Harley Ellis Devereaux acquires architecture firm Deems Lewis McKinley

San Francisco - Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED) is pleased to announce that Deems Lewis McKinley (DLM) has merged with HED.

A recognized leader in K-12 Schools design, DLM brings over 55 years of experience in the design of educational facilities across California.  With offices in Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco, DLM further diversifies HED’s 380-person design expertise and expands the firm geographically.

From Northern to Southern California and beyond, DLM’s designs have advanced the world of hundreds of local communities since 1959.  DLM's notable projects across California include a masterplan and complete campus replacement of the CHPS Demonstration De Anza High School in Richmond; a new Performing Arts Center for Palo Alto High School; a complete campus replacement, including a sustainability plan for Edna Maguire Elementary School in Mill Valley; a new Student Center for Monta Vista High School in Sunnyvale; and a complete design of the new 44,000-square-foot Susan B. Anthony School in Daly City that resembles a modern version of an "old red brick schoolhouse."

“The combination of DLM’s experience and reputation in the Bay Area and Sacramento and HED’s extensive K-12 Schools portfolio will provide our clients with an even broader range of services, thought leadership and design excellence,” says J. Peter Devereaux, Chief Executive Officer of HED.

“We are looking forward to merging the talents of our two teams and are excited to be part of a very talented studio with deep resources,” says Wallace B. (Wally) Gordon, President and Chief Executive Officer of DLM.

DLM staff in San Francisco will relocate to HED’s San Francisco Office in February.  DLM’s Sacramento staff will remain in their current office space.

Featured

  • NWEA Report Recommends K–12 Natural Disaster Recovery Strategies

    The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), a K–12 assessment and research organization, recently announced the release of a new playbook for schools and communities recovering from extreme weather events, according to a news release.

  • Rhode Island Boarding School Completes Student Dorm Renovations

    St. George’s School in Middletown, R.I., recently announced the completion of a $26-million renovation project on Arden-Diman-Eccles Dormitory, according to a news release. The school partnered with Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA) on the new space, which places a new focus on collaborative community spaces open to both boarding students and day students.

  • Academy of Classical Education Breaks Ground in Louisiana

    Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) recently announced the groundbreaking of a new public charter school in Covington, La., according to a news release. The Academy of Classical Education at Covington will enroll students in grades K–8 and is scheduled for completion in August 2026, just in time for the new school year.

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.