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| (top to bottom) Chambers, Fawcett and Kelley |
Three veteran sports architects have left HKS to join Gensler and start a new design studio in their hometown of Dallas.
JERRY FAWCETT,
BYRON CHAMBERS and
JONATHAN KELLEY made the decision jointly to depart HKS for what they felt was a great opportunity to establish a central location for Gensler’s sports practice, according to Fawcett. Gensler, one of the world’s largest architectural firms, already has an office in DC tied to sports development, and the three designers will work closely with that group. The trio all spent the better part of the past 10-20 years at HKS, and their experience will play a key role in Gensler’s leadership group determining which sports projects to pursue, said
RON TURNER, principal and leader of Gensler’s L.A.-based Sports + Entertainment practice. “From our point of view, they add a lot and we now have a much bigger bench,” Turner said. “They’re an A team, no question about it.” Fawcett and Chambers have both designed college sports facilities, and Gensler plans to aggressively pursue work in that space in addition to expanding its portfolio in the major leagues. Gensler is currently designing upgrades to Ford Field, Paul Brown Stadium and Lincoln Financial Field, as well as the Cowboys’ new practice facility and HQ in Frisco, Texas. “I’m at a point in my career where I wanted to do one more big thing,” Fawcett said. “I had a great 16-year run at HKS and learned a lot and did a lot in the college sector. I wanted one more big opportunity. This one is big and unique. To build a sports studio where we live is real exciting.” The three designers officially start their new jobs Monday.
