TEAM EXPERIENCE
COMMANDERS STADIUM
HNTB'S GROWING NATIONAL SPORTS PRACTICE:
EXPANDING DESIGN EXPERTISE, STRENGTHENING DELIVERY
Over the past several years, HNTB’s national sports practice has undergone significant, intentional growth. Since 2019, we have more than doubled in size — growing from 140 to over 310 dedicated professionals — as part of a deliberate strategy to expand both our design and technical delivery capabilities. This growth reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our clients, while positioning HNTB as a national leader in the planning, design, and delivery of complex, high-profile sports venues.
Through a series of strategic hires, we’ve continued to strengthen our bench of specialized expertise across key disciplines, including architectural design, sports interiors, premium hospitality, fan experience, technical execution, and complex program delivery. This expansion has allowed us to build robust project teams that integrate design excellence with the technical rigor necessary to navigate the most challenging venues — from early visioning and entitlement through design execution and construction.
Our growth has not only deepened our technical capabilities, but has expanded the perspective, creativity, and insight we bring to each client engagement. This momentum continues to fuel our ability to help clients deliver transformative venues that reflect their values, excite their communities, and position them for long-term success.
Soldier Field*
Allegiant Stadium
Caesars Superdome + Champions Square Entertainment District*
Mercedes-Benz Stadium*
LANSON NICHOLS, RA
PRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGE
Lanson is a Senior Vice President and leader in HNTB’s professional sports practice, known across the industry for his design leadership on transformative, high-profile venues. He builds the collaborative approach between key stakeholders—Owner, Design Team, Builder and local Approving Agencies—setting and refining the overall project roadmap for each venue he and our team have delivered. He brings 38 years of experience with NFL teams, historic stadiums and major collegiate programs. His portfolio includes multiple stadium firsts—from the NFL’s first LEED Gold stadium at Levi's Stadium to its most technologically advanced venue at Allegiant Stadium—highlighting his ability to guide complex projects that balance innovation, sustainability and long-term operational value.
Education
• Bachelor of Architecture, University of Oregon Registrations
• Registered Architect: California
Select Experience
• Stadium of the Future Concept - Principal-inCharge
• Network Associates Coliseum RenovationsProject Architect*
• The Rose Bowl Renovations - Project Manager
• Sacramento Republic FC Stadium - Principal-inCharge
• University of California - Berkeley, Memorial Stadium Renovations - Senior Project Manager
• Oregon State University, Reser Stadium Expansion - Senior Project Manager
• University of California - Berkeley, The Simpson Center - Senior Project Manager
Allegiant Stadium
• Role: Principal-in-Charge
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2020
• Project Cost: $1.54B
• HNTB Services: Architect of Record, Interior Design of Team and Public Spaces
Levi's Stadium
• Role: Principal-in-Charge
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2014
• Project Cost: $1.2B
• HNTB Services: Architect of Record, Architectural Design, Interior Design
Empower Field at Mile High
• Role: Senior Project Manager
• Project Type: New and Renovation
• Completion: 2001 (New), 2024 (Renovation)
• Project Cost: $400.7M (New), $100+M (Renovation)
• HNTB Services: Architect of Record, Architectural Design, Interior Design
A's New Ballpark
• Role: Senior Principal-in-Charge
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2028
• Project Cost: $1.75B
• HNTB Services: Architect of Record, Architectural Design, Interior Design
Oakland Arena Renovation
• Role: Senior Project Manager
• Project Type: Renovation
• Completion: 1997
• Project Cost: $100M
• HNTB Services: Full Architectural Services
I focus on cultivating collaboration among the leadership team, design team, construction manager and approving agencies— aligning stakeholders to define and refine the project roadmap, ensuring the seamless delivery of the venue and setting the stage for its lasting impact.
