NELSON and Black Cow Architects have coined the phrase "inverted merger" to describe their relationship, according to a statement from Black Cow. The merger will create new opportunities for growth and development in challenging economic times, the firm said.

The combined firm will have a local presence of almost 25 team members with access to a network of approximately 500 designers, architects, engineers, strategists and other experts. Brad Black and Stacy Chambers, current principals of Black Cow Architects, will lead the combined firms.

"The Boston market offers tremendous opportunity for a firm with top leadership, talent, strategic insights and a true service mentality," said John "Ozzie" Nelson Jr., president and CEO of NELSON.  "To take full advantage of those opportunities, we wanted to find the right partner that would allow us to expand our resources overnight and lead the way to deliver immediate impact."

A sample of clients that will continue to be served in Boston includes Boston Properties, Bank of America, Liberty Mutual, GVA, Biogen Idec, CIGNA, Iron Mountain, McCall & Almy and REIT M&R. 

NELSON and Black Cow Architects will consolidate their Boston operations at the current Black Cow office, located at 112 Beach St., unit A.