Stambaugh Ness Guides Hecht Burdeshaw Architects Through Strategic Acquisition by McMillan Pazdan Smith
SN Initiates and Advises on Transaction for Georgia-based Architecture Firm
Stambaugh Ness (SN), a leading M&A advisor for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms nationwide, is pleased to announce its role as exclusive advisor to Hecht Burdeshaw Architects in its recent acquisition by McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture. The transaction closed in August 2025.
A Strategic Partnership for Growth
The acquisition strengthens McMillan Pazdan Smith’s position in the Southeast, particularly in the growing Columbus, Georgia, and Auburn-Opelika, Alabama region. For over 60 years, Hecht Burdeshaw has been a key partner in the development of Columbus, Georgia, contributing to landmark projects such as the Columbus Convention & Trade Center and the Mercer Medical School. The partnership provides the Hecht Burdeshaw team with the resources of a larger regional firm while deepening McMillan Pazdan Smith’s local expertise and community roots.
“We feel great alignment between firms,” said Jeff Harper, who will serve as the MPS Columbus Studio Director. “Advancing HBA as part of MPS positions our firm for a resilient and successful future.”
SN’s Expert M&A Guidance
SN’s Mergers & Acquisitions team, led by Jeff Adams, CPA, CM&AA, initiated the transaction and provided comprehensive advisory services to Hecht Burdeshaw throughout all aspects of the deal, including:
- Strategic Partner Identification
- Deal Structuring & Negotiation
- Due Diligence & Closing Support
“The strong cultural alignment noted by both firms is exactly the kind of synergistic fit we aim to create,” said Jeff Adams, CPA, CM&AA. “By understanding our client’s goals and the broader AEC landscape, we can proactively initiate conversations with the right strategic partners. We are thrilled to have brought Hecht Burdeshaw and McMillan Pazdan Smith together.”
About Stambaugh Ness
Stambaugh Ness is a multi-disciplinary, professional services firm serving clients nationally with a singular focus on the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Through Stambaugh Ness, clients have access to a diverse menu of services, including compliance, government contract services, strategic tax solutions, technology and cyber risk advisory, data solutions, Microsoft solutions, Deltek ERP software, strategic growth advisory, workforce and talent solutions, outsourced accounting, ownership transition, and mergers and acquisitions.
The firm is an independent member of the BDO Alliance USA, a nationwide association of independently owned local and regional accounting, consulting, and service firms with similar client service goals.