Clark Nexsen Company Profile

Background

Overview

Clark Nexsen is a full-service architecture and engineering firm founded in 1920, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The firm operates nine offices across the southeastern United States, including locations in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. With a team of over 350 professionals, Clark Nexsen offers a comprehensive range of services encompassing architecture, engineering, planning, interior design, and landscape architecture.

Mission and Vision

Clark Nexsen is dedicated to creating transformative design solutions that address real-world challenges. The firm's mission centers on fostering partnerships with clients, colleagues, and communities to develop spaces and experiences that profoundly impact those who interact with them. Their vision emphasizes the power of ideas to transform the world, viewing design as a means to advance communities through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Primary Area of Focus and Industry Significance

The firm specializes in a diverse array of markets, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and industrial sectors. Clark Nexsen has been recognized for its excellence in design and engineering, earning a spot among the Top 500 Design Firms by Engineering News-Record (ENR) and ranking 50th among Building Design+Construction's largest architecture firms.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Clark Nexsen aims to deliver innovative and sustainable design solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients. The firm focuses on expanding its geographic reach and service offerings to enhance its capabilities and market presence.

Specific Areas of Specialization

The firm's areas of specialization include:

Architecture and Engineering: Providing comprehensive design and engineering services across various sectors.

Industrial and Manufacturing: Offering engineering solutions tailored to the industrial sector, including process improvements and facility expansions.

Transportation: Designing infrastructure projects such as bridges and transportation centers.

Key Technologies Utilized

Clark Nexsen employs advanced technologies in its design and engineering processes, including:

Building Information Modeling (BIM): Enhancing collaboration and accuracy in project design and execution.

Energy Modeling: Optimizing building performance and sustainability.

Automation and Controls: Integrating advanced control systems for industrial applications.

Primary Markets Targeted

The firm's primary markets include:

Education: Designing facilities for K-12 schools and higher education institutions.

Healthcare: Developing medical facilities and healthcare campuses.

Government and Federal: Serving federal, state, and local government agencies with various infrastructure projects.

Industrial and Manufacturing: Providing engineering solutions for industrial clients across multiple sectors.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a privately held firm, Clark Nexsen has not publicly disclosed detailed financial information or funding history.

Recent Developments

In May 2025, Clark Nexsen merged with Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT), an employee-owned engineering, architecture, and consulting firm. This strategic merger expanded the firm's capabilities and geographic reach, creating a combined entity with over 2,750 employees and a broader service offering.

Pipeline Development

Key Projects and Milestones

Clark Nexsen has been involved in several notable projects, including:

Fitts-Woolard Hall at North Carolina State University: A significant educational facility.

Madera Cyber Innovation Center at the U.S. Air Force Academy: A cutting-edge facility supporting military innovation.

Ferguson Headquarters 3: A high-bay manufacturing plant in Virginia.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Main Library: An upcoming project enhancing community resources.

These projects highlight the firm's expertise in delivering complex and large-scale developments across various sectors.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Clark Nexsen utilizes proprietary technologies such as advanced energy modeling tools and integrated control systems to enhance building performance and operational efficiency.

Significant Scientific Methods

The firm employs scientific methodologies including:

Energy Modeling: To optimize building performance and sustainability.

Process Flow Analysis: For industrial projects to improve efficiency and safety.

Automation and Controls Integration: Enhancing operational efficiency in industrial facilities.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Terri Hall, PE, LEED AP: President of Clark Nexsen, leading the firm's strategic direction and operations.

Greg Hall: Chief Financial Officer, overseeing financial management and strategic financial planning.

Dennis Stallings, FAIA: Design Director, responsible for guiding the firm's design philosophy and project execution.

Recent Leadership Changes

In May 2025, Clark Nexsen merged with JMT, leading to the integration of leadership teams from both firms. This merger expanded the leadership structure to include executives from JMT, enhancing the firm's capabilities and market presence.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The architecture and engineering industry is characterized by a competitive landscape with firms ranging from large multinational corporations to specialized boutique agencies. Key factors influencing the market include technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and the demand for integrated design and engineering solutions.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors of Clark Nexsen include:

ZGF Architects: A leading design firm with a focus on sustainable architecture.

Flad Architects: Specializing in healthcare and science and technology facilities.

Little Diversified Architectural Consulting: Known for its work in commercial and mixed-use developments.

These firms compete in similar markets, offering a range of services that overlap with Clark Nexsen's offerings.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Significant Collaborations

The merger with JMT in May 2025 is a significant strategic collaboration, combining resources and expertise to enhance service offerings and market reach.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

The merger with JMT has positioned Clark Nexsen to leverage a broader range of services and expertise, enhancing its competitive edge in the market. The combined firm's focus on innovation, sustainability, and client-centric solutions strengthens its market position.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Future Business Directions

Clark Nexsen aims to expand its presence in key markets, including education, healthcare, and industrial sectors. The firm is committed to integrating sustainable practices and innovative technologies into its projects to meet evolving client needs.

Opportunities for Expansion

The merger with JMT provides opportunities to enter new geographic regions and sectors, enhancing the firm's ability to serve a diverse client base. The combined entity is well-positioned to undertake large-scale, complex projects across various industries.