STV acquired ARCHITECTURE/vbn (VBN), an award-winning architectural design firm based in Oakland, Calif. VBN will be integrated into STV’s West Coast operations.

“VBN’s talented employees share our commitment to excellence,” said Dominick M. Servedio, PE, STV executive chairman. “We have known this firm for many years, and have always been impressed with their portfolio of work. I am excited to welcome VBN into STV’s family.”

Founded in 1958, VBN serves education, transportation, government and commercial clients, and has extensive experience in the design of transit facilities. They bring an established and highly-regarded presence in Northern California to STV. The firm is also a registered green business.

“STV and VBN have been working together to seamlessly integrate our corporate cultures,” said Milo E. Riverso, Ph.D., P.E., CEO and president of STV. “This is a great match. VBN’s excellent skill set strengthens STV’s services, so we can better serve our existing clients in the Western region.”

VBN’s work encompasses large- and small-scale projects, consisting of intermodal terminals, bus facilities, light rail, rail stations and transit centers. VBN’s notable projects in these areas include the Millbrae Station for the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) System; the Transit Mall Station for Long Beach Transit; the Richmond Intermodal Station for the Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee; and multiple stations for the California High Speed Rail project, including three stations from Fresno to Bakersfield.

Eli Naor, AIA, who was one of the principals at VBN, is joining STV at a vice president and will head the California Facilities group.

Rob Barthelman, AIA, also a principal with VBN, will join STV as a VP. He will lead STV’s West Coast education market, continuing the innovative excellence his team has brought to the education market in Northern California.

STV is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2012. Since its earliest predecessor firm opened its doors in 1912, the firm has grown to become a leader in providing architectural, engineering, planning, environmental and construction management services for buildings and facilities, transportation systems, energy and infrastructure.

STV is ranked 32nd in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms survey. STV is 100 percent employee-owned. For more information, visit the company's website at www.stvinc.com or follow @STVGroup on Twitter.