Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB), a transportation, land development and environmental services firm based in Watertown, has merged with Virginia planning and design firm LandMark Design Group. The transaction was effective July 6, and the firms will be doing business in Virginia as VHB.

VHB’s Virginia Regional Manager Nancy Barker said the merger is in response to both firms’ long-term commitment to the Hampton Roads region and the emerging growth opportunities. 

By joining forces, VHB and LandMark deepens each firms’ integrated planning, design, engineering and environmental services and provides more depth of staff with 140 employees in four Virginia offices, according to a statement. 

 "Our firms began talking about joining forces and recognized similar cultural and professional values and experiences. This move definitely puts us ahead of our competition," said LandMark Design Group President Larry Barry.

VHB clients in the Hampton Roads/Virginia Beach region include: Old Dominion University, the Hampton Roads Convention Center, the Sentara Princess Anne Health Campus, Amerigroup Headquarters, the Virginia Department of Transportation and its APM Terminals Port Interchange, Grandy Village and the Portsmouth Courts Building.  LandMark Design Group client projects include:  the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Expansion, Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater, ODU’s Ted Constant Center, Busch Gardens – Williamsburg, Water Country USA, and the Harbor Park Baseball Stadium.

LandMark Design Group senior management will become principals at VHB. Both Virginia Beach operations will be relocated to a yet to be determined combined office later this year.  On July 19, LandMark’s staff will move into VHB’s Williamsburg office.