News Summary
McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture has acquired Hecht Burdeshaw Architects, enhancing its services in the Southeast. This merger is expected to bolster community development and project delivery, leveraging over 60 years of experience from HBA. The acquisition aligns both firms’ values and aims to improve client service in the growing Columbus area. With new leadership in place, the integration process aims for a seamless collaboration, enriching expertise across diverse sectors in architecture.
Spartanburg, SC — McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture (MPS), a leading architecture firm based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, has officially acquired Hecht Burdeshaw Architects (HBA), a well-established firm located in Columbus, Georgia. This strategic acquisition was announced in a news release on September 9, 2025, marking a significant milestone for both firms.
The integration of Hecht Burdeshaw Architects into McMillan Pazdan Smith is set to enhance the regional services and expertise available to clients in the southeast. Hecht Burdeshaw boasts over 60 years of experience and has been a pivotal player in the development of the Columbus area. Key projects completed by HBA include the Columbus Convention & Trade Center, Mercer Medical School, and the Anthen BlueCross BlueShield Office. This strong portfolio reflects a deep commitment to the region and a capability that MPS aims to enhance through this acquisition.
Chad Cousins, CEO of McMillan Pazdan Smith, indicated that this acquisition is more than a business transaction; it is a powerful alignment of values between the two firms. He emphasized the potential for collaboration and investment in the Columbus and Auburn-Opelika region, seeking to bolster community development. The financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed, yet the expected outcomes for client service and project delivery are significant.
The Columbus area is experiencing a wave of growth in healthcare and commercial development, particularly since the Columbus 2025 initiative was introduced in 2014. This initiative has spurred economic expansion and development, making it an ideal environment for architectural firms to thrive. McMillan Pazdan Smith has specialized practices that focus on the key growth sectors within the region, providing advisory planning services for civic, commercial, education, and healthcare projects.
In the wake of the acquisition, Jeff Harper, the vice president at Hecht Burdeshaw Architects, has been appointed as the director of the newly formed MPS Columbus studio. This leadership change is expected to facilitate a smooth integration of HBA’s 19-member team into MPS’s collaborative model, allowing for a synergy that enables both firms to work effectively on projects across the Southeast.
McMillan Pazdan Smith itself has been a cornerstone in the architecture industry since its establishment in 1955. The firm operates multiple studios throughout the Southeast, including locations in Charleston, Columbia, West Columbia, Greenville, and Spartanburg. With a proven track record and a diverse team of experts, MPS is well-positioned to support a variety of projects across different sectors.
Overall, the acquisition of Hecht Burdeshaw Architects is poised to strengthen MPS’s objective of enhancing service delivery in the southeastern region. By leveraging the combined expertise and resources of both firms, clients are expected to receive improved service offerings and a broader range of project capabilities. This merger reflects a commitment to sustainability, growth, and innovation within the architectural landscape of the southeastern United States.
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