Through working on regional health projects, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about technical solutions — it’s about listening, collaborating and placing patients and staff at the heart of decision-making.

If I sketch my ideal regional hospital of the future, several defining features stand out:

• Patient‑centred, with intuitive flows and culturally grounded spaces
• Flexible, built around standardised modules
• Resilient infrastructure that is manageable, future‑proofed, and designed to withstand climate impacts and support disaster management
• Straightforward systems that are managed by local teams and avoids complex controls requiring specialist resources to manage and diagnose
• Supports patient centric care and provides a hub for the community and staff
• Sustainable, decarbonised infrastructure and services
• Resilient, ready to operate through disruption, and scalable to support retrofit and expansion
• Digitally enabled, with infrastructure that supports innovation over time
• Well integrated with central and local systems, so growth and service continuity are aligned from day one

Most of all, it’s a hospital that grows with its community. A robust masterplan, tied to a model of care, scalable, and standardised facilities, with infrastructure support to make that possible.

Coordination with central and local systems

Successful regional health projects start with aligning the masterplan and project aspirations with wider regional infrastructure programmes and long‑term development plans. Electrical networks, water, wastewater and stormwater networks, and transport connections should be considered early so that a hospital integrates effectively with broader regional planning rather than existing as an isolated system.

Planning must also align with evolving models of care, including:

• Greater use of community-based care
• Detached elective and outpatient facilities
• In some cases, concentrating acute services within hospital campuses, while making sure those campuses are robust enough to keep critical care running during disruptions and emergencies

 As designers, we must also safely manage transitional impacts between new developments and existing hospital operations, particularly where construction is happening in a live healthcare environment.

Transparent and meaningful engagement

Early and meaningful engagement with iwi and mana whenua plays a central role in shaping land use, water stewardship, sustainability outcomes and cultural design integration. Working closely with local councils and utility providers further supports alignment between infrastructure planning, campus staging, master planning and consenting pathways, reducing impacts and avoiding unnecessary contribution requirements.

Providing structured engagement with local authorities throughout the consenting and approvals process helps maintain momentum. Transparent communication throughout delivery is equally important, so that evolving project scopes remain aligned with policy settings, iwi and mana whenua expectations and broader public outcomes.

Engineering for resilience and decarbonisation

One of the most significant shifts underway is the transition to electrification and decarbonised energy systems. Health facilities are becoming increasingly dependent on electricity as the primary, centralised energy source.

The electrification transition is reshaping long-term infrastructure planning and investment priorities by:

Collectively, this shift represents a fundamental repositioning of how energy systems are designed, managed, and funded across hospital sites, where decisions made now will shape decarbonised strategy, resilience, fuel security, cost and sustainability outcomes for decades.

Learning from other jurisdictions and leveraging global expertise

Regional health challenges aren’t unique to any one country, and there is a lot we can gain by drawing on global experience. Benchmarking across jurisdictions helps shorten delivery timeframes by using proven approaches rather than reinventing the wheel. We’re already seeing several international trends that are highly relevant to regional healthcare delivery:

• A strong shift toward adaptive reuse wherever feasible — though this can be more challenging in New Zealand due to seismic constraints
• Increasing adoption of repeatable, standardised design solutions
• Development of toolkits and clear targets for modern methods of construction, as seen in recent NHS programmes in the United Kingdom
• A programmatic approach to planning and delivery to better resource, sequence and align standardised principles
• More collaborative procurement models that support partnership and long-term value
• Integrated digital services that strengthen regional facilities and enable satellite hubs to operate seamlessly with central hospitals

Our global firm operates in a way that we can draw on offshore subject‑matter experts whenever needed and benchmark our work against the lessons learnt from innovations and proven approaches from similar projects delivered across the world.

Balancing long‑term performance with today’s realities

Affordability is a pressure on every project, and regional developments often feel this more acutely. The goal is to create buildings that are adaptable, low carbon and cost effective to maintain without overstretching budgets. This requires:

• Prioritisation: understanding what is essential for resilience and safety and what can be staged
• Early master planning: creating clarity around infrastructure needs well before design begins
• Standardising designs and repeatable buildings: providing guidance, benchmarks and supporting the evolution for improved outputs
• Transparent decision making: using benchmark data and clear tradeoffs to guide choices
• Commissioning, fine-tuning and post occupancy evaluations: maintaining and managing engineering performance

Flexibility needs to be designed in from the outset, not retrofitted later. By anticipating growth, change and new technologies, we can maximise the building’s operational life and ensure it continues to serve its intended purpose well into the future.

This forward-looking approach is especially critical in live hospital environments, where upgrades and staged works must be delivered safely and with minimal disruption to patients, staff and clinical operations. It also helps keep future refurbishments and fitouts cost comparable, without triggering major upgrades or wholesale replacement of core infrastructure.

Why this work matters to me

Regional hospitals play a crucial role in supporting the health and wellbeing of communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. They deserve the same level of consideration, investment and design rigour as larger metropolitan facilities — and in many cases, they require even greater resilience and flexibility.

