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Tacoma, Washington-based BLRB Architects has expanded its reach into Central Oregon by acquiring Ascent Architecture and Interiors of Bend.

BLRB, founded in 1953, also has offices in Portland and Spokane, Washington. Ascent’s former owner, Seth Anderson, will now serve as leading principal in BLRB’s Bend office.

Ascent, which last year was named Architecture Firm of the Year by the Central Oregon Builders Association, has worked on a variety of commercial, housing and hospitality projects, including homeless shelters and breweries. BLRB on the other hand has focused mostly on public projects like educational and civic facilities.

鈥淏oth firms were looking for a way to grow and strengthen,鈥� Anderson said. 鈥淲e were also both looking to diversify.鈥�

Anderson first met BLRB Managing Principal Greg McCracken about 15 years ago. They both worked at a small firm when Anderson was fresh out of college.

About a year ago they bumped into each other at Redmond Municipal Airport, and began discussing their respective firms. They found they were much alike, and BLRB happened to be looking for a new leader in its Bend office.

鈥淲e really did have similar cultures and values,鈥� McCracken said. 鈥淲e’re very collaborative in nature, and we’re authentic listeners.鈥�

The airport conversation inspired Anderson and McCracken to join forces, and after discussions with other BLRB principals in an extensive interview process, the firm decided to acquire Ascent. McCracken described the action as mutually beneficial, and Anderson said he embraces the ability to focus more on architectural work, instead of running a business.

鈥淭he acquisition will really allow me to focus on meeting with clients,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t’s nice to have the structure of a firm like BLRB behind the office.鈥