Elevating Horizons: Soberman's Return Fortifies KJA's Market Lead

TORONTO, March 06, 2026 – In a strategic move poised to reshape Canada’s vertical transportation consulting landscape, KJA has announced that Soberman Engineering is joining its ranks. The integration not only absorbs a respected independent advisory firm but also marks the homecoming of industry veteran Jonathan Soberman, P.Eng., to the company where he worked earlier in his distinguished career.

The announcement solidifies KJA’s dominant position, particularly strengthening its expertise in the lucrative and complex new construction sector in Toronto and across the nation.

A Strategic Homecoming

At the heart of this industry-shifting news is Jonathan Soberman, a figure with over three decades of experience in vertical transportation consulting. Widely regarded as a leading expert in new construction design, Soberman has guided some of Canada's largest and most ambitious projects. His firm, Soberman Engineering, carved out a strong reputation for its technically rigorous and independent advisory services across healthcare, education, commercial, and mixed-use developments.

This transition represents a full-circle moment for Soberman, who is rejoining a firm he knows well. His return is not merely a sentimental reunion but a calculated decision based on KJA’s forward momentum. “KJA is making meaningful investments in its people, processes, and technology to continually improve how clients are supported,” said Soberman. “Rejoining the firm at this moment felt like the right step, both professionally and personally, and an opportunity to be part of an organization that is clearly focused on the future of our industry.”

Soberman's return brings more than just his personal expertise; it integrates his entire firm’s portfolio and talent into KJA, providing an immediate and significant boost to the company’s capabilities and deepening its bench of top-tier consultants.

Consolidating a North American Powerhouse

This acquisition is not an isolated event but the latest move in a deliberate and aggressive growth strategy orchestrated by KJA and its parent organization, ATIS. With over 60 years of history, KJA already stands as Canada's largest vertical transportation consultancy. Its 2023 merger with ATIS and Liberty Elevator Experts formed ATIS Ascenda Partners, LLC, creating North America’s largest comprehensive provider of elevator and escalator services.

ATIS has since been on a clear path to extend its market leadership. A significant growth investment from Thompson Street Capital Partners in September 2024 provided the fuel for accelerated expansion through strategic acquisitions. This was quickly followed by the acquisition of Technical Inspection Agency USA (TIA USA) in September 2025, bolstering ATIS’s footprint in the United States. The integration of Soberman Engineering is a direct continuation of this strategy, aimed at cornering the market with unparalleled expertise.

“KJA is proud that Jonathan has decided to rejoin the KJA Team,” said Martin Ouimet, Chief Operating Officer at KJA. “Jonathan’s experience, leadership, world-class technical expertise, and history with KJA align closely with our values and where we are headed as a firm. We are excited to welcome him back and continue supporting our mutual clients in Canada.” This sentiment underscores the perfect alignment of the acquisition with KJA’s long-term vision of technical excellence and client-first service.

Navigating a Complex Construction Climate

The timing of this move is critical, as it positions KJA to navigate the nuanced Canadian new construction market. While the national construction sector remains robust, forecasters predict a complex period ahead. High costs and weaker demand are expected to slow new home construction through 2028, with the condominium market in the Greater Toronto Area anticipated to be particularly soft. A glut of condo units started during the low-interest-rate era is now meeting a market with fewer pre-construction buyers.

However, this slowdown is not the whole story. The construction landscape is shifting, not disappearing. The purpose-built rental sector is projected to remain strong, and significant opportunities are emerging in other areas. Major transit-oriented developments around Toronto’s Ontario Line, massive mixed-use projects like The Well and East Harbour, and a surge in data center construction present complex new challenges and demand sophisticated engineering solutions. Furthermore, trends toward sustainability, adaptive reuse of old buildings, and modular construction require a high degree of specialized knowledge.

In this environment, having best-in-class expertise is not just an advantage; it's a necessity. By bringing in Soberman, a master of new construction design, KJA is doubling down on its ability to win and execute these complex, high-value projects, effectively insulating itself from the challenges in the more conventional residential market.

Redrawing the Competitive Map

The integration of Soberman Engineering sends a clear signal to KJA’s competitors, such as Rooney Irving & Associates and Solucore Inc. It significantly widens the gap between KJA and other firms in the Canadian market, particularly in the specialized new construction domain. For real estate developers, architects, and project managers, KJA now presents an even more compelling case as a single-source provider with an unmatched depth of expertise.

Existing clients of both firms are expected to see immediate benefits. They gain access to a larger, more diverse pool of talent and a broader suite of services under one roof. The move reinforces KJA's commitment to investing in Canadian expertise to deliver superior client outcomes.

Crucially, the transition is expected to be seamless. Soberman’s previous history with KJA suggests a strong cultural fit and a shared understanding of the core values of independent, technically rigorous consulting. Combined with KJA’s reputation as a top employer, this familiarity is key to retaining talent and ensuring service continuity, allowing the newly expanded team to focus on its primary mission: engineering the future of Canada's vertical cityscapes.