ATLANTA, GA, July 1, 2026 – Bennett & Pless announced today that Advanced Structural Technologies (AST) has merged with the firm, strengthening key technical capabilities and expanding its geographic presence across North America.
Founded in 2002 in Edina, Minnesota, AST is recognized for delivering highly coordinated structural solutions through advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM), and steel detailing. The firm has built a strong reputation in cold storage, retail, industrial, manufacturing (semiconductor), and design-build projects throughout the United States.
The addition of AST enhances Bennett & Pless’ position across key market sectors, bringing specialized expertise, established client relationships, and experience that support increasingly complex projects.
“AST has built an exceptional reputation for practical structural solutions and strong client relationships,” said Bill Brown, CEO of Bennett & Pless. “This is a strategic addition that strengthens how we serve clients across key market sectors and establishes our first office presence in the Midwest. Just as importantly, we found a team whose culture aligns closely with our own.”
“As we evaluated opportunities to strengthen our position in key market sectors, AST distinguished itself through its expertise, relationships, and reputation,” said Scott Steiding, Chief Growth Officer of Bennett & Pless. “Their leadership in adjacent growth sectors strengthens our industrial and manufacturing experience, while expanding our presence in key geographies where we share strong client relationships.”
“AST has always focused on helping clients deliver complex projects with greater certainty,” said John Levar, Founder and President of Advanced Structural Technologies. “Joining Bennett & Pless expands our capabilities and resources and brings together teams that share a commitment to innovation, including the use of technology to improve workflows and project delivery.”
“For more than 20 years, AST has been built on strong relationships and sophisticated problem-solving,” said Dave Buchanan, Founder and Managing Principal of Advanced Structural Technologies. “We are proud of what we’ve built and excited to join a team that shares those same priorities.”
About Advanced Structural Technologies
Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Edina, Minnesota, Advanced Structural Technologies provides structural engineering, BIM, steel detailing, and construction-focused consulting services throughout the United States and Canada. The firm is recognized for its collaborative approach, advanced modeling capabilities, cold storage expertise, and support of design-build and fast-track construction projects.
About Bennett & Pless
With over six decades as a single-discipline structural engineering firm, Bennett & Pless combines local expertise with national reach. With offices across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Texas, and now the Midwest, the firm provides structural engineering services for industrial, manufacturing, mission-critical, life sciences, education, healthcare, high-end residential, adaptive reuse, and specialty structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are AST and Bennett & Pless coming together?
AST and Bennett & Pless share a commitment to technical excellence, responsive service, and strong client relationships. By joining forces, we are creating a larger platform with expanded expertise, greater resources, and broader geographic reach while maintaining the personalized service clients expect.
What does this mean for clients?
Clients will continue working with the trusted professionals they know while gaining access to additional engineering resources, technical expertise, and support for projects of all sizes and complexities.
Will my project contacts change?
No. Clients should continue working with the same AST team members and project contacts they know and trust. Our focus is on maintaining continuity and providing a seamless experience.
Will current projects be affected?
No. Existing projects will continue as planned, with the same teams, commitments, and level of service.
What benefits does this bring to clients?
The combination of AST and Bennett & Pless offers several advantages, including:
- Continued relationships with the AST team
- Expanded engineering resources and capacity
- Greater technical depth and specialized expertise
- Support for projects across a broader geographic footprint
- Enhanced long-term stability and continuity
Can you support larger or more complex projects?
Yes. The expanded team provides additional engineering capacity, technical specialization, and project support resources, enabling us to support larger, more complex, and multi-site projects.
What additional expertise does Bennett & Pless bring?
Bennett & Pless brings experience across a wide range of markets, including industrial, manufacturing, life sciences, data centers, commercial, and other complex project types. This expanded expertise allows us to better support clients as project needs evolve.
Will AST continue to have a local presence?
Yes. Our local team remains in place and continues to provide the same responsive service and project leadership clients expect. The relationships and service that have made AST successful remain a cornerstone of our business.
Can you support projects outside of Minnesota?
Yes. The combined organization has a broader geographic presence, allowing us to support clients across multiple regions while maintaining local leadership and service.
Will this change how you work with architects, developers, contractors, and owners?
No. Our approach remains rooted in collaboration, responsiveness, and practical problem-solving. The difference is that our team now has access to additional resources and expertise to better support our clients’ needs.