Lord, Aeck & Sargent, an architectural firm based in Atlanta, has opened a new office in Chapel Hill as part of its drive to better serve North Carolina clients and seek more business in the state.

The firm said it also is expanding its science studio business.

Lord, Aeck & Sargent has designed the Genome Sciences Research Building II at Duke University and the Medical Biomolecular Research Building at UNC at Chapel Hill. Among its current projects is the 340,000-square-foot Genetic Medicine Building at UNC at Chapel Hill.

Scott O’Brien, who has 12 years of experience as an architect, including nine years with Lord, Aeck & Sargent’s Atlanta office, will lead the office. He also is the firm’s on-site project manager for the 340,000-square-foot Genetic Medicine Building at UNC Chapel Hill, and on other new projects.

Assisting him will be Doug Kopek as construction contract administrator, and Kristalynn Offhaus, an interior designer.

The firm said it will transfer additional people to Chapel Hill in coming months.

“Over the past decade, Lord, Aeck & Sargent architects have worked for North Carolina colleges and universities such as UNC Chapel Hill (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), Duke University and Davidson College, and in association with other architectural and engineering firms, they have worked with Meredith College, NC State (North Carolina State University) and East Carolina University,” said Larry Lord, principal and director of the firm’s Science Studio.

“Our work has now reached a critical mass such that the time is perfect for us to expand and provide enhanced service to our clients. The new office also will provide us a platform to increase our work in the government and corporate sectors, where we currently have clients in and around Research Triangle Park.”

The Science Studio practice has several clients in North Carolina. The Studio focuses on life sciences, biotech, interdisciplinary science, laboratories and teaching facilities.

Tony Aeck, managing principal of the firm, said the new office will also allow Lord, Aeck & Sargent to seek more business for its historical preservation, academic, arts and cultural businesses.

“We expect our extensive experience in restoration, rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of national and state historic places, sites and landmarks, as well as the design of classroom buildings, dormitories, museums and performing arts centers, to serve us well in North Carolina,” Aeck said in a statement.

The firm, which was founded in 1942, is involved in the 10-year ongoing restoration of the Georgia State Capitol Building.

The new office will open in May. A temporary office has already been opened in Durham. O’Brien can be reached at (919) 593-5539 or by email (sobrien@lasarchitect.com) can be reached by phone at 919-593-5539.

Lord, Aeck & Sargent: www.lordaecksargent.com