CPL Expands Chicago, Midwest Footprint Through Acquisition of Bailey Edward

Partnership combines complementary expertise, expanded resources, and broader
reach to better serve clients across key markets

ROCHESTER, N.Y. and CHICAGO, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CPL, a full-service design firm serving public and private sector clients across the U.S., has acquired Bailey Edward, an Illinois-based architecture, engineering, interior design, and planning firm. The acquisition strengthens CPL's presence in Chicago and across the Midwest while expanding capabilities in education, government, healthcare, research, community, and cultural practices.

The addition of Bailey Edward's 50 professionals adds significant depth to CPL's multidisciplinary team. With greater technical capacity and specialized knowledge, the combined firm will be equipped to take on a wider range of project needs while delivering the responsive, locally focused experience clients expect.

"Bailey Edward has built an exceptional reputation throughout Illinois, backed by an impressive portfolio of work," said Chris Colby, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, President and Chief Operating Officer, CPL. "We're excited to pair that foundation with CPL's broader resources and create new opportunities for both organizations."

Beyond the strategic fit, CPL and Bailey Edward share a similar approach to practice, grounded in collaboration, integrated thinking, and a commitment to meaningful outcomes. That alignment will enable more comprehensive solutions throughout Illinois and beyond.

"This partnership positions us to pursue larger, more complex work while building on what has made Bailey Edward successful for decades," said Ellen Bailey Dickson, President and CEO of Bailey Edward. "Joining CPL gives our people new avenues to grow and brings even more possibilities to the work ahead."

Clients of both firms will continue working with the same project teams and trusted points of contact throughout the transition, ensuring continuity as the organizations come together.

"Bringing our teams together gives us more expertise around the table and more ways to approach each project," said Robin Edward Whitehurst, Managing Principal of Bailey Edward. "That broader perspective will make our work stronger and help us deliver even greater value for the people and the communities we serve."

The acquisition marks another milestone in CPL's long-term growth strategy, extending the firm's reach and building greater scale in markets where both organizations see strong potential for continued growth.

About CPL
Founded in 1975, CPL is a 500+ person multi-disciplinary architecture, engineering, and planning firm with professionals across 25 cities and eight states. Together, they deliver inspiring design services and enrich the communities they serve. CPL serves public and private clients across the Community & Culture, Healthcare, Higher Education, Infrastructure, K-12 Education, and Science & Technology market sectors – providing architectural, interior design, civil engineering, buildings and structural engineering, planning, landscape architecture and 3D/virtual design services. Visit www.CPLteam.com to learn more.

About Bailey Edward
Founded in 1991, Bailey Edward is a multi-disciplinary architecture, engineering, interior design, and planning firm serving public and private clients across 24 states. With offices in Chicago, Champaign, and Fox River Grove, the firm brings integrated design expertise to the Education, Government, Healthcare, Science + Technology, Community, and Cultural markets. Bailey Edward is known for its collaborative approach, responsive service, and commitment to creating thoughtful, high-performing spaces that strengthen the communities they serve.

SOURCE CPL Architecture | Engineering | Planning