Empower Field at Mile High
A's New Ballpark
Allegiant Stadium
Levi's Stadium
DAVID GRAUE, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
PROJECT MANAGER
David is an Associate Vice President at HNTB with over 30 years of experience as an architect and project manager, with a career largely dedicated to complex sports projects. He brings an extensive understanding of project delivery, schedule coordination and stakeholder alignment—skills critical to large-scale, fast-track developments. David’s work reflects a balance of technical precision and design intent, contributing to high-profile venues like Allegiant Stadium and Levi’s Stadium.
Education
• Master of Architecture, Illinois Institute of Technology
• Bachelor of Science - Technology, Bowling Green State University
Registrations
• Registered Architect: District of Columbia (currently in progress), Illinois
• LEED Accredited Professional
• NCARB Certified
Affiliations
• American Institute of Architects
Additional Experience
• University of Southern California, Bloom Football Performance Center - Principal-in-Charge
• University of Southern California, Athletics West Feasibility Study - Project Manager
• University of California - Berkeley, Memorial Stadium Renovations - Senior Project Architect
• University of Southern California, Athletics Master Plan - Project Manager
• Stanford University, Athletics Master Plan Update
- Project Manager
Allegiant Stadium
• Role: Co-Project Manager
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2020
• Project Cost: $1.54B
• HNTB Services: Architect of Record, Interior Design of Team and Public Spaces
Levi's Stadium
• Role: Technical Delivery Director
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2014
• Project Cost: $1.2B
• HNTB Services: Architect of Record, Architectural Design, Interior Design
I lead delivery by uniting teams, syncing schedules, and driving a shared vision — transforming collaboration into a venue where every moment delivers energy, excitement and lasting memories.
Levi’s Stadium
Allegiant Stadium Bloom Football Performance Center
Allegiant Stadium
Education
RYAN GEDNEY, AIA, NCARB
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Ryan’s passion for professional and collegiate sports design is evident in his wide-ranging leadership across high-profile venues. He brings a rigorous approach to understanding client goals and translating them into environments that are both operationally sound and architecturally expressive. With a strong focus on fan experience, revenue generation and inspired placemaking, Ryan works to align the design vision between ownership and the broader project team—creating spaces that are memorable, high-performing and brand-forward.
• Bachelor of Architecture Kansas State University
Registrations
• NCARB Certified
Affiliations
• American Institute of Architects
Additional Experience
• Empower Field at Mile High Master Plan (Confidential) - Design Director
• Buffalo Bills Stadium Renovation ConceptDesign Principal
• Stadium of the Future Concept - Design Principal
• Camping World Stadium Renovations - Design Principal
• Northwestern University, Ryan Field Redevelopment - Design Director
* Affiliated with Another Firm
Mercedes-Benz Stadium*
• Role: Design Principal
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2017
• Project Cost: $1.6B
MetLife Stadium*
• Role: Senior Project Designer
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2010
• Project Cost: $1.6B
Hard Rock Stadium*
• Role: Senior Design Advisor
• Project Type: Renovation
• Completion: 2015, 2016, 2017
• Project Cost: $350M
Empower Field at Mile High Master Plan
• Role: Design Director
• Project Type: Premium Spaces Master Plan Study
• Completion: 2021
• Project Cost: N/A
Lower.com Field
• Role: Design Director
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2021
• Project Cost: $314M
• HNTB Services: Architect of Record, Architectural Design, Interior Design, Structural Engineering
State Farm Arena*
• Role: Design Director
• Project Type: Renovation
• Completion: 2018
• Project Cost: $192.5M
Little Caesars Arena*
• Role: Senior Project Designer
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2017
• Project Cost: $862.9M
Rogers Place + ICE District*
• Role: Senior Project Designer
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2016
• Project Cost: $2.5B
PayPal Park*
• Role: Senior Project Designer
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2015
• Project Cost: $100M
My passion is bringing venues and their districts to life creating immersive destinations where energy flows beyond the venue, fans stay engaged, and your team’s legacy thrives.
