Kasian Postioned for Continued Growth and Prosperity in Alberta

EDMONTON, Aug. 15, 2012 /CNW/ – Kasian Architecture Interior Design and
Planning Ltd (Kasian), one of Canada’s largest global architecture,
interior design and planning firms, has entered into an agreement to
merge the Edmonton-based practice of HIP Architects into its existing
operations.

Originally founded in 1938, Edmonton’s HIP Architects has evolved
through seven decades of practice to create some of the most
recognizable buildings in Alberta’s capital city. These include the Art
Gallery of Alberta, the Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre and
the Sturgeon Community Hospital Expansion. Kasian also has deep roots
in Edmonton, with its establishment in the city nearly 30 years ago.

HIP Architects provides consulting services to clients in Edmonton and
Northern Alberta, with particular emphasis on the core areas of
commercial and retail, conservation, culture and recreation, industrial
and medical. Under the terms of this agreement, HIP Partners Stewart
Inglis and Randy Krebes will become Principals with Kasian. In
addition, fifteen members of HIP staff will transfer to Kasian’s
Commerce Place headquarters in Edmonton, significantly increasing
office capacity and capability. Craig Henderson of HIP will continue in
his position as Senior Consultant assisting with business development
for emerging key clients and providing design leadership on complex new
projects. This merger is the latest strategic growth investment for
Kasian, building on the company’s established track record of
disciplined and pragmatic expansion.

Combined, Kasian and HIP Architects offer over a hundred years of design
experience and share a strong common culture. “Both companies have an
established customer-focused delivery approach, with a desire to serve
clients with passion, energy and commitment. This merger will enable us
to continue providing sustainable, community-based solutions for
clients, and an excellent platform of growth for our employees,”
commented Randy Krebes, Principal with HIP Architects.

Both Kasian and HIP Architects are recognized as industry leaders,
embracing emerging technologies such as Building Information Modelling
(BIM), which facilitates new ways of technical collaboration, drawing
production and coordination. The two companies also share a joint
commitment to an established and dynamic mentoring program, which
ensures that staff are guided by senior members of the firm to ensure
consistency of design and delivery.

“We are committed to maintaining a large presence in Edmonton, the
birthplace of our company. This merger allows two excellent
organizations to better leverage their collective talents and address
significant market opportunities” noted Don Kasian, President of
Kasian. “Together we will continue to provide an attractive and
exciting company for our employees and seek new opportunities to grow
the Kasian brand throughout Alberta” concluded Jim Ebbels, Kasian’s
Managing Senior Principal in Edmonton.

About Kasian

Kasian is one of the leading 100 architecture, interior design and
planning firms in the world, with offices in Vancouver, Edmonton,
Calgary, Toronto, Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. Our goal is to harness the
collective expertise and imagination of our global team of innovative
professionals to find feasible solutions to the complex questions posed
by our clients. We employ an integrated, collaborative approach to
design to create exceptional places and sustainable environments for
people everywhere. Our award-winning projects range from the most
advanced children’s hospital in the world, to master plans for the most
densely populated cities on the planet. Kasian’s landmark projects in
Edmonton include the new Epcor Tower on Station Lands and the
redevelopment of the Federal Building and new public plaza which will
create an enduring expression of Alberta’s history and future
interests. To learn more, please visit us at www.kasian.com. To learn more about HIP Architects, please visit www.hiparchitects.com

SOURCE Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd.