Lerch Bates Acquires BECS, Expands Building Science Services, a global leader in technical consulting for the built environment, has announced the acquisition of Building Enclosure Consultants and Scientists (BECS), a respected firm renowned for its expertise in building enclosure consulting. This strategic move strengthens Lerch Bates’s Building Science capabilities while expanding its national reach with eight new offices across six states.
The acquisition aligns with Lerch Bates’s mission to provide comprehensive solutions for Total Building Performance™. By integrating BECS into its operations, Lerch Bates enhances its ability to deliver cutting-edge consulting services for building systems, including enclosures, envelopes, and facades, across a broad range of industries.
Expanding Reach and Capabilities
BECS brings to Lerch Bates a proven track record of excellence in building envelope design, testing, repair, rehabilitation, and consulting. With the acquisition, Lerch Bates gains an expanded footprint through BECS’s offices in Baltimore, Md.; Charlotte, N.C.; Fairfax, Va.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Raleigh, N.C.; and Wilmington, N.C.
“BECS’s reputation for technical precision and innovative problem-solving makes this acquisition an ideal fit,” said Eric Rupe, President & CEO of Lerch Bates. “This partnership supports our strategy to expand service offerings in new geographies while maintaining our commitment to delivering unparalleled value and expertise to our clients. The BECS team strengthens our ability to meet the growing demand for high-performance building systems.”
The acquisition of BECS is the latest in a series of strategic expansions for Lerch Bates. Over the past several years, the company has acquired three other leading Building Science firms, including Pie Engineering in 2019. These acquisitions underscore Lerch Bates’s commitment to expanding its services and geographic reach to meet the evolving needs of its clients.
BECS’s Landmark Contributions
BECS has been involved in several high-profile projects, showcasing its technical expertise and dedication to excellence. Notable examples include:
- Frick Building in Pittsburgh, Pa.: BECS led a comprehensive investigation following a significant cornice failure, resulting in the restoration of the granite façade, roof replacement, and installation of a specialized cleaning system.
- University Tower in Durham, N.C.: BECS played a pivotal role in restoring this historic 17-story building, repairing a leaking zipper curtain wall system with a custom semi-rigid silicone overlay.
- City Hall in Baltimore, Md.: BECS identified over 4,200 areas of distress in the façade and roof of this historic building, serving as the principal consultant and engineer of record for its meticulous restoration.
A Shared Vision
Steve Turner, Founder & Senior Principal at BECS, expressed enthusiasm about the merger. “We are excited to join forces with Lerch Bates. Our shared commitment to innovation, quality, and client satisfaction makes this partnership a perfect fit. Together, we can deliver even greater value to our clients while advancing building enclosure technology and creating a lasting legacy of Employee Ownership for our team members.”
The integration of BECS into Lerch Bates is designed to be seamless, ensuring uninterrupted service for BECS’s existing clients. Lerch Bates will leverage its extensive resources, global network, and innovative technologies to enhance the services offered by BECS.
About Lerch Bates, Inc.
Headquartered in Denver, Colo., Lerch Bates is a global technical consulting firm with locations across North America, Europe, MENA, and India. For over 75 years, the company has provided architects, developers, building owners, and managers with expert advice on the design, sustainability, and ongoing use of building systems. Lerch Bates’s unique approach integrates Building Science and Building Flow™ consulting to ensure Total Building Performance™.
About BECS
Building Enclosure Consultants and Scientists (BECS) is a leading firm specializing in building envelope consulting, design, and rehabilitation. Known for its innovative solutions and commitment to quality, BECS has delivered exceptional results for projects across commercial, residential, healthcare, and institutional markets.