Ryan Field Redevelopment State Farm Arena*
Little Caesars Arena* MetLife Stadium*
Mercedes-Benz Stadium*
EMILY LOUCHART, NCIDQ, LEED AP
PREMIUM HOSPITALITY DESIGN DIRECTOR
Emily approaches premium hospitality design as a strategic tool to foster meaningful connections between people and place. Her design vision translates client aspirations into interior environments that are both highly functional and distinctly memorable. With over 15 years of experience, Emily has led the premium hospitality design for more than 20 major sports and entertainment projects across all professional leagues, including both ground-up stadiums and transformative renovations. Her work shapes every premium space—from clubs to suites—to reflect the team’s identity and elevate the fan experience.
Education
• Master of Science, Architecture, Interior Design Specialization University of Nebraska - Lincoln
• Bachelor of Science, Interior Design, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Registrations
• NCIDQ Certified
• LEED Accredited Professional
Additional Experience
• Buffalo Bills Stadium Renovation Concept - Lead Interior Designer
• University of Kansas, David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium Renovations - Lead Premium Hospitality Designer
• Northwestern University, Ryan Field Redevelopment - Lead Premium Hospitality Designer
• Starbucks - Lead Designer for National High Profile Projects*
Empower Field at Mile High
• Role: Lead Interior Designer
• Project Type: Renovation
• Completion: 2024
• Project Cost: $100+M
• HNTB Services: Architect of Record, Architectural Design, Interior Design
A's New Ballpark
• Role: Lead Interior Designer/Premium Hospitality
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2028
• Project Cost: $1.75B
• HNTB Services: Architect of Record, Architectural Design, Interior Design
Empower Field at Mile High Master Plan
• Role: Lead Interior Designer/Premium Hospitality
• Project Type: Premium Spaces Master Plan Study
• Completion: 2021
• Project Cost: N/A
State Farm Arena*
• Role: Lead Interior Designer
• Project Type: Renovation
• Completion: 2018
• Project Cost: $192.5M
Calgary Event Centre*
• Role: Lead Interior Designer
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2027
• Project Cost: $1.2B
Rogers Place + ICE District*
• Role: Lead Interior Designer
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2016
• Project Cost: $2.5B
Energizer Park*
• Role: Lead Interior Designer
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2022
• Project Cost: $457.8M
EverBank Stadium*
• Role: Lead Interior Designer
• Project Type: Renovation
• Completion: 2019
• Project Cost: $20M
Drawing on a strong foundation in design and guest experience, I craft spaces that redefine luxury and comfort—transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary and making every guest feel exceptional.
Little Caesars Arena* Energizer Park*
State Farm Arena Renovation* Rogers Place + ICE District*
A's New Ballpark
JEFF GOODE, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
DESIGN PRINCIPAL
With a specialization in seating bowl design, Jeff has become a prominent figure in the industry, bringing his expertise to NFL stadiums, collegiate venues and multipurpose event centers. His work prioritizes the total spectator experience—merging innovative strategies with technical precision to elevate sightlines, seating comfort and crowd energy. Jeff’s designs consistently push beyond convention, integrating evolving technologies and circulation concepts to create dynamic environments that serve both fans and operational goals. His attention to detail ensures every level of the bowl contributes to an unforgettable game day experience.
Education
• Master of Architect, Architecture, University of Kansas
• Bachelor of Architect, Architecture, University of Kansas
Registrations
• Registered Architect: Missouri
• NCARB Certified
• LEED Accredited Professional
Affiliations
• American Institute of Architects
Additional Experience
• Stadium of the Future Concept - Senior Project Architect
Mercedes-Benz Stadium*
• Role: Senior Project Designer
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2017
• Project Cost: $1.6B
Hard Rock Stadium*
• Role: Senior Project Designer
• Project Type: Renovation
• Completion: 2015, 2016, 2017
• Project Cost: $350M
MetLife Stadium*
• Role: Project Designer
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2010
• Project Cost: $1.6B
A's New Ballpark
• Role: Senior Project Designer
Lead Seating Bowl Designer
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2028
• Project Cost: $1.75B
• HNTB Services: Architect of Record, Architectural Design, Interior Design
State Farm Arena*
• Role: Senior Project Designer
• Project Type: Renovation
• Completion: 2018
• Project Cost: $192.5M
Little Caesars Arena*
• Role: Senior Project Designer
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2017
• Project Cost: $862.9M
Rogers Place + ICE District*
• Role: Senior Project Designer
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2016
• Project Cost: $2.5B
Calgary Event Centre*
• Role: Senior Project Designer
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2027
• Project Cost: $1.2B
Energizer Park*
• Role: Senior Project Designer
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2022
• Project Cost: $457.8M
PayPal Park*
• Role: Senior Project Designer
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2015
• Project Cost: $100M
I design the heart of each venue to create immersive experiences that draw fans closer to the action, heighten the energy and turn every moment into something unforgettable.
