Populous Acquires Fentress Architects to Strengthen Global Aviation Design Capabilities
Populous, a globally recognized architecture and design firm renowned for shaping some of the world’s most iconic sports and entertainment venues, has announced a major strategic acquisition that is poised to expand its reach well beyond stadiums and arenas. The firm revealed that it has acquired Fentress Architects, a Denver-based design studio internationally celebrated for its groundbreaking work in aviation, civic, and cultural infrastructure.
The acquisition marks a significant milestone for both firms and signals a transformative moment in the global architecture landscape. With the addition of Fentress Architects, Populous is positioning itself as a multidisciplinary design powerhouse with deepened expertise in airports, convention centers, museums, and government buildings. The move reflects a growing demand for integrated, high-performance public spaces that serve as economic and cultural hubs in cities around the world.
A Strategic Alignment of Vision and Values
Founded in 1980, Fentress Architects has spent over four decades building a distinguished reputation for designing landmark public buildings that blend aesthetic beauty, efficiency, and innovation. The firm’s aviation portfolio includes some of the most high-profile and heavily trafficked airports globally, such as the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the South Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and the iconic Jeppesen Terminal at Denver International Airport.
Curtis Fentress, Principal-in-Charge of Design and the firm’s founder, has been widely recognized for advancing airport architecture into the realm of iconic civic experience. His design philosophy—”Airports should be more than functional spaces; they should be gateways to the soul of a city”—has guided the firm to global acclaim. Now, by joining forces with Populous, Fentress Architects brings its legacy, client base, and design expertise into a larger framework that values creativity, community impact, and global relevance.
“This is an exciting new chapter for Fentress Architects,” said Curtis Fentress. “By becoming part of Populous, we gain access to global resources, talent, and tools that will enable us to expand our vision and deliver even greater value to our clients. Both firms share a passion for creating extraordinary public spaces that connect people and elevate the human experience.”
Populous: A Global Force in Placemaking
Populous is best known for its trailblazing work in designing sports venues, convention centers, esports arenas, and large-scale event infrastructure. With projects in over 34 countries and a team of more than 1,000 professionals, the firm has led the design of world-famous landmarks such as Wembley Stadium in London, Yankee Stadium in New York, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the main stadiums for Olympic Games in Sydney, London, and Tokyo.
Populous has steadily diversified its portfolio to include convention centers, urban developments, and transportation hubs. The acquisition of Fentress Architects significantly accelerates this strategic growth, particularly in the aviation and public building sectors, where Fentress has demonstrated unparalleled leadership.
“Fentress Architects has an extraordinary track record in designing complex, civic-minded infrastructure projects,” said Earl Santee, Global Chair and Founder of Populous. “Their passion for innovation and excellence aligns perfectly with our mission to design the places where people love to be together. This acquisition strengthens our ability to deliver iconic, purpose-driven architecture at an even broader scale.”
Enhanced Capabilities Across Multiple Sectors
The integration of Fentress Architects into Populous brings with it a talented team of architects, planners, and designers who have worked on award-winning public infrastructure around the world. In addition to its aviation work, Fentress has led the design of major public buildings including the Miami Beach Convention Center, the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Courthouse in Salt Lake City.
The firm’s projects are often defined by their distinctive forms, environmental performance, and ability to express cultural identity through architecture. These principles dovetail with Populous’s own ethos of designing spaces that inspire, engage, and transform communities.
From a technical perspective, the merger brings together complementary strengths in planning, design, sustainability, and project delivery. Both firms have pioneered the use of advanced digital modeling, immersive visualization, and data-informed design processes that enhance collaboration and optimize performance outcomes.
“This union allows us to offer our clients an even greater range of expertise and a deeper bench of talent,” said Brad Clark, CEO of Populous. “Whether it’s designing an international airport, a civic plaza, or a mega-event stadium, we now have the ability to bring the very best minds in the industry together under one roof.”
A Global Platform for Innovation
The acquisition further extends Populous’s footprint across the globe, with Fentress’s existing offices in Denver, Los Angeles, San Jose, and Washington, D.C. joining Populous’s expansive network of studios in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. This global integration is expected to enhance knowledge sharing, cross-cultural collaboration, and client service delivery at all scales.
Fentress Architects will operate under the Populous brand, maintaining its design leadership and project continuity while gaining access to global project opportunities and enhanced design resources.
The firms emphasized that existing clients will continue to receive the same high level of service, with added benefits stemming from the combined expertise and expanded capabilities of the new organization.
Addressing the Future of Aviation and Civic Design
The timing of this acquisition is particularly relevant given the resurgence of infrastructure investment worldwide. Governments and cities are ramping up efforts to modernize aging transportation systems, reimagine civic assets, and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure. Airports, in particular, are undergoing a renaissance as cities view them not just as transit points, but as dynamic spaces that shape first impressions and drive regional economic development.
With passenger traffic projected to double over the next two decades, the aviation sector is confronting challenges related to capacity, sustainability, technology integration, and passenger experience. Through the combined forces of Populous and Fentress, the firms are better positioned to respond to these challenges with next-generation design solutions that prioritize user experience, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
“In today’s evolving urban and transportation landscape, architecture plays a critical role in shaping how people interact with their cities and each other,” said Santee. “Together with Fentress, we are uniquely equipped to help clients meet this moment with visionary designs that are both beautiful and future-ready.”
As Populous and Fentress Architects embark on this new journey together, the architectural world can expect to see a growing pipeline of transformative projects across multiple continents. The acquisition is more than a business transaction—it is a joining of minds committed to elevating architecture’s role in shaping global connectivity, civic pride, and collective memory.
From world-class sports arenas to soaring airport terminals and monumental public spaces, the new combined firm aims to leave an enduring legacy in cities and communities for generations to come.