CIVC Portfolio Company, Cushing Terrell, Grows its Architecture Team in Seattle with the Acquisition of Graphite Design Group

October 1, 2026 - Seattle, WA - Cushing Terrell is pleased to announce it is joining forces with Graphite Design Group, an architecture and design firm based in Seattle, Washington. Cushing Terrell will bring on Graphite's talented team, contracts, and client relationships.

"Graphite is a highly respected firm we've had the privilege to get to know through our overlap in Seattle and our project partnerships," said Greg Matthews, Cushing Terrell President and CEO. "Through our work together, it became apparent that Graphite would be a great partner for the long-term. With Graphite on board, we strengthen our presence in the region, expand our architectural capabilities, and create new potential for opportunity and growth."

Founded in 2012, Graphite has built a well-known brand and trusted reputation with clients in the Pacific Northwest and throughout the country. Licensed in all 50 states, the Graphite team specializes in mixed-use, commercial, retail, hospitality, residential, cultural and community, and technology projects. Their work ranges from supporting high-profile retail clients and programs to impactful local nonprofits, and their expertise is demonstrated by their design signature across the Seattle skyline, with contributions to some of the most notable projects in the city.

Like Cushing Terrell, Graphite is dedicated to the highest level of client service, sustainable solutions customized to the needs of their clients, and design that fosters healthy and inspiring places for people to be.

"At Graphite, we've always believed design is about more than buildings - it's about people and the positive impact we can have in terms of the relationships we build through the process and the ultimate user experience," said Peter Krech, Graphite Founding Principal. "Looking forward, we're excited to join Cushing Terrell for Graphite's next chapter and to continue our mission to engage and inspire the communities we call home."

The Graphite team officially become members of Cushing Terrell on October 1, 2026. They will retain their current telephone numbers and can be reached via email at their new Cushing Terrell email addresses ([email protected]). They will move into Cushing Terrell's downtown Seattle office at 1201 Western Avenue in the first quarter of 2027.

About Cushing Terrell

Cushing Terrell was founded in 1938 on the belief that integrating architecture, engineering, and design opens the doors for deepened relationships and enhanced creativity. This foundation continues to define the firm and its multidisciplinary team today. Driven by empathy, the team works to design systems and spaces that help people live their best lives and enjoy healthy, sustainable built environments. With more than 600 team members spanning 30-plus disciplines and expertise across the commercial, education, government, healthcare, infrastructure, residential, and retail markets, the firm has offices in Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. For more information about Cushing Terrell, visit cushingterrell.com.

About Graphite Design Group

Graphite Design Group is a Seattle-based design firm recognized for crafting people-focused integrated environments that elegantly solve complex problems. Their diverse portfolio spans office, retail, hospitality, and mixed-use typologies, serving a broad clientele from boutique retail spaces to large development projects. With a team of experienced architects and designers, Graphite Design Group seamlessly blends creativity with functionality, consistently delivering bespoke designs that surpass expectations. For more information, visit graphitedesigngroup.com.

About CIVC Partners, LP

CIVC Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm investing in high-growth middle-market companies in business services sectors. Since 1989, the CIVC team has invested over $3.0 billion in 91 platforms. CIVC Partners currently invests from CIVC Partners Fund VII. More information on CIVC Partners and its portfolio companies can be found at civc.com.

Press Contact

Kate Gallego

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