architectural firm, OBM International.

And the change and challenges facing the industry into the new Millennium have been underscored with OBM's involvement in a merger with another Bermuda architectural firm.

The deal saw Colin Campbell, Susan Behrens and David O'Beirne from CBE Architecture, Interiors, and Planning join the Bermuda partnership of OBM Architecture & Interior, the local subsidiary of OBM International. The three will also become shareholders in the international firm.

It comes as OBM International plan to significantly expand their global reach in new markets.

OBM International already has nine offices internationally, including five in the Caribbean and a presence in Miami and London and a total staff of about 100.

The Bermuda partnership earns fee income of about $2 million a year. CBE brings to the table the potential to increase fee earning in the Bermuda office by 25 percent.

OBM International earns annual fees of about $8 million, and is projecting a fee income increase of some $2 million for the coming year.

But OBM International chairman, B.W. "Jordy'' Walker said, "Our strategic plan calls for 15 offices, $25 million in fee revenue by the year 2003, with initiatives directed at the Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, South and Central America.

"We have several operations that we're working with on the South American continent. We don't know how they are going to pan out. These are new initiatives for us and we anticipate somewhere down there and in Central America, we will have an office in the next five years.'' Mr. Walker and David Yuhasz will expand their efforts in marketing services that can be exported to international projects.

Mr. Walker said, "To create projects in Bermuda, the firm needs to market both the Island and OBM's services to clients abroad.'' The merger establishes another layer of proficiency that enhances efforts at future growth. In strengthening the firm's expertise, the consolidation fits with the OBM strategy of developing island offices under the theme "Global expertise -- Local Knowledge''.

And Mr. Walker sees great business opportunities here in Bermuda for future hotel development and renovations.

He said, "The tourism industry is at a low ebb as far as its physical facilities are concerned. That provides great potential for keeping architects busy for the next five to ten years.'' OBM managing director Michele Smith said, "We are also looking at related opportunities in that OBM has one of the largest interior design departments, and working hand in hand with our architects, we find the possibilities in both professions in corporate offices, banks and the hospitality industry.

"Both departments (architecture and interior design) in this organisation are growing incredibly, as well as within the OBM practices throughout the organisation.'' Mr. Walker also said of the merger, "Mr. Campbell has established himself as a personality in the Bermuda architectural world publicly and privately.

"He's one of the dominant personalities in the business and one of the most enthusiastic and visionary young architects on the Island. He brings with him a talented team. We see great potential for the growth of OBM through his involvement.''