PS&S, a long-established architecture and engineering firm, has confirmed the acquisition of Priest Craven & Associates. The deal marks the first major expansion into North Carolina for the New Jersey-based company. Priest Craven & Associates is a civil engineering and surveying firm located in Raleigh. It has operated for over 40 years within the Research Triangle region, focusing on residential and commercial development.

The acquisition aligns with a broader strategic plan to increase the geographic reach and service capabilities of PS&S. By incorporating the Raleigh-based team, PS&S establishes an immediate presence in one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. Priest Craven & Associates was founded in 1983 and has built a portfolio that includes townhomes, office buildings, shopping centres and various apartment communities across the Raleigh-Durham market.

The existing Priest Craven team will remain at their current Raleigh office. This location is set to become the central hub for PS&S operations in North Carolina. This move allows the firm to offer its wider range of services, such as life sciences, energy and advanced environmental engineering, to a new client base outside of the Northeast.

PS&S President and CEO John Sartor said: “This acquisition is part of a strategic growth plan we set forth to grow PS&S with expanded capabilities and greater geographic reach.” He added: “North Carolina, particularly the Research Triangle area, has long been a target market for us. The addition of the Priest Craven team provides us with an immediate and meaningful presence in one of the most dynamic growth regions in the country.”

Tommy Craven, co-founder of the acquired firm, noted that finding a long-term partner was a priority for his team and clients. He said: “This is truly a win-win. PS&S gains a strong, established presence in the Research Triangle, and our employees have the opportunity to grow within a larger organization while continuing to work together and serve the clients who have trusted us for decades. Our clients get the benefit of their current relationship with Priest Craven, coupled with the strength, stability and capacity of PS&S.”

Sartor further explained that the strategy focuses on thoughtful growth. He noted that Priest Craven provides essential local knowledge and established relationships. This partnership is expected to help the firm meet the changing needs of developers throughout the state.