Engineering services are central to this. They shape environments that are comfortable for patients and staff, keep clinical spaces clean and sterile for safe care, and provide the robust, resilient systems that engineering and maintenance teams rely on every day. When these systems are well designed, they quietly enable everything else to function.

I value the opportunity to contribute to this work: shaping infrastructure that supports patient care, enables clinical teams to do their best work, and remains robust as needs evolve. Projects like these reinforce the purpose behind what I do — creating environments that strengthen communities and the people who deliver care every day.

The post Engineering the future of health: A practical vision for regional Aotearoa appeared first on Blog.

Nicolás Orellana is an aviation architect and design leader based in Boston with nearly two decades of experience delivering complex airport projects across the U.S., Europe, South America and the Middle East. Known for blending advanced geometry with human-centered design, Nicolás has contributed to landmark projects such as Boston Logan International Airport’s Terminal E. His work reflects his deep commitment to creating highly functional and meaningful spaces for the people who use them.

What inspired you to join the industry?

My path began with a passion for public art. I spent many weekends in high school painting large-scale murals, which sparked my interest in how design can shape a city and influence how people experience it. I found architecture was the best way to combine creativity, technical thinking and public impact.

A project for a small airport in Chile early in my career showed me that aviation offers a unique opportunity to create operationally complex and meaningful spaces for the people who use them every day. From that moment, I knew I wanted to focus on airport design.

I later moved to London to study Space Syntax and made my thesis on airport wayfinding, which taught me how design can improve the overall passenger experience — confirming that this was the field for me.

What is your favorite 91Ӱ�� project that you’ve worked on and why?

Boston Logan International Airport means the most to me, professionally and personally. I joined the project during the concept design phase in 2016. A decade later, the city has become my home, making this project a defining part of my career and life.

I worked on the building envelope design — including the geometry of the iconic façade and roof — for the Vision Architect team. The outward design influenced the interior spaces to create a strong connection between form and experience.

One of the main challenges was translating innovative design ideas and complex geometry into buildable solutions that met local regulations and technical requirements.

Drawing on the team’s expertise in airport design, environmental performance and passenger experience, we developed innovative solutions such as the climate-responsive envelope shaped to maximize daylight and reduce glare, as well as the use of natural illumination to support wayfinding and reduce stress. These strategies contributed to the project earning numerous international awards and LEED Platinum certification. What makes it most meaningful is how people experience it — the airport is now part of Boston’s identity and fosters a positive, memorable environment for travelers.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

Airports are often overwhelming, but thoughtful, human-centered design can make them more intuitive and welcoming. Throughout projects like Santiago International Airport and Boston Logan, we upgraded the passenger experience with design strategies focused on right-sized spaces, intuitive wayfinding, creating a sense of place, integrating nature indoors and achieving sensory balance.

The most rewarding feedback comes when people say an airport feels less stressful and more comfortable. That shift in perception shows how transforming airports into spaces where people feel connected and at ease is one of the most meaningful contributions we make to the communities we serve.

Share a piece of career advice.

Build your career around what you are genuinely passionate about.

Passion drives you to keep improving, contribute original ideas and work through challenges. It gives meaning to your work and strengthens outcomes for your team. In my own career, focusing on work I feel connected to is key to my development and growth. That passion has become one of my greatest strengths and helped me build a fulfilling career.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Nicolás Orellana appeared first on Blog.

Originally from Argentina, Gerardo began his career in Italy before relocating to Singapore in 2014, where he completed his Ph.D. and spent nearly a decade working on major underground transport projects. Today, he combines his technical expertise and leadership experience in client relationships and project delivery to help our teams support complex underground infrastructure across Latin America.

What drew you into the tunneling industry and what motivates your work today?

I began my career as a civil engineer and developed an interest in underground infrastructure. As I progressed in my studies and early professional work, I became increasingly involved in projects focused on deep excavations and tunneling.

What motivates me is the role underground engineering solutions play in solving many of the infrastructure challenges that growing cities face. Underground construction offers sustainable solutions that help cities function more efficiently and minimize surface disruption.

Tunnels support a wide range of infrastructure applications, from rail and highway systems to electrical cables, telecommunications networks and other critical infrastructure across industries. As my career has progressed, collaborating with leaders across diverse market sectors and learning from key actors in different regions has been inspiring and a strong source of motivation.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing the tunneling industry today?

Tunnels provide strong infrastructure solutions, but they also involve complex risks during design and construction. One of the most important challenges today is learning how to efficiently integrate new technology to mitigate those risks. For example, advanced modeling tools and AI help engineers better predict soil and ground behavior during excavation. Using these tools while maintaining a pragmatic and realistic engineering approach remains a significant challenge.

Another challenge is that the economic context of projects can vary greatly from region to region. In places with long-term infrastructure plans and dedicated funding, tunneling solutions are often the best choice. But in developing countries, tunnels can be harder to implement because they typically require higher upfront investment compared to more affordable infrastructure alternatives. Clearly demonstrating the long-term value of underground solutions is a key priority with project partners. I work closely with clients to navigate these considerations and help them understand how tunneling solutions can yield the most effective and sustainable outcomes.