Calgary Event Centre* Stadium of the Future Concept
MetLife Stadium* Mercedes-Benz Stadium*
Hard Rock Stadium Renovation
Education
PAUL GRIESEMER,
AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
A nationally recognized leader in sports design, Paul has spent 40 years advancing the development of high-performance football stadiums and training facilities. His expertise spans NFL venues, Olympic sites, convention centers and multipurpose recreation and training complexes. Paul has led stadium design efforts for over 12 NFL franchises—many as repeat clients—and brings deep experience navigating fast-track schedules, evolving program requirements and civic and urban design goals. His work reflects a commitment to creating impactful, adaptable facilities that serve both teams and their broader communities.
• Bachelor of Architecture, Kansas State University
Registrations
• Registered Architect: District of Columbia , Maryland, Virginia and 9 others
• NCARB Certified
• LEED Accredited Professional Affiliations
• American Institute of Architects
• Stadium Managers Association
Additional Experience
• Commanders Park Training Facility UpgradesPrincipal-in-Charge
• Northwest Stadium Improvements - Principal-inCharge
• Mercedes-Benz Superdome Renovation - Principalin-Charge*
• Northwestern University, Ryan Field Redevelopment
- Technical Director
• David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium Renovation
- Technical Director
Allegiant Stadium
• Role: Architect of Record
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 2020
• Project Cost: $1.54B
• HNTB Services: Architect of Record, Interior Design of Team and Public Spaces
Empower Field at Mile High
• Role: Technical Director
• Project Type: Renovation
• Completion: 2024
• Project Cost: $100+M (Renovation)
• HNTB Services: Architect of Record, Architectural Design, Interior Design
Northwest Stadium
• Role: Principal-in-Charge
• Project Type: Renovation(s)
• Completion: 2004*, 2005*, 2006*, 2008*, 2010*, 2015, 2020
• Project Cost: $23+M (Combined for all Renovations)
• HNTB Services: Architect of Record, Architectural Design, Interior Design
Caesars Superdome + Champions Square
Entertainment District*
• Role: Principal-in-Charge
• Project Type: New, Renovation and Reconstruction
• Completion: 2006 (Katrina Reconstruction), 2008 (Renovation), 2010 (New Champions Square)
• Project Cost: $300M (Katrina Reconstruction), $85M (Renovation), $13.5M (New Champions Square)
Lambeau Field Redevelopment*
• Role: Lead Project Architect
• Project Type: Renovation
• Completion: 2003
• Project Cost: $295M
Raymond James Stadium*
• Role: Lead Designer
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 1998
• Project Cost: $168.5M
EverBank Stadium*
• Role: Lead Designer (New), Lead Project Architect (Renovation)
• Project Type: New and Renovation
• Completion: 1995 (New), 2004 (Renovation)
• Project Cost: $121M (New), $30M (Renovation)
Soldier Field*
• Role: Sports Consultant to the Architect of Record
• Project Type: Renovation
• Completion: 2003
• Project Cost: $632M
Edward Jones Dome*
• Role: Lead Sports Designer
• Project Type: New
• Completion: 1995
• Project Cost: $285M
Great stadiums balance ambition with precision. I guide teams through complexity so that every decision supports long-term performance, flexibility and fan experience.
Caesars Superdome + Champions Square Entertainment District* Soldier Field*
Empower Field at Mile High Lambeau Field Redevelopment*
Allegiant Stadium
