HFA Architecture + Engineering has completed the acquisition of TRIA, a Boston-based architecture practice recognised for its life sciences and laboratory design expertise, in a move that establishes HFA’s presence in the fast-growing Science + Technology sector.

The transaction marks a significant strategic shift for the employee-owned Bentonville-headquartered firm, which is integrating TRIA’s specialist capabilities into its national architecture and engineering platform. HFA said the deal would enable it to offer a full suite of design services for the life sciences market, from early-stage research spaces to large-scale production facilities.

Founded in 2015, TRIA has built a portfolio across the Greater Boston region, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading life sciences hubs. The firm has worked with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies as well as research institutions, delivering laboratory environments, GMP biomanufacturing facilities and hybrid workplace-science spaces designed to support scientific talent and technical performance.

“This partnership is about bringing together people who care deeply about the impact their work has on the world,” said Dave Wilgus, CEO of HFA. “TRIA’s expertise in science and technology adds an exciting new dimension to what we do. Together, we’ll continue designing spaces that help our clients solve complex challenges and push innovation forward.”

HFA confirmed that TRIA’s leadership team will remain in its existing roles, supporting service continuity and maintaining client relationships while gaining access to additional resources within the combined platform.

“From my first meeting with HFA leadership in 2024, I knew our missions were aligned—relationships first and people-centric,” said Sherwood Butler, President & CEO at TRIA. “I’m honored to continue what we started more than a decade ago: building the country’s leading Science + Technology architecture firm. HFA gives us the strength and support to keep excelling and growing alongside our most valued clients.”

The acquisition also expands HFA’s geographic footprint, adding TRIA’s Boston base to existing offices in Baltimore, Bentonville, Fort Worth and Franklin, MA. The firm said the combined team is positioned to support science and technology clients nationwide, complementing an existing pipeline of work in industrial, healthcare and other specialist sectors.