.”
“We have been growing and shepherding KGD for 30 years,” added Gordon. “As we witness market demands and a host of changes occurring throughout our industry, this move positions us to remain a strategic leader and true to our mission for the next 30 years.”
In addition to capital, Signal Hill will provide KGD with professional and business expertise to help execute its long-term growth and community impact objectives.
“Partnering with KGD strengthens the core of our social-infrastructure thesis by directly addressing the pressing needs of our communities,” Signal Hill Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Abdel-Saheb noted. “Their consistent delivery in public-private partnership projects strongly fits with our essential-services focus. Further, KGD’s award-winning design capabilities and broader government and community agency work strengthens our social infrastructure sector offerings. This partnership will accelerate our vision for a best-in-class national A&E platform. We’re honored to carry on the KGD legacy and look forward to supporting their team.”
Zweig Group's Mergers and Acquisitions team advised KGD through this transaction. Zweig Group is the leading research, publishing, and advisory services resource for firms in the AEC industry.