Behind The Deal: Ankrom Moisan’s Travis Throckmorton On Buying S.F.’s Forum Design
Ankrom Moisan Architects principal Travis Throckmorton trained in visual arts, painting and sculpture. After drawing and painting the Spanish colonial architecture of his native Old San Juan, he embarked on a career in architecture. Portland-based AMA recently acquired San Francisco’s Forum Design.
Bisnow spoke to Travis about how the acquisition fits in with AMA’s wider corporate strategy and future plans for the new San Francisco office.
Bisnow: What was the motivation behind the deal?
Travis Throckmorton: Although the firm was started 33 years ago in Portland, OR, Ankrom Moisan Architects serves clients up and down the West Coast. A good and growing portion of our business is in California, and we felt a local presence in the Bay Area would provide even better service to these clients. The challenge was finding the right partner—a firm who has strong experience and good reputation in the local market that also shares our values and collaborative approach.
Bisnow: How did the deal talks begin?
Travis: We (Forum Design and AMA) found each other almost by chance, and as the relationship has grown we have come to realize what a great union this is for both of our practices.
Bisnow: Why is having a local presence in San Francisco so critical?
Travis: Every architectural project needs to respond to the local context. San Francisco, perhaps more than any city, has a hyper-local awareness and involvement in the development of architectural projects, as well as a very unique approach to getting projects approved. Understanding the nuances of neighborhoods, the history and the context is vital in creating successful projects.
Bisnow: How does Forum fit into your wider strategy?
Travis: Working with [Forum co-founder Warner Schmalz] and the team he has built allows AMA to tap into the urban, infill, multifamily market that Forum has been serving in San Francisco so well for many years. It also gives us local knowledge and expertise that would take years to cultivate. Conversely, joining Ankrom Moisan allows Warner and the San Francisco AMA team the opportunity to work on a wider variety of project types and scales, including senior housing, affordable housing, student housing, hospitality, creative workplace and healthcare, with the potential of expanding beyond the Bay Area.
Working side by side with Warner Schmalz and his staff has reinforced that we truly share a common vision and approach. We are also extremely proud to be able to work in a city with the vibrancy and history of San Francisco.
