Wold Architects & Engineers, a nationally recognized planning, architecture and engineering firm, today announced its acquisition of Klein McCarthy Architects, a Minnesota-based architecture firm specializing in government and justice facility design.
The partnership marks Wold's third strategic acquisition of 2026 and continues the firm's long-term growth strategy of partnering with organizations that share its values, specialized expertise and commitment to making a difference in the communities they serve.
Rather than entering a new market, the acquisition strengthens Wold's already established government practice by bringing together two complementary teams with decades of experience serving counties, municipalities and public agencies throughout the Midwest.
"Klein McCarthy stood out because of the way they approach their work," said Vaughn Dierks, AIA, LEED AP, CEO of Wold Architects & Engineers. "Like Wold, they've built their reputation by listening first, building trusted relationships and designing facilities around the unique needs of each community they serve. Bringing our teams together expands our capacity and expertise while preserving everything that has made both firms successful."
Founded in St. Louis Park, Minn., Klein McCarthy has spent decades partnering with public-sector clients on justice centers, correctional facilities, public safety buildings and other civic projects. The firm is known throughout the region for its collaborative process, deep understanding of public-sector planning and long-standing client relationships.
Klein McCarthy’s clients will continue working with the same trusted project teams while gaining access to Wold's in-house engineering capabilities, expanded technical resources and a broader multidisciplinary team. As client needs continue to evolve, the combined firm is positioned to provide greater flexibility and long-term support without changing the experience clients value today.
"Our clients have always counted on us to be accessible, responsive and invested in helping their communities succeed," said Scott Fettig, firm owner and president at Klein McCarthy Architects. "Joining Wold allows us to continue delivering that same experience while giving our team additional resources behind the scenes. It strengthens what we're able to offer without changing who we are."
The partnership also expands opportunities for collaboration across Wold's government practice, strengthening its presence throughout Minnesota while supporting continued growth across Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and the nation.
The acquisition follows Wold's partnerships with VPS Architecture and JJCA earlier this year, reflecting the firm's continued strategy of bringing together organizations with complementary expertise and shared values. Rather than consolidating firms into a single model, Wold's approach is designed to preserve local leadership, trusted client relationships and the cultures that have made each organization successful while expanding the resources and opportunities available to clients and employees.