Rushing and Blackbird provide back-to-back experience.

Two Seattle companies focused on helping create sustainable buildings are merging operations this week. Rushing, a mechanical, electrical and plumbing consulting firm bought overall sustainability consultant Blackbird Consulting for an undisclosed amount.

The merger combines two companies that are deeply involved in Seattle’s green-building boom. They joined forces because customers were asking for a one-stop shop for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) consulting, along with other sustainable design techniques, according to a statement.

Rushing will continue to provide mechanical, electrical and plumbing services to architects, building owners, developers and contractors. At the same time, it will now be able to offer a host of other services including post-occupancy evaluations, life-cycle analysis and sustainable design training.

Both companies opened their doors in 2006. Rushing was started by Rae Anne and Scott Rushing who together have more than 40 years experience working on more than 21 million square feet of projects with McKinstry and Holaday-Parks. Currently, Rushing is working on some high-profile Seattle projects: It is handling the mechanical and electrical upgrades and other building improvements for a renovation of the Seattle Asian Art Museum and is working on 100,000 square feet of building improvements for Seattle’s Children's Hospital Research and Development Institute.

Blackbird Consulting was started by Katrina Morga, a LEED-certified architect and has been responsible for $1.5 billion in projects. Blackbird will move into Rushing’s offices in South Lake Union this August.