BIRMINGHAM: KPS Group, Inc., one the largest architecture firms in Alabama, recently finalized a merger with Huntsville-based JH Partners Architecture and Interiors, PC. The Huntsville firm will operate under the KPS Group name.

This will be the third regional office for KPS, which opened its Atlanta office in 1997 through a merger with Housworth Parker Cherry Roberts Inc. KPS expanded again in 2007 when it combined with Birmingham-based Kirkwood and Associates.

"Even in this challenging economic climate, we continue our efforts to grow," said Gray Plosser, president of KPS Group. "We looked at a number of cities over the last year, and Huntsville was the obvious choice because of its continued growth and its healthy business climate."

KPS approached JHP about a potential merger because of that company's long history and reputation for excellence across the Tennessee Valley. The firm has completed projects for major entities such as the University of Alabama at Huntsville, the Huntsville International Airport and the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce.

JHP President Kristine Harding and Corporate Secretary/Treasurer David Ely will continue to lead the Huntsville office.

"Our merger with KPS is good news for us and good news for Huntsville," Harding said. "KPS brings an enormous amount of experience with large-scale projects as well as resources only available to the state's largest firms."

The companies' combined portfolios include work places, academic facilities, aviation, religious buildings, hospitality and historic preservation projects with an overarching focus on sustainability.

A history of success:
KPS Group was founded in Birmingham in 1965. The firm has grown to more than 55 employees and now offers architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, planning and urban design out of offices in Atlanta, Birmingham and now Huntsville.

One of the largest firms in Alabama, KPS is also a member of the Global Design Alliance, a North American alliance of design firms with over 50 offices, 3,500 employees and 100 design and engineering specialties to better serve its clients and their unique needs.

JH Partners was established in 1967. In 1985, it became the first North Alabama firm to incorporate an interior design department into the practice. Since the firm's inception, JHP has been responsible for more than 3,500 projects in the Tennessee Valley area and has received more than 50 awards for design excellence.

President Kristine Harding is a leader in the industry in Alabama. She is the former President of the Alabama Council of the American Institute of Architects and was appointed by Governor Riley to serve on the State of Alabama Registrations Board of Architects.