STV has acquired ARCHITECTURE/vbn (VBN), an award-winning architectural design firm based in Oakland, California. VBN will be integrated into STV's West Coast operations.
"VBN's talented employees share our commitment to excellence," said Dominick M. Servedio, P.E., STV executive chairman. "We have known this firm for many years, and have always been impressed with their portfolio of work. I am excited to welcome VBN into STV's family."
Founded in 1958, VBN serves education, transportation, government and commercial clients, and has extensive experience in the design of transit facilities. They bring an established and highly-regarded presence in Northern California to STV. The firm is also a registered green business.
"STV and VBN have been working together to seamlessly integrate our corporate cultures." said Milo E. Riverso, Ph.D., P.E., CEO and president of STV. "This is a great match. VBN's excellent skill-set strengthens STV's services, so we can better serve our existing clients in the Western region."
VBN's work encompasses large- and small-scale projects, consisting of intermodal terminals, bus facilities, light rail, rail stations and transit centers. VBN's notable projects in these areas include the Millbrae Station for the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) System, the Transit Mall Station for Long Beach Transit; the Richmond Intermodal Station for the Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee; and multiple stations for the California High Speed Rail project, including three stations from Fresno to Bakersfield.
VBN also has a very strong educational portfolio. They provide full architecture, planning, and interior design services for educational clients such as community colleges and public and private universities. Recent assignments include Academic Joint Use Facility, City College of San Francisco; College of Marin, Indian Valley Academic Complex, Novato; and the Cesar E. Chavez Education & Early Childhood Education Center, Oakland.
Eli Naor, AIA, who was one of the principals at VBN, is joining STV at a vice president and will head the California Facilities group.
"This acquisition brings VBN's excellent reputation in our market areas in Northern California to STV," Naor said. "We will utilize our know-how and innovative skills to help STV further succeed in California and enhance its national presence."
Naor is a registered architect in California and Utah. He holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design from the University of California at Berkeley. He is a member of numerous professional organizations.
Rob Barthelman, AIA, also a principal with VBN, will join STV as a vice president. He will lead STV's west coast education market, continuing the innovative excellence his team has brought to the education market in Northern California.
