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Populous Adds Fentress Architects to Portfolio of Studios

Populous acquires Denver-based Fentress Architects, expanding its aviation portfolio capabilities. Photo credit: Will Crow.

Posted June 9, 2025

Kansas City architecture and design firm Populous has announced its acquisition of Denver-based Fentress Architects, adding aviation, convention centers, museums and government facilities to its portfolio of projects.

The acquisition significantly broadens the scope and scale of services that Populous can offer clients across the globe, according to a release.

“We are committed to expanding the breadth of our practice,” Global Chair and CEO of Populous, Bruce Miller, said in the release. “Fentress Architects has long been known for its visionary aviation and public architecture, exceptional design quality and commitment to innovation. Uniting our aviation team with Fentress to form Fentress Studios, a Populous Company, symbolizes our dedication to design quality.”

Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Denver, CO, Fentress Architects has designed more than $52 billion of architectural landmarks worldwide, including Denver International Airport, Incheon International Airport, Miami Beach Convention Center and the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Fentress Architects will rebrand as Fentress Studios, a Populous Company, with its studios continuing to be based in Denver and Washington D.C.

“Populous shares our values of design excellence and people-centric thinking,” founder and principal in charge of design at Fentress Architects, Curt Fentress, said in the release. “Together, we will continue to redefine great architecture and its capacity to ignite social and economic change through inspired design for people.”

Last month, Populous was selected to be the master architect for an entertainment district in downtown Oklahoma City. The project is a collaboration with Echo Investment Capital and Russell Westbrook Enterprises and will be led by the NBA superstar as creative director.