How does your international experience shape the way you approach projects in Latin America?

Working across regions has shaped how I approach projects by bringing a broader perspective on how underground infrastructure can be planned, delivered and integrated into cities. In Singapore, for example, tunnel development is often planned decades in advance and used for multiple applications such as transportation systems, utilities, water networks and underground storage. My experience allows me to approach projects in Latin America with a more long-term and integrated mindset, helping clients see how underground solutions can support future growth, not just immediate needs.

My international experience enables me to take a collaborative approach with colleagues around the world, which is critical when our teams face complex regional challenges. Having a network of international professionals allows us to leverage proven solutions from similar conditions and demonstrate their value to our clients. Many cities in Latin America could benefit significantly from established underground solutions, and access to global insights from successful projects helps build confidence in these approaches among local stakeholders.

What opportunities excite you the most about the future of underground infrastructure?

I’m encouraged by the growing global popularity of tunneling solutions in recent decades. As a result, clients and stakeholders are increasingly familiar with these solutions and more confident in their implementation.

I’m also excited by advances in modeling tools, data analysis and AI, all of which can help engineers better understand underground conditions and improve design efficiency and sustainability. These technologies reduce risks during construction and facilitate informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.

This combination of technological progress and global knowledge transfer creates an opportunity to apply best practices from projects around the world to major infrastructure challenges in Latin America. We are seeing this with the Panama Metro Line 3, which includes the first tunnel constructed beneath the Panama Canal. Projects like this demonstrate how international collaboration can help deliver complex underground infrastructure that supports long-term regional development.

The post Transforming tunneling: Meet Gerardo Pittaro appeared first on Blog.

Interior Designer Tiffany Hoffman has played a key role in transforming basketball venues into destinations that reflect school pride and elevate game day energy. One standout example is her work on the State Farm Center, where thoughtful design meets the electric atmosphere of college basketball. From enhancing premium seating areas to reimagining fan-focused spaces, Tiffany’s contributions demonstrate how interior design can amplify both the excitement of March Madness and the everyday moments that make college sports so special.

Can you tell us about your role and what initially drew you to interior design for sports and entertainment venues?

I’m an interior designer with 91Ӱ��, and I’ve been with the firm for about 12 years. What drew me to sports and entertainment venues was how different they are from almost any other project type. These buildings have to handle huge surges of people entering and exiting at the same time, hold up under heavy use and still create an experience that feels exciting and memorable. That balance of atmosphere, functionality and durability is something I’ve always found compelling.

I’ve always been interested in designing spaces that make an impact, and venues give you the chance to do that on a large scale. Interior design plays a big role in shaping that experience — not just in how a space looks, but in how it flows, how it functions, how well it holds up over time, and how it makes people feel when they’re in it.

I also like that these buildings are rarely one-dimensional. They may be centered around a specific sport, but they also have to support concerts, events, premium spaces, back-of-house needs and a wide range of user groups. That mix of technical problem-solving and experience-driven design is a big part of what made this field feel like such a strong fit for me.

What did your work entail for State Farm Center? Can you tell us a little about the project.

State Farm Center was a major renovation of the University of Illinois basketball arena with a strong focus on modernizing the building while also respecting its historic character and overall identity. The project involved updating key fan, athlete and support spaces and improving how the facility functioned for a much wider range of needs, all within the context of a venue with a strong legacy on campus. What made it especially interesting was that it was not just about making the building feel newer but improving the experience and usability of the arena while being thoughtful about preservation. The balance between modernization and maintaining the historic integrity of the facility was a defining part of the project.

My primary role on the project was focused on the furniture package. I was also involved to a more limited extent in the interior design effort during design development, particularly in some of the club spaces and in detailing work, but the majority of my contribution centered on selecting and coordinating furniture in a way that supported both the design vision and the functional needs of each space.

A big part of that work was coordinating closely with the design team to make sure the furniture felt integrated with the interior architecture and contributed to one cohesive design approach. At the same time, it had to respond to the practical demands of a high-use collegiate venue.

When you first began work on State Farm Center, what was the overarching vision for the interior experience?

The overarching vision for the interior experience was to make the arena feel substantially more current, comfortable and versatile for today’s users. A big part of that was improving the arrival and circulation experience, so the building felt more intuitive and welcoming from the moment people entered, while also enhancing how fans moved through and experienced the concourses and shared spaces.

Another major part of the vision was the creation of an entirely new premium and hospitality experience. Before the renovation, the building did not have designated premium seating, so the project introduced a much broader range of offerings, including suites, loge seating, courtside seats with club access, a student club, and additional hospitality spaces like the Traditions Club and the Legacy Club. To me, that was a key part of the transformation because it expanded what the building could offer, elevated the overall fan experience and helped reposition the arena for both game-day use and a wider range of events. What was especially remarkable was that the project maintained the historic integrity of the original building while also significantly expanding and reimagining how the facility could be used.

What were some key design moves that helped transform the arena from a traditional basketball facility into a multi-purpose entertainment venue?

