Bentonville, AR — November 1, 2025 — HFA, an employee-owned, nationally recognized architecture and engineering firm that opened an office in Fort Worth in 2016, has acquired TRIA, a Boston-based architecture firm known for its deep expertise in life sciences and laboratory design.
This strategic acquisition marks HFA’s entry into the science and technology sector,
expanding its national portfolio and ability to serve one of the fastest growing and most
technically complex industries. By combining TRIA’s specialized design expertise with
HFA’s integrated A+E services and national reach, the firm will deliver comprehensive,
future-ready solutions that support clients from discovery to deployment.
Founded in 2015, TRIA has established itself as a premier science and technology design
firm, partnering with leading biotech, pharmaceutical, and research organizations
throughout the Greater Boston region—the epicenter of life sciences innovation. Its
portfolio spans state-of-the-art R&D labs, GMP biomanufacturing facilities, and dynamic
workplace environments for scientists, blending rigorous technical performance with
human-centered design.
“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 will remain in place, ensuring continuity for clients and employees
while gaining access to HFA’s expanded resources and expertise.
“From my first meeting with HFA leadership in 2024, I knew our missions were aligned—
relationships first and people-centric,” said Sherwood Butler, President & CEO at TRIA.
“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 addition of TRIA marks the formal launch of HFA’s Life Sciences and Technology
sector, complementing a growing portfolio in Industrial, Healthcare, and other specialized
AEC markets. With offices in Baltimore, Bentonville, Boston, Fort Worth, and Franklin, MA, the combined firm is strategically positioned to support clients across the country—from nearly-stage research labs to full-scale production campuses.
About HFA Architecture + Engineering
HFA is a 100% employee-owned, multidisciplinary architecture and engineering firm with
more than 30 years of experience and offices in Bentonville, Boston, Fort Worth, Baltimore,
Springfield, Franklin, MA, and Mexico City. With a team of 500+ professionals, HFA delivers thoughtful, client-focused design solutions across Retail, Hospitality, Industrial,
Healthcare, Multi-Family, and now life sciences and technology sectors.
About TRIA
Founded in 2015 and based in Boston, TRIA practices the architecture of discovery. The
firm combines a deep understanding of the unique needs of science-driven organizations
with decades of experience designing and constructing spaces that enable innovation and
business success. Using a principal-driven, client-focused approach, TRIA partners
closely with organizations to create environments that foster discovery both in the lab and across the workplace. Its portfolio spans life sciences, corporate workplace, and mixed-
use environments—each reflecting a commitment to advancing research, collaboration,
and discovery.
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