WW+P announces merger with Canadian practice SvN

WW+P has announced its merger with Canadian practice SvN Architects + Planners to create a combined global practice focused on infrastructure and housing.

The two firms, which are both owned by French construction group Egis, will merge WW+P’s nine offices with SvN’s three offices to form a business with 12 global studios under WW+P branding.

It is understood that Toronto-based SvN, which was founded in 1978, will eventually see its branding disappear under the disagreement.

The deal follows Egis Group’s acquisition of SvN, which also has offices in Vancouver and Mexico City,  in 2024 as part of a strategy to strengthen its position in North America.

WW+P said the partnership was a “natural evolution” of the firm’s shared experience in transport and infrastructure projects.

SvN managing principal Drew Sinclair, who has become executive director at WW+P, said the “DNA of both practices is remarkably similar”.

“Both practices place a unique value on listening, meaningful consultation, and a deep understanding of history and context; both practices share a capacity for design innovation; and both practices have a total commitment to a regenerative, deeply sustainable, approach to planning and architecture,” he said.

Ali Mowahed, chief executive of WW+P, added: “This merger represents the coming together of two brands to create a global practice that builds better cities, smarter infrastructure, and more inclusive communities. Partners want confidence. Cities need leadership. We offer both: with a brand that stands for quality, innovation, and bold ideas.”

SvN is also the latest addition to Egis Group’s architecture brand, 10N, a six-practice collective which includes WW+P, 10 Design, Fenwick Iribarren Architects, U+A and Omrania.

10N is an overarching entity with its own team based in WW+P’s London office which enables staff from each member practice to share skills and expertise.