B+H Architects partners with infrastructure consulting giant Surbana Jurong

Toronto-based B+H Architects has entered into an alliance with global urban and infrastructure consultancy Surbana Jurong. The move leverages complementary skills and geographies for both parties, while giving B+H access to the resources of a much larger organization.

Founded in 1953 and based in Toronto, B+H provides clients with architecture, interior design, and urban planning services. One of the 50 largest architecture firms in the world, the company employs 450 professionals across offices in Canada, the US, China, Singapore, Vietnam, India, Qatar, and the UAE.

The firm has designed and co-designed a number of high-profile Canadian projects, including the Toronto Eaton Centre, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the Renaissance ROM, and Terminal 3 at Pearson Airport. B+H’s work in Asia includes the Shanghai Hong Kong New World Tower, the Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, and the Sun Life Financial Centre in Taguig City.

Now, B+H has announced that it will be partnering with urban planning and infrastructure consulting firm Surbana Jurong. The Singaporean Government-owned consultancy provides solutions across the value chain of urbanization, industrializations, and infrastructure. The firm’s 14,500 employees work in 130 offices spread across 40 countries. Surbana Jurong has annual revenues of approximately S$1.5 billion ($1.43 billion CAD).The partnership aligns B+H with a global giant with service and geographic synergies, while giving access to Surbana Jurong’s broad network that reaches across southeast Asia, Australia, and Africa. Meanwhile, the alliance deepens Surbana Jurong’s architecture and design capabilities, while giving it access to strategic opportunities in North America – where it currently does not have a strong market presence.

According to a press release from B+H, the firm’s Principals will continue to be owners, and the architecture firm will still be managed as an ‘independent entity’ based in Toronto. The Straits Times, meanwhile, has reported the move as acquisition, while Surbana Jurong’s website counts B+H as a ‘Member Company.’

"This partnership accelerates B+H's continued growth strategy and positions us to compete with some of the most powerful firms in the world," said B+H CEO Bill Nankivell. "Continued investments, consolidation and mergers in our industry are providing platforms for firms to grow, diversify, compete, and attract and retain the best talent. The B+H and Surbana Jurong partnership will allow us to deliver bold and inspiring projects in new geographies and sectors, providing extraordinary opportunities for our people."

B+H will continue to operate independently where both firms have a presence – namely, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, and Vietnam. Meanwhile, both parties will collaborate on strategic opportunities in North America, as well as in other regions like Australia, Indonesia, Africa, and the Philippines.

Surbana Jurong Group CEO Wong Heang Fine added, “Together, we will aim to provide integrated, end-to-end and best-in-class solutions, from real estate and development strategies, to design and consulting services, and through to facilities management.”