Boulder Associates and SABA Join Forces to Expand National Presence

Jun 05, 2023

Will Anderson, CM&AA

Boulder Associates has acquired SABArchitects, a Seattle-based architecture and interior design firm. Boulder Associates has specialized exclusively in the design and planning of healthcare spaces for 40 years; the incorporation of SABA’s 20-year history of design excellence creates a unique opportunity for shared expertise across healthcare sectors while expanding into the science and technology, commercial, workplace, non-profit, and education sectors in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. 

“We’re incredibly excited to be able to create this partnership between BA and SABA,” said BA’s president, Tim Riddle. “From our earliest conversations, it was abundantly clear that our cultural alignment, shared vision, and complementary services would provide tremendous opportunities for us to grow together, with greatly expanded service offerings across our combined markets. We look forward to being able to leverage our deep expertise across multiple sectors to better serve our clients nationwide.” 

BA’s four-decade portfolio of projects encompasses all aspects of healthcare and senior living, as well as design research, planning, and operational consulting through BA/Science. Since 1983, the firm has grown organically from one office in Colorado to eight offices in Colorado, California, Texas, Arizona, and North Carolina. The addition of SABA’s Seattle-based practice will serve both firms’ existing healthcare clients and allow SABA’s additional multi-sector expertise to expand throughout BA’s nationwide network. 

“We are extremely excited to join forces with Boulder Associates. Our combined resources, skills, and experience will allow us to expand our life-science, workplace, and early-education practices across the regions served by the nine combined offices, while also growing our healthcare practice in the Pacific Northwest,” said Bob Vizenor, principal with SABArchitects. 

The partnership between BA and SABA marks an inflection point for both firms as they celebrate milestones in 2023: BA’s 40th year in business and SABA’s 20th. Central to both firms is the commitment to design innovation, impeccable client service, and team camaraderie; these shared values create strong foundational alignment to move into the future as an integrated firm. 

Zweig Group – the leading research, publishing, and advisory services resource for firms in the AEC industry – advised Boulder Associates through this acquisition. The deal team included Will Anderson, CM&AA, and Drake Hamilton, both advisors with Zweig Group’s M&A team, and Justin Ramirez, director of M&A at Zweig Group.

"It was a true pleasure to work with Boulder Associates and SABArchitects on this initiative,” Anderson said. “We’re confident the partnership will create new opportunities for both employees and clients alike. We look forward to seeing what they’re able to accomplish together!"

About Zweig Group

Zweig Group, three times on the Inc. 500/5000 list, is the industry leader and premiere authority in AEC firm management and marketing, the go-to source for data and research, and the leading provider of customized learning and training. Zweig Group exists to help AEC firms succeed in a complicated and challenging marketplace through services that include: Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategic Planning, Valuation, Executive Search, Board of Director Services, Ownership Transition, Marketing & Branding, and Business Development Training. The firm has offices in Dallas and Fayetteville, Arkansas.