Some of the key design moves were the creation of new east and west entry sequences, improved concourse circulation, the addition of permanent concessions and restrooms, and the introduction of a new premium and hospitality program. Together, those moves helped transform the arena from a traditional basketball facility into a more flexible entertainment venue that could better support year-round use.

What strategies did you use to create a sense of arrival and excitement from the concourses to the seating bowl?

A lot of that came from strengthening the arrival sequence and improving how people moved through the building. One of the biggest moves was widening the main concourse by pushing the glass outward and adjusting the angle, which created more usable space for concessions, restrooms, and other amenities without losing the overall character of the arena. Expanding the west lobby sequence also helped create a stronger sense of arrival, so entering the building felt more open and welcoming.

From an experience standpoint, those kinds of moves matter because they help build energy before fans even get to their seats. When arrival feels more open, circulation works better, and the concourse offers more comfort and activity; it naturally creates a greater sense of anticipation.

How do interior design decisions influence fan energy and engagement during a game?

Interior design decisions can have a big influence on fan energy and engagement because they help set the tone for how a space is meant to feel and how people are meant to use it. In a venue environment, not every space is trying to create the same kind of experience. Some areas are meant to feel high energy and social; some are more premium and relaxed. Part of the design process is understanding who the user is and what kind of atmosphere the space is meant to create, then finding ways to reinforce that through design.

I also believe fan engagement becomes stronger when a space feels connected to the identity of the school, team or region. In sports and hospitality design, there is often an opportunity to layer in cues that feel authentic to the place. When people feel that connection, the experience tends to feel more personal and meaningful.

The post Designing the madness: Tiffany Hoffman shapes the future of college basketball venues appeared first on Blog.

Ameet leads our residential sector across the UK&I, collaborating with teams in project management, cost management, engineering and sustainability to deliver a wide range of residential projects that truly make a difference. Working with our clients across a range of residential asset classes, including housing, strategic land, later living, student accommodation, open market, build to rent, co-living, affordable, social, urban regeneration and city centre high-rise towers, his focus is on creating places that are practical, sustainable and built to last.

With over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, Ameet has led major residential and regeneration projects from concept to completion. His leadership approach combines commercial understanding with a strong commitment to quality, teamwork and doing things the right way, values he sees as essential to shaping the future of housing delivery.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I grew up in a thriving region where development and opportunity were part of everyday life.  From an early age, I was fascinated by how cities grow and evolve. That curiosity was fuelled further through international travel — visiting New York, San Francisco and Hong Kong — and gave me firsthand insight into how ambitious construction and planning can transform communities. Those experiences inspired my ambition to be part of shaping the built environment.

Academically, I had strengths in both numbers and literature. This naturally led me toward quantity surveying, contracts and procurement, disciplines that blend structure, logic and communication. Over time, that evolved into a passion for project management and delivering complex, multidisciplinary projects that bring teams together to achieve shared goals.

I’ve always felt a strong connection to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the professionalism it represents. I take pride in upholding traditional values of accuracy, integrity and accountability. For me, success is as much about how we deliver projects as what we deliver.

What are the biggest issues currently facing the residential sector?

The residential sector continues to face a series of evolving pressures that affect both project viability and delivery.

Viability remains a key consideration, shaped by the cost of finance and rising labour, material and plant costs. Together, these influence scheme viability and investment confidence, particularly in higher-cost markets.

Planning processes also continue to extend project timelines, requiring early coordination and realistic programming to maintain momentum. In addition, the implementation of the Building Safety Act has introduced new stages and requirements that form an important part of ensuring safe design and construction. While essential for compliance, these processes, including updated design measures such as second staircases and Gateway 2 reviews, can add time to project programmes and require proactive management across all parties.

Another key factor is the skills shortage across the UK construction industry, which continues to impact delivery capacity. This has encouraged the sector to think more innovatively about how we design and build, exploring new methods to increase efficiency, consistency and quality. I have been involved in several projects adopting modern methods of construction, which not only help to address resource challenges but also drive improved sustainability outcomes and predictability in delivery. By constantly challenging design and embracing innovation, we can unlock real value for clients and create more resilient project models for the future.

Finally, sustainability continues to drive change. Clients and developers are setting ambitious goals around carbon reduction, circular economy principles and social value. Balancing these aspirations with cost and delivery pressures requires innovation, collaboration and strong technical leadership across every stage of development.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work on a range of projects that have brought lasting benefit to local communities, from housing and regeneration to specialist living and even the London 2012 Olympics, which has left a distinct legacy.

A particular area I’m passionate about is later living, having delivered several large retirement village developments designed to connect senior residents to their local communities through place, amenities and shared outdoor spaces. These projects provide environments where people can live independently while remaining active, engaged and connected to others, something that has a real social impact beyond the buildings themselves.

I’ve also been involved in several student accommodation campus and apartment build to rent projects, which have helped define a new generation of living. By integrating amenities such as music studios, cafés, shared lounges and landscaped public realm, these developments have created communities and enhanced the student and professional experience.

