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August 9, 2024

Simsbury-based CHK Architects merges with New York firm

Contributed Simsbury-based CHK Architects designed Pratt & Whitney's World Headquarters in East Hartford, above.
By David Krechevsky

CHK Architects, an architectural firm based in Simsbury, said Friday it will merge with DCAK-MSA Architecture & Engineering, an architectural practice with offices in New York’s Rockland, Westchester and Suffolk counties.

Calling the merger a “strategic partnership,” CHK said it will significantly enhance its capabilities, geographic reach and service offerings. CHK Architects also said it gains access to Workshop SAS, a construction management arm of DCAK-MSA.

As part of the merger, CHK partner Hugh Schweitzer has acquired equity ownership in the combined firm. Over the past 30-plus years, he has worked with the state Judicial Branch, University of Connecticut, General Assembly and other clients. 

Schweitzer will serve as spokesperson for the merged firm and work closely with Julia Khomut, majority owner of DCAK-MSA, and Rich Kaiser, who has spearheaded the growth of CHK Architects, the companies said.

The ownership team also includes Drazen Cackovic in a dual role in architecture and construction management.

The principals of the merged firm are nationally licensed and certified to operate in 22 states, while CHK has two licensed code officials on staff to oversee document production and building commissioning, the companies said.

The firms said integration efforts are underway to ensure a seamless transition for employees, clients, and partners.

The merged firm will now offer expanded capabilities in architecture, interior design, civil engineering, construction and design-build services. It also extends its coverage area from New Hampshire to Long Island, with offices in four locations in the Northeast.

CHK specializes in workplace design, as well as in the aerospace industry, with clients that include The Hartford, CVS/Aetna, General Dynamics, Raytheon, Pratt & Whitney, and Collins Aerospace. One of its signature projects was designing Pratt & Whitney’s 440,000-square-foot, five-story World Headquarters and Engineering Technical Center in East Hartford.

DCAK-MSA has experience in municipal and multifamily architecture, including airport runways and signalization, making the combined firm a leader in aerospace-related architectural services, the firms said.

DCAK-MSA also designed interior improvements to Manhattan’s
landmark Cathedral of Saint Patrick, which included four new and altered chapels as well as adding access for the disabled to Our Lady Chapel.

DCAK-MSA is a woman-owned business, and CHK said it may pursue this designation in the future.

It’s the latest merger involving a Connecticut architecture firm. 

In June, Phase Zero Design Corp., a commercial architecture, interior design and branding firm also headquartered in Simsbury, announced it was joining an affiliate of commercial real estate giant Colliers. 
 

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