Chambers, Murphy & Burge merges with Perspectus Architecture

December 19, 2016 // Announcements, Historic

Cleveland, Ohio – Perspectus Architecture announced today that Akron-based Chambers, Murphy & Burge Historical Architecture, an AIA Gold Medal Firm, has merged with the Cleveland-based architectural firm.

With 27 registered architects, the combined practice is now one of the largest architectural firms in Ohio. The firms’ complementary strengths – Perspectus in Architectural Design and Chambers, Murphy & Burge in Historical Architecture – are known for service and talent.

Bill Ayars, AIA, ACHA, Managing Principal of Perspectus Architecture, said, “Perspectus has a strong commitment to preserve the past and build for the future, and we’re thrilled to add historical architecture, preservation and adaptive reuse to our capabilities. Chambers, Murphy & Burge is one of the most highly regarded firms in their field, and we’ve enjoyed a long-term mutual respect.”

                                                         

Nationally-recognized for its expertise and hands-on approach to restoration of older and historic structures, Chambers, Murphy & Burge has provided Architectural Preservation Services for more than 50 years. Elizabeth Corbin Murphy, FAIA, an AIA Ohio Gold Medal Architect, and Lauren Pinney Burge, AIA have managed the firm since 1993, upholding the high standards of the founders, the late Henry and Lorraine Chambers. The firm continues to practice from its downtown Akron office and is now a studio within Perspectus Architecture’s national practice.

“We’re excited and proud to join the Perspectus team,” said Ms. Murphy. “This growth opportunity will add depth and keep us ahead of the curve, and our clients will benefit from more extensive technical capabilities and resources.”

The Chambers, Murphy & Burge team provides consultation to property owners and developers as well as other architects on detailed preservation and rehabilitation design and specifications for materials and methods. CMB’s architects and conservation specialists are familiar with 18th, 19th and 20th century buildings and provide specialized specifications to address uncommon situations.

Elizabeth added, “If you look at the center cores of Cleveland and Akron, there are lots of historical buildings, and efforts are increasingly complicated. The availability of tax credits has augmented interest in the rehabilitation of historic structures, and Chambers, Murphy & Burge is proud to be one of the leading firms in Ohio working with the tax credits. Our profession is advancing, and the Perspectus team will enhance our historical architecture work and expand our client base.”

Currently celebrating its 15th anniversary, Perspectus has an innovative approach to design and project leadership. The firm works nationally for prominent healthcare, senior living, government, academic, and retail clients. Beyond design excellence, Perspectus has been recognized as a six-time recipient of the Weatherhead 100 award honoring the accomplishments of Northeast Ohio’s fastest-growing companies.

Perspectus has been a prominent resident of Shaker Square for 15 years and recently committed to an extended lease with the Coral Company, the square’s owner, for another decade. The location has been excellent as a Historic Landmark, known from New York to Chicago. Perspectus has transformed the entire second floor into a design and innovation center, functioning as a high tech company while maintaining the historical character of the interiors.