Most recently, I’ve worked on the Smithfield Birmingham masterplan with Lendlease, a landmark regeneration project at the heart of the city. Achieving planning consent for this major scheme was a significant milestone, paving the way to transform underused land into a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood. With construction now progressing into the build-out phases, it’s exciting to see that vision becoming a reality.

Across all these projects, the unifying theme is collaboration, working with clients, local authorities and residents to deliver places that have a positive and enduring impact on people’s lives.

Share a piece of career advice.

My advice to anyone in this industry is to stay engaged, open-minded and reflective. Every project, conversation or client interaction offers a chance to learn something new. Even the small moments can teach you how to communicate, adapt or solve problems more effectively.

Seek out hands-on experience early in your career. Spending time on site builds a real understanding of how projects are delivered and gives you confidence in your decision making.

Take every opportunity to gain early exposure and learn from senior professionals. Sit alongside partners and directors, observe how they think, lead and build relationships. Those lessons in judgement and communication are invaluable.

Take pride in your work, whatever the task may be. The quality of your outputs, from reports to presentations, reflects your professionalism. Always take a client-first approach, pausing to understand the world from their perspective.

Equally important is developing strong people skills. You’ll work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and cultures, both locally and internationally. Being able to connect, communicate and collaborate effectively is at the heart of successful project delivery.

And above all, enjoy what you do. When you’re genuinely passionate about your work, that enthusiasm shines through in the outcomes you deliver and the teams you lead. Passion is what sustains a career in construction and what makes it so rewarding.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Ameet Singh Heir appeared first on Blog.

Tell us about your journey. What drew you to a career in architecture and design, specifically in collegiate sports facilities?

Born and raised in Kansas City, I grew up surrounded by sports. I attended the University of Kansas and during my time there was introduced to sports architecture and the niche sports market in Kansas City. After graduation, I went on to work for HNTB for 13 years and 7 years at DLR Group. I joined 91Ӱ�� in 2024 as Director of Collegiate Sports, dedicated to driving innovation and excellence in the design and renovation of stadiums, arenas and training facilities across the nation. I’ve led projects in the collegiate space with 91Ӱ�� at universities such as the University of Central Florida, Tulane University and East Texas A&M.

You’ve spent over 20 years focusing on public assembly venues and athletic training facilities. What’s kept you passionate about this space?

I’ve worked on basketball arenas, football stadiums and training facilities across the nation that are all unique in their own way. Though the programs can be similar, it comes down to how you handle them, how you site the building and how people end up using the building. I grew up loving sports, so being able to turn on college basketball and see the legendary arenas that I’ve worked on is a rewarding feeling that keeps me going.

As Director of Collegiate Sports, how do you define “next-generation” sports environments?

We’re witnessing a more revenue-focused generation than we’ve seen in the past. For us, it’s all about creating environments that everybody wants to be in as opposed to staying at home and watching games on TV. The other factor that we’re seeing is more integration with technology. Venues are now utilizing apps to order concessions and interact with the space. The integration of technology and improving the fan experience will only continue to evolve.

Your leadership style emphasizes mentorship and collaboration. How do you cultivate that culture within your teams?

Honesty, openness and willingness to communicate with the team — particularly the reasons why we do something, not just what we’re doing. I’m always trying to cultivate people to think critically, be engaged and ask the question “why.”

You’ve worked with some of the most iconic collegiate programs. Are there any standout projects or moments that have stayed with you?

My first project out of school was at the University of Michigan’s football stadium, “The Big House.” I’ve stayed in touch with the client for nearly 20 years and can tangibly see the success of the project watching Michigan home games. It really showed me that this industry is about much more than the project, it’s the relationship with people around the project you’ve built. Additionally, my work at Duke University’s Cameron Indoor Stadium remains a career highlight, as being part of such an iconic and historic arena left a lasting impression on me.

What major trends are shaping the future of collegiate sports facilities right now?

It’s crucial to embrace the local environment where the facility is being built. We’re beginning to witness the importance of real engagement of the region or city where the university is and showcasing pride in it. This can occur through things like having local vendors or theming aspects of the facility around something specific to that city. Sports anchored lifestyle and entertainment districts are being developed all over the country and they are very exciting to think about the integration of sports and lifestyle.

You’re currently leading several collegiate pursuits involving stadiums, arenas and training centers. What excites you the most about being a part of these world-class projects? 

When it comes to a competitive venue, you’re engaging in the way that the fans, alumni, donors and staff experience sporting events. It’s special to be able to say that you played a part in influencing new traditions or the way that people experience a game. We see opportunities on the horizon with some of the largest and most respected universities in the country that directly align with 91Ӱ�� as a firm.

What advice would you give to young architects or designers who want to enter the sports facility space?

There are so many more variables to consider when entering the sports architecture field as opposed to designing commercial spaces. You have to be able to collaborate with a large team and articulate the things that you’re interested in early on in your career. Be curious about why design is done in certain ways.  In my opinion, sports design is the peak of what we do because it impacts so many people.

The post Changing the Game: Meet Andrew Kelly appeared first on Blog.

