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When Stratus Team, LLC, was founded in 2022, it didn’t exist on any map. No footprint, no legacy, just a clear ambition to create something different: a scalable, multidisciplinary engineering and architecture firm built for the next era. Three years later, that ambition has taken shape across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Eastern Seaboard. With more than 450 professionals and 10 firms now united through a deliberate, value-based M&A strategy, Stratus is no longer just designing the built environment—it’s building momentum.
That future is arriving fast. In July, the company announced that most of those acquired firms, including Prime Engineering, Zyscovich, Brockenbrough and others, unified under a single brand: Stratus. The move comes amid an ongoing wave of M&A activity reshaping the AEC industry. Rather than consolidating for scale alone, Stratus is positioning itself as a design-forward platform with a shared culture and systems, enabling acquired firms to collaborate more effectively, grow faster and take on increasingly complex work.
Credit: Courtesy of Stratus/Iwan Baan/iwan.com
Stratus was intentionally integrated to serve six core market sectors: Federal, Commercial, Education, Civic, Industrial and Transportation, and has clear plans to expand into additional markets such as Healthcare through future acquisitions. This targeted approach supports Stratus’ goal of building a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary platform capable of meeting evolving client needs across diverse sectors and geographies.
The brand unification in July marked a significant milestone, following months of deliberate planning and integration. By bringing its portfolio companies under one name, Stratus aims to foster deeper collaboration, streamline operations and present a unified front to clients and employees alike. The firm emphasizes cultural alignment, shared systems and leadership cohesion to ensure sustainable growth. By prioritizing integration, the company is positioned to deliver consistent quality and greater operational efficiency as it scales.
Credit: Courtesy of Stratus/Alan Karchmer/OTTO/alankarchmer.com
At a time when M&A activity in the AEC sector is accelerating, Stratus believes that thoughtful consolidation can build strength without sacrificing identity or service excellence.
In the following Q&A, Michael S. Burke, Chairman of Stratus Team, LLC, and former Chairman and CEO of AECOM, shares insights on the brand unification, broader market consolidation trends and what the future holds for Stratus.
Credit: Courtesy of Stratus/Rion Rizzo/Creative Sources
Michael S. Burke
Credit: Courtesy of Stratus/Brightstar Capital Partners/brightstarcp.com
Q&A With Michael S. Burke
Chairman of the Board, Stratus
Former Chairman and CEO of AECOM
Why does M&A continue to be such a powerful lever for growth in the AEC space?
M&A lets firms enter new markets, acquire specialized capabilities and respond to shifting demand faster than organic growth alone can. In the AEC sector, we’re seeing increased client expectations and more complex work across regions and disciplines. To meet those challenges, firms need scale, expertise and agility. M&A is often the most direct path to get there.
You’ve completed 10 acquisitions since Stratus launched in 2022, including three so far in 2025. How are you approaching integration now?
We’ve spent the last year getting the fundamentals right: standardizing financial systems, aligning leadership, launching a single org chart and operating as one company. In July, we transitioned most of our acquired firms to the Stratus brand, and that integration work continues. We’re bringing more functions together—not just branding but HR, IT, operations, marketing and business development. That kind of alignment is key to realizing the full value of integration, which for our clients means access to a broader set of services under one roof and an expanded geographic reach to support their needs more seamlessly.
How is Stratus navigating the balance between consolidation and maintaining the identity of its legacy firms?
That’s a great question, and it’s not easy. Our approach has been to integrate deliberately. That means preserving local relationships and technical expertise while aligning behind a shared brand, delivery model and leadership culture. This isn’t about erasing identity, it’s about amplifying it through shared purpose and an expanded toolkit of services.
What has the response been like from clients?
The response has been very positive. Many of our clients already work across sectors and geographies, and they see the value in a more unified platform. When we show up as one Stratus, we can bring them stronger teams, deeper experience and better support, especially on complex or multi-phase projects.
What do you think sets Stratus apart from others pursuing similar roll-up strategies?
What sets Stratus apart is the clarity of our strategy. We’re focused on building a high-performing, integrated platform that delivers quality work, grows careers and creates value for clients. Our emphasis on both growth and integration reflects the discipline and long-term vision we bring to everything we do.
What’s your vision for Stratus in the next five years?
My hope is that Stratus continues to lead by example. That means continued growth, yes, but also deeper integration, investment in technology and a relentless focus on quality. I’d like to see us compete at the national level while still delivering locally with the responsiveness and care that got us here in the first place. Integration is the next frontier, not just in systems, but in mindset.
You’ve led one of the largest engineering firms in the world. What drew you to Stratus, and why now?
Stratus is at a stage that’s both rare and exciting. It’s young enough to be nimble but structured enough to grow responsibly. I saw a leadership team, led by CEO Brandon Enochs, that understood not just the technical side of this business but also the cultural and strategic pieces needed to build something lasting. The timing was right, and Stratus has a clear strategy, and I saw an opportunity to help accelerate that.
Author/Credit
Brooke Lewis
Photo courtesy of Stratus
Brooke Lewis (CPSM)
Director of Marketing
Brooke Lewis is a seasoned marketing professional with over a decade of experience in the A/E industry. As the Director of Marketing at Stratus, her expertise in marketing strategy and business development contributes to the platform’s strategic growth and brand initiatives. Throughout her career, Brooke has demonstrated a deep understanding of market dynamics and client needs. She guides diverse initiatives for business development efforts and delivers in-depth marketing strategies to assist in fostering client relationships and fuel regional market expansion for Stratus in both the private and public sectors. Brooke, a Certified Professional Services Marketer, has played a pivotal role in establishing Stratus’ brand identity and shaping the marketing department from its inception, laying a robust foundation for the company’s growth.
