Elevatus to acquire Bona Vita Architecture
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Nov. 2, 2023) – In a deal that will bring together two of Fort Wayne’s leading architecture firms, Elevatus Architecture is excited to announce the acquisition of Bona Vita Architecture. Effective November 20, 2023, the firms will unite under the Elevatus brand.
Both based in downtown Fort Wayne, Elevatus and Bona Vita have produced strong and respected portfolios through projects in unique markets. Elevatus has received national recognition for their work in Justice, including federal prisons and regional jails, and in Education, from Pre-K to high schools and higher education institutions. Bona Vita has specialized in Wellness, having designed many YMCAs and natatoriums, and Healthcare, from free-standing hospitals to outpatient centers.
The acquisition is an opportunity to get bigger, better, stronger. For Elevatus, adding Bona Vita’s talented staff will allow for an expansion into newer markets, and bring on additional support for its many ongoing projects. For Bona Vita, the bigger bench will provide an opportunity to enhance its already strong client services and pursue more work under the Elevatus flag.
“This is going to be a fantastic collaboration between two powerhouse firms,” said Mike Gouloff, CEO of Elevatus Architecture. “We know that to grow in architecture, you either grow in geography or markets. Elevatus is growing at an incredible pace in geography, with new projects coast to coast and beyond. To keep growing, though, we knew we needed to grow in the markets we serve. Bona Vita is an incredible firm with an outstanding portfolio in the healthcare market as well as in wellness and recreation. This melding will facilitate continued growth for Elevatus, and mean bigger, better, stronger results for our clients!”
“Bona Vita and Elevatus share the same values in the relationship to our clients and partners, to our communities, and to our families,” said Tom Salzer, current President of Bona Vita Architecture. “Not only do we want architecture to help people live better lives, but we want to contribute to the kind of place we’d want to live and work and play and visit. With the strength, focus, and resources of Elevatus, that mission will only grow.”
The acquisition is expected to be finalized in the coming days. All Bona Vita employees will be onboarded as Elevatus team members. Once fully integrated, the Elevatus workforce will balloon to 60 employees, most of whom will work out of the firm’s expanded downtown office space at 111 E. Wayne St.
“With this acquisition and the expansion of our headquarters, we have great advantage in attracting new, talented team members to our firm,” said Cory Miller, President of Elevatus Architecture. “This gives us the opportunity to expand into new markets, building on our combined strengths of architectural excellence, client service, and an incredible workforce experience. This is an exciting time for Elevatus.”
ABOUT ELEVATUS
Elevatus Architecture was founded in 2015 by Mike Gouloff and Cory Miller, but the firm’s roots date back to 1958. Elevatus has long established itself as specialists in Justice, Education, Government, Retail, and other community projects, while focusing efforts on innovative design and client service. With a tagline “Designed To Do More,” the firm has experienced exponential growth and national ranking and recognition since 2020, including being named among the largest architecture firms in the United States the last two years.
ABOUT BONA VITA
Bona Vita Architecture was founded in March 2014 by Tom Salzer. The downtown Fort Wayne firm specializes in Healthcare, Recreation, and Office Spaces, with a focus on unique and environmentally responsible design that enhances the human experience. With its unique ability to rally volunteers, staff, and community stakeholders, BVA has strong and longstanding relationships with nonprofits.
