Farnsworth Group, acquisition of EWR Architects, Fairview Heights

By RITA DUCKWORTH
    Since 1984, EWR Architects played a part in many well-known buildings and landmarks in the Metro East. In April 2018, the Farnsworth Group, a large, national firm that has been in business for 125 years, acquired the firm.
    Principal E. William (Bill) Reichert, III, whose initials gave the Fairview Heights firm its name, knew he needed a succession plan. He wasn’t ready to retire, but after nearly 35 years at the helm, he wanted to be sure that the future was clear for the firm’s staff and clients.
    “Regardless of Farnsworth’s size,” says Reichert, “they’re a lot like us. They’re people-oriented and care about their employees and clients.”
    He was impressed that they’ve been awarded a Great Place to Work certification from the Great Place to Work Institute for three years in a row.
    “They’re a great company in terms of profitability, reputation, and services offered. Most importantly, they share our passion. In fact, the company motto is ‘People. Passion. Performance.’”
    Headquartered in Bloomington, Ill., Farnsworth Group officials wanted an increased presence in Southern Illinois. They have offices throughout the state and several scattered across the country. Acquiring EWR complements its existing St. Louis office on this side of the river.
    EWR’s 11 employees joined Farnsworth’s staff of 450.
    “We’ve always been essentially architectural, but Farnsworth is a multidiscipline firm including every conceivable engineering discipline. We now have full-service capabilities and can bring specialists in on our projects.”
    Current projects are proceeding without disruption for high-profile clients such as St. Clair County, HSHS Medical Group, Scott Air Force Base, the city of Fairview Heights and many school districts.
    Farnsworth’s Fairview Heights office will have a larger pool of experienced employees to draw upon but will continue to partner with local engineers and contractors when necessary. Farnsworth Group plans to honor the existing relationships in the community that EWR has nurtured for decades.