Legacy Architecture Firms Announce Merger in Pennsylvania and West Virginia

Pittsburgh, Pa., February 4, 2025— MCF Architecture, the longest-running architectural firm in Western PA and 17th longest-running full-service architecture firm in the U.S., announced today that they have merged with McKinley Architecture and Engineering. McKinley is a nationally acclaimed architectural planning and design firm based in Wheeling, WV, headed by the third generation of the McKinley family in design and construction. The two firms are among the largest legacy architectural firms in PA and WV, respectively.

The joint capabilities of these two historic and long-standing firms allow them to improve client experience while meeting the needs of a growing client base in the region by leveraging world-class design, national exposure, expertise, and administration services.

Together, the firms bring a depth of proficiency by operating in different market sectors. McKinley Architecture and Engineering adds a strong background in PK-12 education, sports and recreation architectural services, and historic rehabilitation. MCF Architecture has expansive qualifications in healthcare, higher education, performing arts, civic, liturgical, and commercial. The combined firm offers comprehensive engineering services through extensive consultant and in-house engineering resources.

Both firms are well regarded in the combined regions. MCF Architecture has a strong presence in PA and plans to continue its office in downtown Pittsburgh. McKinley Architecture and Engineering is known throughout the state of WV, equipped with additional offices in Charleston, Middlebourne, and Martinsburg, and servicing the PA market for over 20 years, with an office in the Cranberry area.

The merger elevates the combined company to nearly 100 employees creating a regional powerhouse and one of the top architectural and engineering firms in the U.S.

“We are excited and energized about merging the practices of our firms,” said Timothy L. Powers, President of MCF Architecture. “McKinley is very experienced with a stellar history of great work and industry-leading business practices. This combination means all clients will experience more service and benefits.”

Mr. Powers continued, “This is a strategic arrangement and sensible way for both companies to deliver even greater value to our clients and communities, leading to market growth and expanding our dedication to excellence in architectural design, engineering, and innovation for the future.”

“MCF has been shaping the contour and skyline of Western PA for more than 135 years,” stated David H. McKinley, Chairman of McKinley Architecture and Engineering. “And our family has done the same in our area for over 80 years. We believe this combination will enhance our capabilities and expand our reach, continuing to deliver and shape the region’s future and keep that moving for generations to come.

We’re eager to expand the application of MCF’s capabilities among West Virginia’s higher education and healthcare institutions.”

“We are capitalizing on the best of each firm – and this synergy will lead to further advancement in the industry that could not have been achieved by either of us on our own,” commented Ernie Dellatorre, Director of Business Development of McKinley Architecture and Engineering. “This merger will enhance our commitment and ability to deliver value for all our clients, partners, and communities.”

About MCF Architecture:

MCF Architecture is in its 8th generation of ownership and has maintained a long-standing and national reputation of acclaimed design and operation. They have provided the highest level of professional services, innovative architectural planning, and interior design solutions.

The vitality of the firm is maintained by practicing with a diverse clientele. A testament to MCF’s excellence is that 90% of their clients are repeat clients. Their portfolio includes healthcare, science & health sciences, higher education, liturgical, commercial, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and performing arts.

Their expertise resides in programming, data-driven design, BIM project delivery, sustainable design, and detailed design excellence. The Board of Directors is involved in all aspects of project feasibility, planning, and design of every single project from concept through completion. MCF’s proven design process and commitment to quality have resulted in measurable savings that exceed industry standards.

About McKinley Architecture and Engineering:

In its 5th decade of service, McKinley Architecture and Engineering has shown continued growth in both revenue and the number of design personnel with offices conveniently located throughout West Virginia and in Western Pennsylvania. McKinley Architecture and Engineering has been selected for the 3^rd  consecutive year by PSMJ for their Circle of Excellence as one of the top-performing Architecture and Engineering firms in the nation. They are also a winner for the 2^nd consecutive year of PSMJ’s A/E/C Employer of Choice Award, the industry’s premier recognition of firms that have mastered workforce retention and productivity by achieving the highest level of employee engagement.

In addition, for the 5th consecutive year, McKinley appears on the Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies.