Forum Studio, the architecture and design subsidiary of Clayco, is merging with St. Louis-based Bates to create a new firm with 200 employees in five cities.

The new company, BatesForum, will be headquartered in St. Louis, with offices in Chicago; San Francisco; Springfield, Missouri; and Bentonville, Arkansas. Clayco CEO Bob Clark said in a statement the move brings together the strengths of the Bates and Forum teams in technology exchange, best practices and building talent, while leveraging Clayco's fully integrated real estate platforms.

Bates President/CEO Steven Warlick was named president of BatesForum, and Forum Studio principal Kapil Khanna was named chief operating officer. Forum Studio Chairman and Senior Principal Chris Cedargreen is retiring but will stay on to lead the transition, and remain available as a consultant to the firm for special projects.