SMRT Architects & Engineers acquires Petersen Engineering, Inc.

Portland, ME SMRT Architects & Engineers has completed the acquisition of Petersen Engineering, Inc. (PE), a Portsmouth, NH-based MEP/FP engineering firm. The acquisition integrates PE’s nationally recognized Passive House and high-performance design expertise into SMRT’s multidisciplinary platform, significantly expanding the firm’s reach across the multifamily, affordable housing, and institutional sectors.

The transaction strengthens SMRT’s presence in the Boston and Greater Portsmouth markets, creating regional depth between its existing offices in Portland and Andover.

 

 

“James Petersen and his team have spent 30 years building exactly the kind of practice we have been working to develop,” said Brad Hodges, president of SMRT Architects & Engineers. “Deep Passive House expertise, a focus on affordable housing, and a commitment to high-performance design as a standard, not an add-on. That alignment is rare, and it is why this acquisition makes sense for both firms.”

PE provides mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering services with specialized depth in energy modeling, load reduction, and decarbonization. The firm has served as the engineer of record on high-performance projects for more than 30 years, including an extensive portfolio of over 65 large multifamily Passive House projects. Eight of the firm’s engineers hold Certified Passive House Consultant credentials through Phius, and the company maintains active licensure across eight states.

Founded in 1992, Petersen Engineering is built on the leadership of James Petersen, who will join SMRT as director of engineering. Both firms share a commitment to social equity, as evidenced by their respective JUST certifications.

“Joining SMRT gives our team the scale and resources to grow well beyond what we could do on our own,” said James Petersen, founder and principal of Petersen Engineering, Inc. “Our approach to high-performance design has not changed. What has changed is how much further we can take it.”

PE will continue to operate under its own name as Petersen Engineering, an SMRT Company, during the integration period. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.