CPL, a high growth provider of architecture, engineering and consulting services for the built environment, today announced the acquisition of Bailey Edward, a well-established architecture, engineering, interior design, and planning firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. CPL is a portfolio company of GHK Capital Partners LP (“GHK”), a leading middle-market private equity firm based in Greenwich, CT.

The acquisition of Bailey Edward strengthens CPL’s presence in Chicago and across the Midwest, expanding the firm’s capabilities in education, government, healthcare, research, community, and cultural practices. Bailey Edward brings more than three decades of multidisciplinary design experience serving public and private clients across 24 states, along with an established reputation throughout Illinois.

“The acquisition of Bailey Edward represents a strategic investment in CPL’s continued growth in Chicago and across the Midwest,” said Chris Colby, President and Chief Operating Officer of CPL. “Bailey Edward has built an exceptional reputation throughout Illinois, backed by an impressive portfolio of work. We’re excited to pair that foundation with CPL’s broader resources and create new opportunities for both organizations. CPL and Bailey Edward share a similar approach to practice, grounded in collaboration, integrated thinking, and a commitment to meaningful outcomes.”

Bailey Edward has more than 45 professionals and operates from three offices located in Illinois. With this acquisition, CPL adds significant depth to its multidisciplinary team, along with the technical capacity and specialized knowledge to take on a wider range of project needs while continuing to deliver the responsive, locally focused experience clients expect.

“Joining CPL marks an exciting next chapter for Bailey Edward,” said Ellen Bailey Dickson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bailey Edward. “For our people, joining CPL creates new avenues to grow and brings even more possibilities to the work ahead.” Robin Edward Whitehurst, Managing Principal of Bailey Edward stated, “Bringing our teams together gives us more expertise around the table and more ways to approach each project, that broader perspective will make our work stronger and help us deliver even greater value for the people and communities we serve.”

CPL and Bailey Edward will work together to integrate their services and develop a coordinated go‑to‑market approach in 2027. The acquisition marks the first acquisition since GHK partnered with CPL in early 2026, and another milestone in CPL’s long-term growth strategy, extending the firm’s reach and building greater scale in markets where both organizations see strong potential for continued growth. Pro forma for the transaction, CPL has more than 500 professionals in 28 cities across nine states, serving public and private clients nationwide.

About CPL

CPL is a full-service architecture, engineering, and planning firm serving public and private sector clients across the United States. Known for its integrated expertise, collaborative approach, and commitment to community impact, CPL delivers thoughtful, innovative solutions that shape the built environment and improve lives. To learn more, visit cplteam.com.

About GHK Capital Partners LP

GHK is a leading middle-market private equity firm focused on making control investments in industrial companies across North America. For more information about GHK please visit www.ghk.com.

About Bailey Edward

Founded in 1991, Bailey Edward is a Chicago-based multidisciplinary architecture and engineering firm with expertise in interior design and planning. The firm provides services to public and private clients across 24 states, specializing in education, government, healthcare, research, community, and cultural markets. Bailey Edward is known for its collaborative approach, responsive service, and commitment to creating high-performing spaces that benefit the communities it serves.

Media gallery

About The Author
Business Wire