The Commons at Ursinus designer now operating under Core States Group name

Bernardon LLC, a West Chester-based architecture and design firm has begun operations under the Core States Group name. The shift became effective on Tuesday, and follows three years of partnership between the two companies.

Core States Group is an integrated, industry-leading architecture, engineering, and construction firm that partners with some of the world’s most recognized brands.

Bernardon was acquired by Core States Group in November 2021, and since then has operated under the name Bernardon, a Division of Core States Group.

Established in 1973, Bernardon is recognized as one of the top 100 design firms in the Mid-Atlantic region and among the top 300 architecture firms in the United States, according to a press release. The company’s designs have included numerous housing, civic, and cultural projects such as:

• Rivermark Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

• Justice Center and Transportation Center, West Chester

• The Commons at Ursinus College, Collegeville

• Coatesville Train Station, Coatesville

• Capitol City 2030 Masterplan, Dover, Del.

“Our name is changing, but Bernardon’s commitment to innovative design remains. This full integration with Core States Group will reinforce our strong partnership and enable us to provide an even more robust portfolio of services to our clients,” Michael S. McCloskey, vice president at Bernardon who will actively continue in his role with Core States Group, said in a statement.

This new chapter will strengthen Core States Group’s capabilities and open more opportunities to impact the industry nationwide, the company said in a press release.

“As Core States Group and Bernardon continue to combine our strengths and resources under the Core States Group brand, we are aligned in building a long-term strategy of developing market expertise, providing a collection of integrated services, and bringing a programmatic approach to our projects regionally and across the nation,” D. David Dugan, president and CEO at Core States Group, said in a statement.

Founded in 1999, Core States Group has 24 offices in the United States and Canada. The company recently announced the acquisition of Barghausen Consulting Engineers Inc. of Kent, Wash.