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BUSINESS NEWS PHOENIX RISING FOOTBALL CLUB SELECTS POPULOUS, GOULD EVANS ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS TO DESIGN PROPOSED MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER STADIUM Phoenix Rising Football Club is excited to announce the selection of two award-winning global architectural design firms as the design team for the proposed Major League Soccer stadium. Populous , a leading architectural firm that has designed seven MLS stadiums; and Gould Evans , a Phoenix-based multi-disciplinary design firm with expertise in environmentally responsive structures, will be collaborating to create the newest professional sports stadium in the greater Phoenix area. In its continuing quest to receive an MLS expansion club, Phoenix Rising FC sought proposals from leading architect and design firms across the country. They received seven exceptional proposals, and in collaboration with Goldman Sachs, the finalists were narrowed down to three top- notch firms followed by further analysis conducted by a variety of respected consultants. “It was important for us to make sure that the selected firm really understood our needs,” said Brett Johnson, co-chairman for Phoenix Rising FC. “We need to build a stadium that will be comfortable for both the fans and players, so it was crucial that the winning architectural design team understood the challenges and opportunities associated with the Sonoran Desert. We conducted months of analysis with multiple organizations to ensure we were
picking the ideal companies for the job and we could not be more excited or confident in this partnership. This announcement represents another milestone in Phoenix Rising’s ‘Rising is Ready for MLS’ campaign.” Arup , an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical specialists conducted extensive analysis of the design plans of all three finalist firms. Arup helps clients solve complex challenges such as harsh climates and has conducted a variety of studies on the topic. Additionally, local award-winning construction experts, Mortenson Construction, further assessed the building plans to determine the best possible proposed design and construction, based on their vast knowledge of complex construction projects. With 15 offices on four continents, Populous is a global architecture and design firm that designs the places where people love to be together, such as Yankee Stadium, the London Olympics and the Super Bowl. Over the last 35 years they have designed more than 70 soccer stadiums and 14 national stadiums around the globe. Since it was founded in 1983, Populous has designed Wembley National Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Orlando City SC Downtown Stadium, BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, and Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City. “Phoenix Rising fans deserve a state-of- the-art MLS stadium, and we couldn’t be
more excited to create that environment,” said Scott Capstack, principal at Populous. “We will bring the best of our global soccer design experience to this wonderfully exciting project.” Gould Evans, based in Phoenix with four additional offices around the country, focuses on regionally appropriate designs with a blend of proven passive and technical solutions to reduce temperatures before and during games. Their approach to the new Phoenix Rising stadium will include providing tactical shade while maximizing ventilation and water as a vehicle to cooling. “Part of designing the optimal desert soccer experience includes employing heat mitigation tactics through a carefully choreographed strategy,” said Krista Shepherd principal for Gould Evans. “As Phoenicians, we are calibrated to living with the sun, and we know what is needed to make comfortable outdoor places.” Together, Populous and Gould Evans are ready to create a world-class 365-day venue that serves fans and the broader community as a full-scale entertainment destination. The two companies are starting their design work immediately on behalf of Phoenix Rising FC. Plans for the new, privately financed stadium are on track, pending an MLS expansion award to Phoenix, with the facility ready to open as soon as the 2021 MLS season.
CONFERENCE CALL, from page 7
TZL: While M&A is always an option, there’s something to be said about organic growth. What are your thoughts on why and how to grow a firm? NA: We’ve been successful in growing W&M organically. We have a strong vision and mission that the leaders believe in, and we work together to contribute to the firm’s success. Organic growth comes much easier when you’re all rowing in the same direction, but it’s not always easy to get to that point. TZL: Do you use historical performance data or metrics to establish project billable hours and how does the type of contract play into determining the project budget? NA: Definitely. We know what it takes to get a project done and what resources are needed. We also have a good under- standing of the value we bring. It’s about relationships and listening to what the client needs and developing a solution that works for them and us. TZL: What’s your prediction for 2018? NA: At W&M Environmental Group we’re off to a tremen- dous start and I expect 2018 to be a very successful year for the company. We’ll continue our growth plan, get great peo- ple and help them grow, add new partners in the firm and solidify our relationships with strategic clients.
NA: We hold regular PM lunch and learns and try to focus those on tools and processes to help them succeed. Sharing tips, tricks, and best practices doesn’t hurt either. TZL: What is the role of entrepreneurship in your firm? NA: We were founded by a great entrepreneur, so it’s guided us well. Surround yourself with good people and know when to get out of the way. “You must hold people accountable in their role and be prepared to act. Keeping someone in a role that doesn’t align with their strengths can create many issues, but most notably in team morale.” TZL: They say failure is a great teacher. What’s the big- gest lesson you’ve had to learn the hard way? NA: You must hold people accountable in their role and be prepared to act. Keeping someone in a role that doesn’t align with their strengths can create many issues, but most notably in team morale.
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THE ZWEIG LETTER March 19, 2018, ISSUE 1240
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