AECOM has announced it has appointed Dan Meis, FAIA, as director of global sports design. Recognised as one of the world’s leading innovators in sports and entertainment architecture, Meis brings more than 30 years of experience designing some of the most prominent stadia, ballparks and arenas across the globe. In this role, he will reinforce AECOM’s long-standing commitment to exceptional sports and venue design and expand the firm’s reach across professional sports.
“With Dan’s appointment, we are gaining one of the world’s foremost experts in outside-the-box, large-scale sports and entertainment design at a time of continued growth for our business,” said Matt Crane, regional chief executive for AECOM’s US West region. “He will play an instrumental role in helping to deliver game-changing venues that respond to the demands of owners, cities, teams and fans alike.”
AECOM’s award-winning sports design studio has been immersed in arena design since 1965. The firm boasts a portfolio of 70+ arenas in the USA including 20 professional sports and entertainment arenas. Marquee projects include the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, Golden 1 Center in Sacramento and Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
“Design for sports and venues is entering a period of profound evolution based on innovations in technology that affect the fan and athlete experience,” said Bill Hanway, AECOM’s executive vice president and global sports leader. “Dan has been a pioneer in this industry, and he will play a pivotal role in the development of our work to meet these changes. Together we look forward to pioneering high performance innovations that solve challenges and improve lives, bringing together fans, athletes and sponsors.”
Meis began his career in sports architecture in 1992 with Ellerbe Becket (acquired by AECOM in 2009) as the lead designer of the Manchester Arena. Since 2007 he has served as the founder and managing principal of MEIS Architects, a multi-discipline architecture and design practice, where he led game-changing work on stadia and entertainment centres that span the globe. Meis also brings decades of experience from leadership roles across architecture firms including Woods Bagot, Populous and NBBJ. His most notable projects include the Staples Center (Crypto.com) arena in Los Angeles, T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, and the new Everton FC stadium in Liverpool, England.
“AECOM has an incredible portfolio of game-changing venues that have raised the bar in this industry,” said Meis. “I look forward to joining its industry-leading team of architects, engineers and sports specialists across the world to showcase what’s possible for modern sports and entertainment facilities when you combine the reach and resources of one of the world’s largest design companies with innovation and a diversity of skills.”
Meis’ first day with the firm will be tomorrow (10 May).