Stadiums and venues are more than just structures — they are cultural landmarks that bring communities together, inspire loyalty and create lasting memories. As we look to the future, the challenge lies in redefining these spaces to meet evolving expectations while embedding sustainability, technology and inclusivity into every aspect of their design and operation.

Key challenges in reimagining the fan experience

The fan experience is no longer a one-size-fits-all journey. Fans today demand personalization, seamless engagement and opportunities to co-create their experience. At the same time, venues must address broader societal goals, such as reducing embodied carbon, integrating sustainable technologies and fostering community connections.

Our approach focuses on crafting spaces that balance economic output with emotional resonance. Whether designing new stadiums or renovating existing ones, the goal is to create venues that reflect the identity of the city, its people and its culture, hence making them irreplaceable.

Elevating fan journeys through innovation

To reimagine and elevate the fan experience, we prioritize innovation across the entire lifecycle of venue design and operation, focusing on 3 key areas:

1. Personalization and inclusivity:

• Every fan should feel seen and valued. By mapping diverse fan journeys, we create opportunities for engagement and re-engagement, ensuring that each touchpoint resonates with the individual.
• From immersive screens to strategic hospitality moments, technology amplifies the experience without overshadowing the venue’s unique character.

2. Seamless integration of technology:

• Digital tools act as amplifiers, enhancing the physical experience rather than replacing it. Smart controls, immersive displays and interactive touchpoints are strategically integrated to elevate the fan journey.
• Future proofing venues means building for long-term adaptability while planning for rapid change at 5-, 10-, and 15-year intervals — reflecting how dramatically fan expectations have already shifted in the past five years.

3. Sustainability and circularity:

• By embedding sustainability into every stage  —from design to operations — we ensure venues remain resilient and impactful for generations to come.

Sustainability is also about future proofing. That means creating adaptable spaces and digital systems that evolve with the club and the fans. The most sustainable venues are active 365 days a year — hosting events, hospitality, community programming and content creation.

A sustainable stadium isn’t just energy efficient; it’s revenue efficient. And whether it’s a renovation or new build, the goal is a venue that stays relevant, flexible and connected.

Rethinking renovation for cohesion

Whether designing a new stadium or renovating an existing one, it’s important to create cohesion across the fan experience and tell a connected story. Every visit should offer opportunities for re-engagement, so fans feel like they are experiencing something new each time.

Every touchpoint along the fan journey should feel intentional, part of a seamless, holistic experience that increases dwell time, loyalty and ultimately drives revenue. The next generation of stadiums should not be defined by capacity, but by connectivity and by the ability to create moments that excite fans, elevate technology, and let them feel like co-creators in the experience.

Renovations can also be smart, sustainable moves, offering lower embodied carbon and potentially higher return on investment (ROI), but in all cases, the goal remains the same: to connect the economic output with the emotional output, building loyalty that sustains both fans and the project.

Connectivity builds community The future of stadium design lies in creating spaces that are both functional and unforgettable. By thoughtfully integrating design, technology and sustainability, venues can evolve alongside changing expectations, offering fans moments that resonate, inspire loyalty and invite repeated engagement. The most successful stadiums will be those that balance economic performance with emotional impact, creating spaces that reflect the culture of their communities while remaining adaptable for decades to come.

Connect with Andrea to learn more about our global Sports team.

The post Transforming stadiums and arenas into next-generation experiences appeared first on Blog.

You’ve worked on major sports venues globally. What lessons from these projects do you bring to new developments?

Each new venue raises the bar in terms of design ambition, technology integration and user expectations. Allianz Arena was groundbreaking in the use of ETFE in its façade, which not only gives it its iconic visual identity but makes it highly durable. AAMI Park, with its lighter yet complex roof, pushed the boundaries on structural analysis and optimisation.

These experiences have shaped our approach to projects like Macquarie Point Stadium, where we’ve combined lessons from innovations on past projects with cutting-edge tools to understand occupant comfort and pitch performance and test different stadium forms until we find the best based on structure, performance, cost and aesthetic. The focus is always on elevating the fan experience, embedding flexibility for future uses, and ensuring the venue can adapt to evolving event formats and technologies.

How do you ensure stadium designs cater to both spectators and athletes?

Over a typical 3–4-year design and construction process, technology and user expectations evolve significantly. The design needs to anticipate how future technologies may impact the built form and how spectators experience the venue.

At Macquarie Point Stadium, we placed significant emphasis on comfort modelling to ensure all public areas are welcoming all year-round. This caters to interstate travellers who expect a similar fan experience to what they are offered in their home city. Our design prioritised intuitive circulation, quick egress, universal access and proximity to food and beverage, all within a distinctive architectural setting. For athletes, we designed high-performance environments: generous change facilities with dedicated physio/strapping area, aqua recovery, optimal playing surfaces, airflow and temperature control, and secure, efficient arrival and departure routes.

Increasingly, venues are designed to foster closer interaction between fans and athletes, with premium experiences, such as field club lounges, and pitch-side access. Event overlay flexibility is also critical to support a wide range of uses beyond sport.

