Cannon Design, an internationally recognized architectural, interior design, engineering and planning firm with offices throughout North America, is pleased to announce that it has acquired the business of Moffat Kinoshita Architects. Moffat Kinoshita Architects’ principals and employees will become an integral part of Cannon Design’s regional network. Making the announcement on behalf of their respective firms were Gary R. Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Cannon Design and Andrew J. Nizielski, OAA, AANB, MRAIC, Chief Executive Officer and Principal of Moffat Kinoshita Architects.
Cannon Design is consistently ranked among the leaders in planning and design for the health sciences, higher education, sports and recreation, as well as corporate and commercial development by professional journals that include World Architecture, Modern Healthcare, Engineering News Record and Building Design and Construction. At present, with a staff of over 700 delivering services through 14 regional centres, the firm is working in 32 U.S. states, 7 Canadian provinces and 15 countries in Latin America, the Middle East, the Far East, Asia and Europe. Cannon Design has been operating in Canada since 1985 through offices in Vancouver, Victoria and Toronto.
Over the last 40 years, Moffat Kinoshita has earned a reputation as a well-respected, award-winning design firm with a portfolio of work in healthcare, higher education and civic architecture throughout Ontario, Canada and abroad. Past projects include the Whitby Mental Health Centre (a joint project with Cannon Design), the Art Gallery of Windsor and numerous projects for colleges and universities including a business partnership with Campus Living Centers in the development of P3 student residence projects across Canada. Moffat Kinoshita’s staff of 30 will continue to serve clients through existing offices in Toronto and Hamilton. In combination with Cannon Design’s staff of ten interior designers also based in Toronto, the union of the two firms creates a pool of 40 talented design professionals to serve the public and private sectors.
Andrew Nizielski noted that for MKA this transaction represents the culmination of a year-long restructuring process and a significant milestone in the evolution of the firm. "This is truly an exciting new opportunity for us and is a reflection of the longstanding friendship and history of collaboration between our two firms, dating back 15 years to our joint efforts in the development of the Whitby Mental Health Centre. We share a common vision and culture. Our clients will receive the same high-quality service they have come to expect but supplemented by the depth of resources and expertise that only an international firm can offer. This arrangement also creates new opportunities for growth and expansion since it positions us to compete successfully for projects of greater scope and prestige. We are confident that this transaction is the best way to serve the ever-expanding needs of our clients, to attract new clients and to offer our new staff new areas for professional challenge and achievement."
"We are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of our deliberations with Moffat Kinoshita Architects," said Mr. Miller. "Expanding our presence in Canada is consistent with Cannon Design’s vision for the future and our objective to be a prominent, well-respected force in every geography and market we serve. To that end, we see this transaction as a reaffirmation of our mutual commitment to design excellence, superior client service and the continuing development of both firms to meet client needs.