Under the INVISION Brand as an HFW Company
Merger effective April 8, 2026, uniting the firms to create a stronger national architectural reach
CHARLESTON, South Carolina / DES MOINES, Iowa – Novus Architects Inc. and INVISION today announced they will merge under the INVISION brand, effective April 8, 2026. The partnership brings together two design-driven firms within The HFW Companies network, united by a shared commitment to thoughtful design, strong client relationships, and a collaborative culture, according to INVISION leaders.
With offices across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Novus Architects expands INVISION’s presence in the Southeast while continuing to build on its reputation for a solution-based approach to architecture and project delivery. Together, the teams will offer to their clients a broader expertise across health care, education, faith-based, municipal, workplace, hospitality, civic and mixed-use projects.
“From the start, the alignment between our companies’ cultures and Vision was clear,” said Tommy Smith, AIA Principal and founder of Novus Architects. “This strategic merger greatly enhances our growth and ability to better serve our clients and staff.”
Founded in 1992, Novus has spent more than three decades building lasting relationships and delivering design solutions rooted in collaboration and trust, according to Smith.
Josh Allison, AIA Novus Managing Principal adds “This merger represents more than an expansion of services; it marks a commitment to shared growth. By combining the strengths of both firms, Novus and INVISION can deliver a broader range of capabilities, elevate project innovation, and better respond to the evolving needs of clients. Just as importantly, it opens pathways for employees to gain exposure to diverse project types, learn from a wider pool of experts, and pursue meaningful advancement within a larger collaborative community.”
Novus’ offices, he added, will be connected to INVISION’s expanding national footprint. The firm is committed to continued investment in its Southeast presence and supporting local teams while creating new opportunities for collaboration across studios.
Founded in 1914, INVISION is known for its innovation and excellence across health care, education, workplace and civic architecture. Together, the firms bring a diverse portfolio of work and a shared commitment to human-centered design, collaboration and community impact.
“What stood out immediately was how naturally our teams align. We share values, a collaborative mindset, and a genuine commitment to the people and communities we serve. Bringing Novus into INVISION is about people. It expands the experience, perspective, and creativity we bring to every partnership. Our clients will continue working with the teams they know and trust, now supported by a broader network of talent and ideas. We’re excited for what this means for our clients and for the communities we serve, and for what we will accomplish together.” said Brad Leeper, partner at INVISION.
“Novus, with its legacy architecture design reputation in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a great addition to INVISION’s expanding national practice,” said Michael Hein, AIA, chief executive officer of The HFW Companies. “This new merger gives INVISION and all our HFW companies an even stronger design presence in the Southeast, and it strengthens our national platform, given its tremendous leadership, depth of expertise, and talented people. We’re looking forward to working with them.”
For more information about the merger or about The HFW Companies and its network of companies, contact Daniel Bates at daniel.bates@hfwcompanies.com or at 412.310.3167.
About Novus Architects Inc.
Founded in 1992, Novus Architects is a full-service architecture firm with offices in Asheville, NC, Atlanta, GA, Charleston, SC, Charlotte, NC, Rocky Mount, NC, St. Thomas, USVI, and Winston-Salem, NC. Committed to quality in both their work and relationships, Novus is known for its innovative approach to solution-based design and project management. The firm's portfolio reflects its experience in various building sectors, including Healthcare, K-12, Higher Education, Financial, Municipal, Hospitality, Multi-Family, Recreation, Commercial, and Worship. With a diverse team skilled in Architecture, Interior Design, Project Management, FFE Coordination, Environmental Graphics, and Construction Administration, Novus has established itself as a prominent design firm with regional and national clients. For more information, visit novusarchitects.com
About INVISION
Founded in 1914, INVISION Architecture is a nationally recognized planning, architecture and interiors firm headquartered in Waterloo, Iowa. With a legacy spanning over a century, INVISION collaborates with clients across the United States to create human-centered spaces that enhance the way people live, work, learn and heal. The firm specializes in health care, education, civic, hospitality, workplace, housing, and sports and recreation design. Known for its client-focused approach, INVISION emphasizes collaboration, innovation and sustainability in every project. The firm has earned numerous design awards and is recognized for its commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. For more information, visit invisionarch.com
About The HFW Companies
The HFW Companies, a professional services company founded in 2020, is a premier, best-in-class, national network of AE companies. HFW, in its role, amplifies the collective expertise of its network and provides the operations platform and other resources needed to create greater long-term value for our network firms, employees, clients, investors, and the communities it serves.
Together, HFW’s network – including INVISION -- provides for its clients and communities a full continuum of visionary, award-winning infrastructure design solutions. HFW is ranked No. 203 on Engineering News-Record’s 2025 Top 500 list of AEC firms, with more than 700 employees across the network and combined annual revenues of $128 million. For more information, visit hfwcompanies.com.
Novus Architects was founded in 1992 by one architect working for one client. It didn’t take long to grow as the demand also grew for our creative process and commitment to exceptional customer service. Today, with offices in Atlanta, Asheville, Charleston, Charlotte, Winston Salem, Rocky Mount, and St. Thomas USVI, Novus has a mission to create highly functional, beautiful spaces that are more than brick and mortar, or fixtures and furniture – spaces that foster human interaction, discovery and deep connection.
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