Rochester, N.Y. – October 21, 2026 -- CPL, a design firm with 500-plus professionals, has acquired Illinois-based Bailey Edward, adding 50 staff and strengthening its presence in Chicago and across the Midwest. The announcement did not include financial terms.
Acquisition widens CPL's sector coverage to government and cultural work
Bailey Edward brings architecture, engineering, interior design and planning capabilities in education, government, healthcare, research, community and cultural practices. CPL already serves the Community & Culture, Healthcare, Higher Education, Infrastructure, K-12 Education, and Science & Technology sectors.
CPL says the added technical capacity will let the combined firm take on a wider range of project needs. Ellen Bailey Dickson, President and CEO of Bailey Edward, said the deal allows the firm to pursue larger, more complex work.
Bailey Edward's 24-state client base and three Illinois offices join CPL's network
Founded in 1991, Bailey Edward serves public and private clients in 24 states from offices in Chicago, Champaign and Fox River Grove. CPL, founded in 1975, operates across 25 cities and eight states.
Chris Colby, President and Chief Operating Officer of CPL, said the firm will pair Bailey Edward's Illinois track record with CPL's broader resources.
Clients keep existing project teams through the transition
Clients of both firms will continue working with the same project teams and points of contact while the organizations integrate. Robin Edward Whitehurst, Managing Principal of Bailey Edward, said the merger puts "more expertise around the table" on each project.
CPL describes the deal as another step in its long-term growth strategy, aimed at building scale in markets where both firms see potential for continued growth.