"HFA Architecture + Engineering, a nationally recognized, employee-owned design firm, has acquired TRIA, a Boston-based architecture firm specializing in life sciences and laboratory design.
The acquisition marks HFA’s official entry into the science and technology sector, broadening its national footprint and diversifying its portfolio into one of the fastest-growing industries in design and construction.
Founded in 2015, TRIA has built a strong reputation in the Greater Boston area—the epicenter of life sciences innovation—by designing state-of-the-art research laboratories, biomanufacturing facilities, and workplace environments for leading biotech, pharmaceutical, and research organizations.
HFA said the integration of TRIA’s technical expertise with its own architecture and engineering capabilities will enable the combined firm to deliver comprehensive, “future-ready” solutions for clients across the entire innovation pipeline—from discovery to deployment.
“This partnership is about bringing together people who care deeply about the impact their work has on the world,” said Dave Wilgus, CEO of HFA. “TRIA’s expertise in science and technology adds an exciting new dimension to what we do. Together, we’ll continue designing spaces that help our clients solve complex challenges and push innovation forward.”
TRIA’s leadership team, including President and CEO Sherwood Butler, will remain in place following the acquisition to ensure continuity for clients and employees. Butler said that the two firms share a strong cultural alignment centered on people and relationships.
“From my first meeting with HFA leadership in 2024, I knew our missions were aligned—relationships first and people-centric,” Butler said. “I’m honored to continue what we started more than a decade ago: building the country’s leading Science + Technology architecture firm. HFA gives us the strength and support to keep excelling and growing alongside our most valued clients.”
The acquisition launches HFA’s Life Sciences and Technology sector, adding to its growing portfolio in Industrial, Healthcare, and other specialized AEC markets. With offices in Baltimore, Bentonville, Boston, Fort Worth, and Franklin, Massachusetts, the combined firm is positioned to support clients nationwide, from early-stage R&D facilities to full-scale production campuses.
HFA is a 100% employee-owned, multidisciplinary architecture and engineering firm with more than 30 years of experience and over 500 professionals. The firm provides integrated design solutions across Retail, Hospitality, Industrial, Healthcare, Multi-Family, and now Life Sciences and Technology sectors, with offices in Bentonville, Boston, Fort Worth, Baltimore, Springfield, Franklin (MA), and Mexico City."
Based in Boston, TRIA practices what it calls the “architecture of discovery.” The firm combines deep expertise in science-driven organizations with decades of design experience to create environments that foster innovation, collaboration, and discovery. Its portfolio spans life sciences, corporate workplace, and mixed-use projects that support research and development success.
