Brailsford & Dunlavey and PMA Merge to Innovate Program Management Solutions

Merging for Excellence: Brailsford & Dunlavey and PMA Join Forces

In a landmark move in the realm of institutional program management, Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D) and Project Management Advisors (PMA) have announced their merger. This strategic partnership aims not only to consolidate their respective strengths but also to transform the landscape of program management across various sectors.

B&D, a company under the Bernhard Capital Partners (BCP) umbrella, has operated as a dynamic and highly respected accomplice in the fields of planning, development, and program management advisory since its inception in 1993. PMA, on the other hand, has built a strong reputation in the real estate consulting domain over the past 30 years. The combination of these two industry giants creates a formidable firm that promises to deliver a wider array of services to clients, encompassing everything from strategic planning and project leadership to operations consulting.

The merger is set against the backdrop of increasing demands for innovative solutions in social and institutional infrastructure. As a unified entity, B&D and PMA plan to offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to support numerous sectors including higher education, healthcare, life sciences, K-12 education, civic projects, hospitality, and energy infrastructure. By pooling their expertise and resources, they are poised to address complex challenges with greater efficacy.

With a workforce exceeding 450 professionals, the new firm will maintain a presence across many key U.S. markets including Northern and Southern California, Austin, Chicago, Atlanta, Orlando, New York, and Washington, D.C. This extensive geographic reach not only broadens their operational scope but also enhances their capabilities to serve clients more effectively.

In terms of ranking, this merger propels the combined firm into a notable position, with projections suggesting that it will place within the top 20 firms on the Engineering News-Record’s Top Program Management Firms list by 2025. This visible achievement comes at a time when clients are in dire need of reliable and innovative solutions tailored to evolving market conditions.

As the two brands integrate, clients can rest assured that existing teams, services, and ongoing projects will not be disrupted. The leadership of both firms has assured stakeholders that this merger is not merely a process of scaling; rather, it seeks to enhance the quality of services delivered.

Paul Brailsford, Co-CEO of B&D, expressed his enthusiasm about the merger, stating, “Our clients operate in the industries most critical to our nation's economy. This merger is about getting better by enhancing our capabilities relevant to these vital sectors.” This statement echoes the sentiment of Roger McCarron, CEO of PMA, who complimented the alignment of values and commitment to quality that both organizations hold.

Additionally, the merger comes on the heels of a previous partnership B&D established with Bernhard Capital Partners in 2024. BCP is known for its focus on service-oriented investments and provides robust backing that will aid the combined firm in further expanding its capabilities, investing in technologies, and solidifying its national footprint.

Mark Spender, a partner at BCP, highlighted that the merger will form a unique institutional program management entity with enhanced capabilities to support clients at every stage of the real estate lifecycle.

As B&D and PMA transcend into a new phase of collaboration, their legacy of excellence in program management continues. The newly formed organization not only signifies growth but also a resolute commitment to pioneering impactful solutions that will invigorate the sectors they serve.

About Brailsford & Dunlavey

Brailsford & Dunlavey (BD) is a national planning, development, and program management advisory firm focused on building communities through thoughtful investments in infrastructure. Having successfully completed over 1,500 projects, BD offers advisory services that champion client objectives from market analysis to operational management.

About Project Management Advisors, Inc.

PMA is an independent real estate consulting firm specializing in project delivery and advisory services. They leverage over three decades of experience to deliver strategic guidance for owners and stakeholders, ensuring efficient management of complex real estate projects across the U.S.

The future seems promising for this new entity arising from the merger, offering hope and capability to meet the increasing challenges faced by infrastructure and real estate sectors.