Tuesday, August 4, 2026
DLR Group acquires San Diego's McFarlane Architects to expand life sciences design practice
The acquisition bolsters DLR Group's science and technology design business and expanding its presence in one of the nation's largest life sciences hubs. The deal will enhance the firm's laboratory and research facility expertise in California and across
The global design firm DLR Group has acquired San Diego-based McFarlane Architects, expanding its science and technology design practice and strengthening its presence in one of the nation's largest life sciences markets.
Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Founded by architect Neal McFarlane, McFarlane Architects specializes in the design of laboratories, research facilities, advanced manufacturing spaces and other science and technology environments. The firm has worked with clients including Alexandria Real Estate Equities, BioMed Realty, Healthpeak Properties, Longfellow Real Estate Partners and Phase 3 Real Estate Partners.
DLR Group said the acquisition expands its capabilities in California and nationwide while providing greater access to science and technology clients in San Diego, a major biotechnology and life sciences hub.
McFarlane Architects will operate as DLR Group | McFarlane Architects in San Diego, complementing DLR Group's existing 35-person downtown San Diego office and its other California locations in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Francisco, Sonoma and Sacramento.
DLR Group CEO Steven McKay said the acquisition strengthens the firm's science and technology portfolio, citing McFarlane Architects' experience designing laboratory and research facilities in competitive life sciences markets.
McFarlane said joining DLR Group will allow the firm to preserve its design legacy while gaining access to the larger firm's resources and national network to pursue more complex projects.
He also cited DLR Group's employee ownership structure as a key factor in the decision, saying it provides employees with a stake in the firm's future while supporting long-term growth.
DLR Group, which is marking its 60th anniversary this year, is a 100% employee-owned architecture, engineering, planning and interior design firm with 38 offices worldwide. McFarlane Architects has built its reputation as one of San Diego's leading firms specializing in laboratory and science-related facilities.
Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Founded by architect Neal McFarlane, McFarlane Architects specializes in the design of laboratories, research facilities, advanced manufacturing spaces and other science and technology environments. The firm has worked with clients including Alexandria Real Estate Equities, BioMed Realty, Healthpeak Properties, Longfellow Real Estate Partners and Phase 3 Real Estate Partners.
DLR Group said the acquisition expands its capabilities in California and nationwide while providing greater access to science and technology clients in San Diego, a major biotechnology and life sciences hub.
McFarlane Architects will operate as DLR Group | McFarlane Architects in San Diego, complementing DLR Group's existing 35-person downtown San Diego office and its other California locations in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Francisco, Sonoma and Sacramento.
DLR Group CEO Steven McKay said the acquisition strengthens the firm's science and technology portfolio, citing McFarlane Architects' experience designing laboratory and research facilities in competitive life sciences markets.
McFarlane said joining DLR Group will allow the firm to preserve its design legacy while gaining access to the larger firm's resources and national network to pursue more complex projects.
He also cited DLR Group's employee ownership structure as a key factor in the decision, saying it provides employees with a stake in the firm's future while supporting long-term growth.
DLR Group, which is marking its 60th anniversary this year, is a 100% employee-owned architecture, engineering, planning and interior design firm with 38 offices worldwide. McFarlane Architects has built its reputation as one of San Diego's leading firms specializing in laboratory and science-related facilities.
