ISG Strengthens Presence and Design Capabilities in North Carolina

ISG Strengthens North Carolina Presence with Acquisition of Lift Environmental Design

Durham, NC – July 10, 2025 – in a move that signals a meaningful step in its strategic expansion, I&S Group (ISG), a full-service architecture and engineering firm, has acquired Lift Environmental Design, a respected landscape architecture and planning firm based right here in Durham, North Carolina. This acquisition deepens ISG’s expertise in environmentally responsive and community-focused design, notably within the vibrant Research Triangle region.

This isn’t ISG’s first foray into north Carolina recently. they also expanded into Raleigh with the acquisition of JDAVIS,a prominent player in residential and mixed-use design. It’s clear ISG is investing in the Tar Heel State, and this latest move makes a lot of sense when you look at Lift’s notable track record.

Lift, under the leadership of Jesse Turner, PLA, has earned accolades for its imaginative projects, including the widely admired Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden. for over a decade, Lift has been dedicated to translating client visions into beautiful, functional realities, focusing on transforming public spaces, developing sustainable sites, and crafting natural playscapes that benefit both people and the planet. It’s this passion and practical approach that clearly resonated with ISG.

“As landscape architects and designers,we share a great privilege in the world: we get to walk through our imaginations,” Turner shared. “We get to share dreams with each other, our clients, and the people who use the spaces we make. It’s an honor to work in this realm where dreams become realities, and now joining ISG, my goal is to share as many dreams as possible.” It’s that kind of forward-thinking, client-centric attitude that makes for a strong partnership.

For ISG, this acquisition promises to enhance its multi-disciplinary capabilities. Lift’s clients can now expect an expanded suite of design solutions and access to innovative technologies. ISG’s established strengths in K-12 and higher education, sports and recreation, and civic design will be further bolstered by Lift’s specialized knowledge in nature-based play environments and restorative public spaces. Think of it as ISG’s already robust offering getting a significant upgrade in creativity and impactful, people-first solutions.

David Doxtad, President of ISG, echoed this sentiment, stating, “having the Lift team now with ISG reflects our continued focus on intentional growth, adding capabilities and talent that enhance how we serve clients and communities. Lift specializes in creating distinctive landscapes that prioritize client needs and contribute to quality of life, making this a perfect fit.” He also confirmed what many in Durham will be happy to hear: ISG plans to open a new office in the city this summer, demonstrating a tangible commitment to the local area.

This collaboration between ISG and Lift Environmental Design is more than just a business transaction; it’s a strategic alignment of talent and vision, set to create even more exceptional spaces for communities across North Carolina and beyond. Keep an eye on what these two powerhouses will build together.

What specific strategies is ISG employing to understand and adapt to North Carolina’s unique building codes and regulations?

Expanding Architectural & Engineering Services Across the Tar Heel State

ISG, a leading architecture and engineering firm, is considerably bolstering its presence in North Carolina, responding to growing demand for complete design solutions. This expansion isn’t just about physical location; it’s a strategic investment in talent and specialized services to better serve clients throughout the region. Focusing on key sectors like healthcare, education, and commercial development, ISG is poised to become a major player in north Carolina’s thriving construction landscape. This commitment includes increased staffing, enhanced design technology adoption, and a deeper understanding of local building codes and regulations.

Key Areas of Growth & Service Offerings

ISG’s expansion in North Carolina centers around several core service areas, designed to address the evolving needs of the state’s diverse industries.

Healthcare Architecture & Engineering: Responding to the increasing demand for modern, patient-centered healthcare facilities. Services include hospital design, clinic renovations, medical office building construction, and specialized healthcare spaces. Focus areas include optimizing patient flow, incorporating telehealth infrastructure, and creating healing environments.

Educational Facility Design: Supporting North Carolina’s commitment to education through innovative school designs. This encompasses K-12 schools, higher education campuses, and vocational training centers. Emphasis is placed on creating flexible learning spaces, enhancing campus security, and promoting sustainable building practices.

Commercial Development: Providing full-service architectural and engineering solutions for commercial projects of all sizes. From retail spaces and office buildings to mixed-use developments and industrial facilities, ISG delivers designs that are both functional and aesthetically appealing.

Civil Engineering & Infrastructure: Addressing the state’s growing infrastructure needs with services including transportation planning, water resource management, and site development.This includes road design, stormwater management systems, and utility infrastructure planning.

Structural Engineering: Ensuring the safety and longevity of buildings and infrastructure through robust structural designs. Expertise includes concrete, steel, masonry, and timber structures.

Investing in Local Talent & Expertise

A cornerstone of ISG’s North Carolina strategy is the recruitment of experienced professionals with deep roots in the local market. This isn’t simply about adding headcount; it’s about building a team that understands the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the North Carolina habitat.

Local Hiring Initiatives: ISG is actively recruiting architects, engineers, and design professionals from North Carolina universities and firms.

Professional Development: Investing in ongoing training and professional development for its North Carolina team, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry best practices.

Community Engagement: Participating in local industry events and building relationships with key stakeholders in the North Carolina construction community. This includes involvement with organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA) North Carolina and the North Carolina Society of Engineers (NCSE).

Leveraging Advanced Design Technologies

ISG is committed to utilizing cutting-edge design technologies to deliver superior project outcomes for its North Carolina clients. This includes:

Building Data Modeling (BIM): Employing BIM to create detailed 3D models of projects, facilitating collaboration, reducing errors, and improving project efficiency. BIM allows for clash detection, accurate quantity takeoffs, and enhanced visualization.

Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented reality (AR): Utilizing VR and AR to provide clients with immersive experiences of their projects, allowing them to visualize designs and make informed decisions.

Sustainable Design Software: Integrating sustainable design principles into every project, utilizing software to analyze energy performance, optimize building materials, and reduce environmental impact. This supports LEED certification and other green building standards.

Drone Technology: Utilizing drones for site surveys, progress monitoring, and aerial photography, providing valuable data for project management and documentation.

Case Study: Recent Healthcare Project in Raleigh

While specific project details are confidential, ISG recently completed the design for a significant expansion of a hospital campus in Raleigh, North Carolina. The project involved the addition of a new surgical center and a modernized emergency department. Key challenges included maintaining hospital operations during construction and adhering to strict healthcare regulations. ISG’s team successfully navigated these challenges by utilizing BIM for precise coordination and implementing a phased construction approach. The project resulted in a state-of-the-art healthcare facility that significantly improved patient care and operational efficiency. This project exemplifies ISG’s commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare design solutions in North Carolina.

Benefits of Partnering with ISG in North carolina

Choosing ISG as your architectural and engineering partner in North Carolina offers several key advantages:

Local Expertise: A team with a deep understanding of North carolina’s building codes, regulations, and market conditions.

Comprehensive Services: A full range of architectural and engineering services under one roof, streamlining project delivery.

Innovative Design Solutions: A commitment to utilizing cutting-edge design technologies and sustainable building practices.

Client-Focused Approach: A dedication to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each client.

* Proven Track Record: A history of successfully delivering complex projects on time and within budget.

Practical Tips for Triumphant Construction Projects in North Carolina

Navigating construction projects in North carolina requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are a few practical tips:

1. Early permitting: Start the