Populous Founder & Senior Principal EARL SANTEE and Senior Architect & Principal JOE SPEAR over nearly three decades have built their K.C.-based business "from an offshoot of design firm HOK into the pre-eminent sports architecture company in the country," according to a profile by Dave Skretta of the AP. Now the best friends are "working together on what could be their most ambitious undertaking yet: SunTrust Park in Atlanta." In many ways, it "could be the future of ballpark development." The project for the Braves is the "first time that a major sports venue and surrounding community have been designed in concert." Braves President JOHN SCHUERHOLZ said, "We examined others -- other companies, other architects. But we just had a comfort level with Joe and Earl. They spoke the same language, they understood what we were asking for and they understood the challenges they would face.” Skretta noted Spear and Santee have "combined to design 13 of the last 14 parks to open." While they "occasionally shared feedback and ideas over the years, Spear and Santee usually work separately." But they have "put that aside for the project in Atlanta, given its unique nature," and the result is the "best of both worlds: Spear and his brilliance at envisioning a park's overall look and feel, and Santee with his strengths in creating event spaces and fan amenities." The two of them "do have what they call 'favorite moments.' Bits and pieces done right." One is the "majestic view of the Pittsburgh skyline from inside PNC Park." Another is the "smooth waters of McCovey Cove just outside AT&T Park" in S.F., as well as the "soaring atrium as one passes from Union Station into Minute Maid Park in Houston" (AP, 6/21).
