The Clarient Group Joins CannonDesign to Forge the Future of Smart Buildings Integration

We’re excited to announce that The Clarient Group, a leader in smart building consulting and technology engineering, has joined CannonDesign. The strategic merger unites two powerhouse firms with a shared vision to elevate the human experience through intelligent, future-ready environments that redefine what smart buildings can achieve.

The Clarient Group will continue to operate under its current name, strengthening CannonDesign’s practice for smart building consulting, technology infrastructure design and digital experience and operations design. It will guide organizations across every industry in designing and fully integrating leading-edge digital ecosystems for buildings that drive real business impact, from improved energy efficiency and streamlined operations to elevated occupant experiences, optimized space utilization, precise building maintenance and more.  

“Technology and augmented experiences are shaping the built landscape, so I’m pleased to accelerate our smart building path forward with the addition of The Clarient Group,” said Brad Lukanic, CEO of CannonDesign. “This merger strengthens our vision that defines human-led experiences and operational workflows that inform smart solution design, and the individuals who use the buildings we create.” 

This merger comes at a time of rapid growth in smart building technologies. As owners and operators push for more seamless, responsive solutions, AI is poised to revolutionize what’s possible — reshaping digital experiences and the very ways we interact with the built environment. The Clarient Group is at the forefront of leading these conversations, shaping solutions for some of the nation’s most iconic developments, including One World Trade, Central Park Tower and Hudson Yards, and partnering with clients including Northwell Health, Hines and Clifford Chance, among others. 

Beyond planning and technology infrastructure design, The Clarient Group will provide clients with the strategy, change management and activation expertise needed to ensure technology fully enhances both the user experience and operational outcomes. Charlie will continue to lead the team. 

“The most common challenge clients face when making their building or space more intelligent is knowing where to start,” says Charlie Buscarino, Founder and CEO of The Clarient Group. “A smart building isn’t about chasing the latest technology. Modern buildings already incorporate most of the right systems — the key is seamless integration, precise implementation, full adoption and an infrastructure that can deliver insights to improve operations and enhance occupant experiences. It’s about designing for adaptability and ensuring every step of the planning journey is intentional.”

The addition of The Clarient Group is the latest in a bold series of strategic moves CannonDesign has made to amplify our impact. Recent investments include merging with Pacific Northwest design firm SRG Partnership, launching a digital products team to create bespoke software solutions and expanding our facility management company, Facility Optimization Solutions of CannonDesign, and our consulting company, Blue Cottage of CannonDesign. We’ve also established a research practice to measure the real-world impact of our work, built a data visualization team to unlock deeper insights and doubled down on our social impact arm, Open Hand Studio.