Donald F. Dickerson Associates Is Now Coffman Engineers
April 21, 2024
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Legacy Los Angeles MEP engineering firm expands Coffman’s capabilities
LOS ANGELES, California, April 22, 2024 — Coffman announced today the finalization of an asset purchase agreement with Donald F. Dickerson Associates, Inc. (DFDA). Representatives from both firms signed the deal on April 19th. This strategic partnership brings together the experience of both firms, with Coffman welcoming three DFDA owners and 18 staff members.
Established in 1961, DFDA’s legacy of projects shapes the LA skyline. DFDA’s three owners, April Trafton, Phillip Trafton, CPD, FASHRAE, and Andranik (Andy) Khechoumian, PE, decided to join Coffman focuses on providing continuity of services for clients and long-term career opportunities for their employees.
“Phillip, Andy, and I have loved our long careers, dedicated staff, and clients at DFDA. This new chapter allows us to continue serving clients how we have, and we will have access to additional resources and services at Coffman,” said April Trafton, DFDA President. “DFDA has always been a family firm. I know my father, Donald Dickerson, would have been excited for us to become part of the Coffman team and continue that legacy.”
DFDA and Coffman share similar project experience across many markets, and DFDA brings significant experience in high rise, multi family, and mixed use projects. Leadership and staff from both firms have longstanding relationships and working partnerships, which provide a foundation for a smooth transition of projects, clients, and employees.
“DFDA has a long and respected history in LA and throughout California, and it is an honor to join with their engineers and designers and gain the experience they bring. Both of our firms share a commitment to high quality services and a friendly work culture, and we’ve already proven that this will be an amazing team,” said Jonathan Wirthlin, PE, Vice President and Managing Principal of Los Angeles for Coffman.
As Coffman, DFDA will continue to support clients and honor project commitments with the same staff and quality. Within a few months of closing, DFDA will move to Coffman’s new office in the West San Fernando Valley. Together, DFDA and Coffman provide clients with increased MEP capacity in addition to Coffman’s existing capabilities in civil, structural, and fire protection engineering.
See the accompanying video, press release, and fact sheet for more information.
About DFDA, Inc.
DFDA was established in January 1961 when Donald F. Dickerson joined three engineering professionals and began offering services to the architectural community in Los Angeles. This woman owned business provides professional mechanical, electrical, plumbing, life safety, and fire protection services for the construction industry to architects, developers, contractors, and building owners. DFDA has designed buildings throughout the United States and overseas.
DFDA’s staff includes experienced individuals who have worked together for many years. Their team is highly respected in the industry for providing quality professional services. DFDA’s staff is fully knowledgeable with state and local codes with a number of them sitting on code writing or advisory boards. DFDA is Certified with the County of Los Angeles as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and is Certified as a Small Business with the State of California.
Notable projects include Apex The One, Circa LA Apartments, Downtown LA Proper Hotel, Hollywood Subway Terminal Building, and LA Plaza Village Apartments.
Years in Business: 63
About Coffman Engineers
Coffman Engineers integrates many engineering disciplines and specialty services to offer clients the local, personalized service of a small firm backed by the capabilities typically found with large engineering consultants. Coffman began as a seven-person structural firm in 1979 and has grown in geographic presence, markets, and engineering services. Today, Coffman is proud to be an ENR Top500 engineering firm while remaining true to founding values and focusing on the success of clients and employees.
Coffman’s Los Angeles presence includes two offices in Encino and Downtown Los Angeles. They offer civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection engineering for projects throughout California, the Southwest, and beyond.
Los Angeles Staff: 40
California Staff (Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego): 193
Years in Business: 45
