BRC Acoustics Joins Coffman Engineers

Seattle acoustical firm introduces new service to Northwest clients, Expands companywide capabilities

SEATTLE, Washington, September 12, 2023 – Coffman Engineers, Inc. (Coffman) announced today that they have finalized an asset purchase agreement with acoustical consulting firm BRC Acoustics & Audiovisual Design, Inc. (BRC). Coffman welcomes BRC’s president and five staff members to the company. Representatives from both firms finalized the agreement on September 10^th.

The decision to join Coffman is part of BRC’s ownership transition plan for future retirement while supporting their staff and clients. President Daniel Bruck, PhD, LEED AP BD+C, joins Coffman as a principal advisor. BRC introduces new acoustical services to Coffman’s Northwest clients and expands companywide acoustic capabilities.

“I’ve been fortunate to have been part of BRC’s 60-year legacy, and it’s time for the next chapter. Coffman has similar business values, and I am confident it will be a good fit for my staff and our clients,” said Daniel Bruck, PhD, BRC President. “We have some of the same clients, project overlap, and are two long-established firms. We are also joining a growing acoustics team at Coffman and will support these services across the company.”

Expanded Acoustics Company Capabilities

BRC and Coffman’s experience and markets align, particularly in hospitality, healthcare, housing, and education, providing a foundation for a smooth transition of projects, clients, and employees. Coffman will offer a new acoustical service to Northwest clients and expand capabilities in performing arts centers, historic renovations, and specialized room acoustics.

“BRC has a rich 63-year history in Seattle, and their influence is heard on projects across the Northwest and internationally. We are fortunate to welcome this experienced team,” said Arvind Nerurkar, PE, SE, Senior VP, and Seattle Managing Principal at Coffman. “We look forward to connecting with new clients and offering a new service to existing clients.”

As Coffman employees, BRC will continue to support their clients and honor project commitments. Their first day in Coffman’s Seattle office was on September 11^th. The addition of BRC expands Coffman’s acoustical group to 13 employees companywide. Seattle will be the third office with acousticians, adding to our Bay Area expertise and supporting our efforts to grow an acoustical team in Atlanta.

This is an excellent addition for Seattle, the Northwest Region, and Coffman. We look forward to offering Seattle clients new services in acoustics while supporting BRC’s clients and welcoming new colleagues. Coffman and BRC are working towards finalizing the deal in September. Join us in welcoming BRC to Coffman!

Deal Highlights

• June 9, 2023 – Letter of Intent (LOI) Signed.
• August 23, 2023 – LOI Announcement.
• September 10, 2023 – Deal Closes.
• September 11, 2023 – BRC employees become Coffman employees.

For more information, view the accompanying Press Release and Fact Sheet.

About BRC Acoustics & Audiovisual

BRC Acoustics & Audiovisual Design is a pioneering acoustical and audiovisual consulting firm based in Seattle, Washington. With advanced degrees in acoustics, the highest professional standards, and an international catalog of field experience, BRC has a long history of industry leadership in the field of acoustical consulting and design. In any given week, you will find BRC staff in a historic theater, on a remote logging road, in an aircraft factory, on the rooftop of a 20-story building, or in a design meeting for a museum or historic renovation such as the Space Needle.

• Years in Business: 63 years
• 35 years as Towne, Richards, Chaudiere (TRC).
• 28 years as BRC since Daniel Bruck became president in 1995.
• Employees: 6