Springfield architecture firms merge

Two Springfield architecture firms have merged as one of the owners nears retirement.

Burns Architecture merged into Ireland Architects Inc., said CEO Stephanie Ireland. She declined to disclose financial terms of the deal. Burns Architecture owner Larry Burns is planning to retire at an unknown date, and until then, he's lending his experience to the staff at Ireland Architects, Ireland said.

Ireland said Burns Architecture brings experience in hotels, motels and multifamily projects, which Ireland Architects hasn't done in the past. Ireland Architects focuses on medical work, such as psychiatric facilities.

"He's run a firm for a long time," Ireland said. "I'm excited to be learning things from him."

With the merger, Ireland Architects now has six employees, she said.

Ireland Architects' recent projects include a renovation and addition to Lakeland Behavioral Health System and The Kitchen Inc.'s new campus. Burns Architecture has designed projects in recent years including Creative Audio's headquarters in Ozark and a Domino’s Pizza expansion on South National Avenue.

The merger comes during Ireland Architects’ 20th year in business.

“It’s great to be part of the Springfield community for that long,” Ireland said. “We've really gotten to do a lot of good for Springfield.”