Gensler’s Sports Practice Expands Design Leadership
Three sports and recreation experts join the Gensler Dallas team and strengthen the firm’s global capability
DALLAS, JULY 14, 2014 — Gensler announced today that Jonathan Kelley, AIA; Jerry Fawcett, AIA; and Byron Chambers are joining the firm’s Dallas office. With more than 75 years experience combined, these new hires are recognized leaders in sports design and will bolster Gensler’s ability to deliver innovative world-class sports and recreation projects both regionally and globally.
Kelley, Fawcett and Chambers all join Gensler from HKS Sports in Dallas. Their backgrounds are in design, project management and business development for projects including NFL stadia, major and minor league baseball facilities, collegiate venues and international arenas.
“Jonathan, Jerry and Byron represent a sports design dream team,” said Ron Turner, principal and leader of Gensler’s Sports+Recreation practice. “By adding this level of talent to our firm, we have significantly broadened our bench and are more prepared than ever to serve our growing client roster.”
Kelley’s 21-year background includes project management for Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.; Liverpool FC Stadium in England; and the Jack Stephens Center at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Fawcett has 41 years of industry experience, specializing in recreational and sports projects. He served as principal-in-charge of the TCU Amon G. Carter Stadium Redevelopment in Fort Worth, Texas; Louisiana State University Tiger Stadium South End Zone Additions in Baton Rouge; and University of Arkansas Indoor Baseball and Track Practice Facility in Fayetteville.
Chambers has focused his career on the design and programming of sports and entertainment venues. He is especially interested in architectural design as it relates to historical context and environmental sustainability. His career projects include the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz.; Regions Field AA Ballpark in Birmingham, Ala.; and Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
“The addition of these talented designers is a significant development for the firm,” said Andy Cohen, Co-CEO of Gensler. “It represents our commitment to expanding the diversity of our practice areas, enriching our design talent and expertise, and widening our global reach. It will help propel our sports practice to the next level and solidify Gensler’s ability to provide unparalleled service and design innovation to clients worldwide.”
These hires extend Gensler’s sports design talent pool to Dallas, Texas, adding to locations in Los Angeles, Calif., and Washington, D.C. The practice launched in 2009, taking on projects for the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. Gensler’s Sports+Recreation practice also designed Arena Corinthians in Sao Paolo, home of the 2014 World Cup opening ceremonies. Other recent projects include Farmers Field, the proposed NFL stadium in Los Angeles, and the SWCC Field House in San Diego.
SOURCE: Gensler