How do you maximise value while balancing functionality, sustainability and long-term operational costs?

Technology has transformed how we design. We can test and iterate far more options than ever before, allowing us to optimise for performance, cost and sustainability.

A multidisciplinary, integrated design approach is best, bringing together architecture, engineering and specialist disciplines under strong design leadership. This is the right approach for coordination across technical disciplines and delivers the best project outcomes.

At Macquarie Point Stadium, sustainability was embedded into the design from the start. We assessed embodied carbon across design options, giving the client clear visibility into the environmental and financial impacts of every decision. Passive design strategies and efficient spatial planning also help reduce the venue’s long-term operational costs. A venue’s unique architectural identity and adaptability can drive long-term value by attracting more events. A durable, future-proof design reduces maintenance costs.

How do you design sports and entertainment venues to serve their communities well beyond the initial investment? 

Flexibility is key. Venues must be able to evolve to suit different event types, audience sizes and community needs. Equal access is a non-negotiable. Everyone, regardless of mobility and ability, deserves an unforgettable fan experience.

We also activate the venue’s perimeter to create a vibrant precinct, even on non-event days, integrating retail, hospitality and community spaces for year-round entertainment, quality of life benefits and economic value for vendors and the city. Holistic precinct planning ensures the venue is embedded in its urban context, with strong connections to public and active transport routes, and other commonly frequented, surrounding public spaces. Function spaces are designed for versatility, supporting everything from grassroots sport to major events.

At Macquarie Point Stadium and its surrounding precinct, features like The Goods Shed (historically used for railway operations and redeveloped into a hub for a range of entertainment events), the signature roof design, and proximity to the CBD help create a unique identity, sense of place and connection to other spaces.

What excites you most about future sports and entertainment infrastructure in Australia? 

Australia’s approach to sports infrastructure is unique. Unlike international markets, where venues are driven by franchise success, many Australian venues are publicly funded and deeply connected to their communities. The MCG is a great example: iconic not just for one team, but as a shared cultural landmark. This shapes how we design, focusing on inclusivity, affordability and broad appeal. Australia’s strong sporting culture that permeates across all cities, regions and towns means there’s ongoing demand for high-quality venues that meet modern fan expectations, even outside of major cities.

Events like the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games will catalyse a new wave of investment, not just in Brisbane, but across the country. This presents a tremendous opportunity to renew our national infrastructure and attract global entertainment acts. It’s an exciting time to design venues that are accessible, functional and culturally significant.

Describe the feeling you get when you sit in a stadium you’ve designed, as a fan.

When I am in a venue I designed, I initially can’t stop myself from ‘inspecting’ some of the key details that took time and thinking to resolve. But after some time, I settle and enjoy the event and experience of the space. The memories of the design and the construction process often remain vivid.

It’s rewarding to see something that I spent years imagining come to life. Observing how large crowds share experiences and enjoy the space in the way it was anticipated brings me joy and pride.

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Can you briefly introduce 91Ӱ�� and explain how the company’s approach to airport design and infrastructure supports the broader air transport ecosystem, particularly in terms of sustainability, efficiency and passenger experience?

We design and deliver airport environments that go beyond transport infrastructure — creating ecosystems that connect cities, economies and people. Our integrated capabilities span every element of aviation development, from terminal design, airfield planning and engineering, to program management and implementation.

By combining global expertise with local insight, we help airports deliver efficient, sustainable and passenger-centric solutions that respond to evolving operational needs. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures every project — whether a terminal upgrade, new concourse or regional airport expansion — enhances the passenger experience while driving long-term value for our clients and the broader air transport ecosystem.

What inspired 91Ӱ�� to become a Gold Sponsor of APEX FTE Asia Expo, and what are your strategic goals for this participation? Are there any specific projects or innovations you’re hoping to showcase or discuss?

Our decision to sponsor APEX FTE Asia Expo reflects our deep commitment to advancing the future of aviation across the Asia-Pacific region. This event brings together the people and ideas shaping the future of air travel and offers a platform to share insights from our ongoing work at many airports such as Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

FTE Asia provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with industry leaders, share lessons from these regional programs, and explore new approaches that combine global best practice with local delivery. Our focus is on showcasing how innovation in design, digital integration and sustainability is accelerating the next generation of airports across Asia.

You’re speaking at APEX FTE Asia Expo on “Innovative airport expansion efforts that will deliver memorable travel experiences and enhanced operations.” What insights and innovations will you share in your session, and how do you see these shaping the future of airport design?

I’ll be sharing how innovation in design and delivery is reshaping the way airports evolve, from global trends in modular construction to localized sustainability strategies.

One of the key messages is that innovation isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about creating adaptable, human-centric environments that stand the test of time. We’ll also discuss how modularity, prefabrication and digital twins are enabling airports to expand efficiently while maintaining seamless passenger experiences.

How is 91Ӱ�� approaching sustainability in airport design, and what role do digital technologies play in achieving sustainability goals within air transport?

We embed sustainability from the very first sketch, not as an afterthought. Our strategy focuses on:

• Net-zero energy systems such as electrified fleets, on-site renewables and district cooling.
• Circular construction using low-carbon materials and modular reuse.
• Climate resilience through planning for heat, storms and sea-level rise.

We align with frameworks like LEED, BREEAM and Envision, but the real innovation comes from connecting design, operations and community impact into one sustainability narrative. On top of that, digital tools like digital twins play a critical role in allowing us to simulate performance, optimize energy use and track long-term sustainability outcomes.

With 91Ӱ��’s experience in delivering some of the world’s largest airport transformations, what are the biggest challenges the company faces when embarking on complex airport projects, and how does 91Ӱ�� overcome them?

Airport expansions are inherently ambitious. The biggest challenges are:

• Financial: Managing inflation, funding models and cost volatility.
• Operational: Working in live airport environments while minimizing disruption.
• Stakeholder: Aligning diverse interests across airlines, regulators, investors and communities.

We address these through modular, phased delivery strategies that allow scalability with demand, and by leveraging digital twins and flexible governance models to maintain alignment, transparency and trust throughout delivery.

In terms of innovation, what do you believe are the next big trends in airport design and infrastructure that will revolutionise passenger experiences in the next five to ten years?

We’ll see continued acceleration in human-centric innovation, where technology enhances, rather than overwhelms, the travel experience.

Key trends include:

• Invisible security and distributed screening for seamless movement.
• Adaptive design that grows with operational needs through modular systems.
• Smart infrastructure powered by data, automation and sustainable energy systems.

Ultimately, the next generation of airports will be remembered not for their scale, but for how they make people feel.

How can attendees best connect and engage with you and your team during the event, and is there a key message or insight you’d like to share with them in advance?

We’d love to connect during sessions or ahead of time to discuss the future of airport design. We’re always excited to share insights on creating human-centric, innovative infrastructure that elevates every journey, so please connect with us to help shape airport experiences that inspire and delight.

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Miguel Sanchez is an aviation project architect and manager known for delivering terminal, airside and support facility projects across Florida. Based in Tampa, he earned the trust of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority through years of collaboration and a deep understanding of their operational priorities and project goals. Drawing on his design background and construction administration experience, Miguel leads multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, phased projects that stay on schedule, on budget, and produce exceptional outcomes for clients across the state’s evolving aviation landscape.  

What inspired you to join the aviation industry?

I was drawn to aviation because it’s one of the few industries where our work directly touches millions of people every day. Whether passengers are traveling for business or leisure, everyone experiences the terminals we design. As an architect, I wanted to help shape those spaces to enhance the guest experience — creating environments that promote intuitive movement, comfort and enjoyment — even during travel’s busiest moments.

Aviation projects offer a rare opportunity to merge architectural creativity with operational strategy — improving how people move, work and connect.

What excites me most is knowing that every design decision contributes to a smoother journey. From ticketing to bag drop to gate areas, I focus on designing functional spaces that work for both passengers and staff.

What is your favorite 91Ӱ�� project you’ve worked on and why?

One of my favorite projects was the Gainesville Regional Airport terminal expansion and renovation.

The project combined new construction with a complex, multi-phase interior renovation of a 50,000-square-foot terminal — all while keeping the airport fully operational.

We upgraded ticketing, TSA checkpoints, hold rooms and restrooms, sequencing every phase around passenger flow and security requirements. Much of the work had to occur overnight to avoid disruptions. That level of coordination required a close partnership with the contractor and constant communication with the airport.

The results spoke for themselves: Gainesville’s passenger satisfaction and facility ratings climbed significantly after completion, demonstrating how tight phasing and teamwork can transform a space and a client relationship. We continue to work with Gainesville, which is a testament to the trust that grows when you deliver efficiently, on time and with care.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

My work on the UPS Air Cargo Facility at Tampa International Airport turned the outdated building into a modern, efficient operation hub.

I led design coordination and construction support as the architect of record for the 40,000-square-foot facility, which expanded UPS’s capacity and allowed them to hire significantly more workers.

Using BIM modeling, we integrated UPS’s conveyor systems with architectural, structural and building systems before construction began, identifying conflicts early and keeping the schedule on track.

This project stands out for delivering tangible economic and operational benefits. It not only strengthened UPS’s regional footprint but also supported local jobs and showed how design-build delivery can drive efficiency and create lasting value for clients and communities.

Share a piece of career advice.

My advice is on taking ownership and leadership.

During our recent terminal expansion and renovations at Punta Gorda Airport, the client needed to fast-track the schedule. We accelerated our design work so the contractor could establish final pricing without sacrificing quality. That experience reinforced a principle I share with my team often: treat every project as if it were your own.

That mindset changes how you approach everything, from communication and scheduling to cost and the quality of work. I take ownership of cost, time and coordination on every job. That ownership includes reviewing all change orders, questioning what doesn’t make sense and confirming design decisions align with the client’s budget.

Knowing every detail matters — that’s how you build trust. Not just with clients, but with contractors and your team. That’s what leadership looks like: staying on top of everything and responding to every shift in the situation.

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