Dana brings a unique blend of architectural vision, engineering expertise and strategic leadership to her role. With a career rooted in both design and delivery, she has built a reputation for guiding complex projects that make a lasting impact on communities. Her commitment to collaboration, sustainability and client success shines through in every phase of her work, from concept to completion.

Tell us a bit about yourself – your career journey and current role as Market Sector Lead.

My interest in the built environment took root early on. I was drawn to the idea that every structure begins as a vision and, then through a blend of creativity, coordination and technical skill, becomes something tangible and lasting. That curiosity led me to study architecture, but as my understanding of the industry deepened, I found myself increasingly drawn to the engineering side of construction. I transitioned into construction engineering at Arizona State University, and later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix to strengthen my leadership capabilities and broaden my strategic business perspective.

Over the years, I’ve discovered that my greatest strength lies in helping clients bring their capital improvement and facility expansion goals to life. As a market sector lead, I take pride in building strong teams and delivering strategic growth through thoughtful leadership and collaboration. I am deeply committed to fostering meaningful partnerships with small, local and diverse suppliers, recognizing the vital role we play together in shaping a more inclusive and resilient industry. By working side by side, we deliver projects that reflect our clients’ values and create lasting benefits for the San Diego community.

Talk to us about a project that has impacted or been a major highlight of your career.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on has been during my time as a project manager with the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD). My relationship with SDUSD spans decades — from 2001 to 2007, and again since 2013. What keeps drawing me back is the impact. It’s a place where strategic planning meets real, lasting community transformation. As a project manager for SDUSD, I’ve had the opportunity to lead efforts across more than a dozen campuses, overseeing modernization, new construction, and infrastructure upgrades under multi-billion-dollar bond programs. Our work has helped SDUSD expand access to safe, inclusive and future-ready learning environments for charter schools and traditional campuses. These projects like whole site modernizations, new student union buildings, and improved security features, incorporated solutions that helped schools better accommodate growing student populations, refresh aging facilities, and foster more inclusive learning environments. Revitalizing these school facilities has increased community safety and engagement as well as created shared spaces that serve families beyond the classroom.

Helping ensure that schools are equipped to meet both current and future demands has been incredibly rewarding. Walking through a completed site and seeing it come to life with activity and purpose, knowing it directly benefits students, educators and families, is deeply fulfilling. Every time I step onto a campus or attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony, I’m reminded that our work matters. We’re helping shape the places where the next generation will learn, dream and grow.

How do you incorporate community engagement into your design process to support sustainable practices and enhance health and well-being outcomes?

For me, community engagement isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Every project starts with listening. We prioritize understanding the unique needs and values of the people we serve, which allows us to design spaces that are not only environmentally responsible but also supportive of health and well-being of the community.

The San Diego community’s top concerns in education include equitable access, safe and inclusive learning environments, and long-term sustainability. These priorities shape every project we undertake. To address them, as a project manager, I have the opportunity to lead a process grounded in early and ongoing engagement with stakeholders, including district staff, school leaders, families, and community advocates.

Community input informs planning and design from the start, ensuring each project reflects local values. Through transparency and collaboration during construction, we deliver outcomes that are functional, resilient, and deeply connected to the communities they serve. This approach is especially important in a place like San Diego, where the vibrant, collaborative spirit of the city shapes everything we do. The city’s diversity, creativity and innovation create a dynamic environment where partnerships can truly flourish. It’s a privilege to work alongside people who care deeply about their city and its future. Our shared commitment drives more thoughtful, inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

Share a piece of career advice:

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of being intentional with your time and energy. It’s easy to get caught up in the pace of a demanding career, especially when you’re passionate about the work, but staying grounded requires more than just good time management. It takes self-awareness, clear priorities, and the ability to pause and reset when needed.

I often say my life runs on 15-minute calendar blocks, and while that’s partly a joke, it reflects how structured my days can be. What keeps me balanced is making space for the things that matter outside of work. Whether that’s volunteering with ACE Mentor program or Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), leading a Girl Scout troop, or spending time outdoors hiking, skiing or golfing. A fulfilling career isn’t just about what you accomplish professionally, it’s about how you stay connected to your values and your community along the way.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Dana Peterson appeared first on Blog.

Joe Cannon, AIA, MBA, is a seasoned architect and strategic project leader with 15 years of experience spanning aviation, infrastructure, higher education and commercial sectors. A registered architect in Texas and California, Joe combines deep technical expertise with a business-minded approach to drive innovation, operational excellence and client value across complex aviation modernization projects. From managing airport terminal redevelopments to leading statewide facility assessments and hospitality renovations, Joe’s portfolio reflects a commitment to integrated design, stakeholder collaboration and sustainable growth.

He is an active member of the American Institute of Architects, Construction Management Association of America, Design-Build Institute of America, and the American Association of Airport Executives. With a focus on integrating technological advances into the design and construction of major infrastructure facilities, Joe’s vision for the next generation of airport terminals is rooted in adaptability, efficiency, and service for all users through thoughtful, resilient design.

Tell us about what inspired you to pursue aviation architecture.

My passion for aviation architecture began in childhood. I was fortunate to travel at a young age, and what captivated me the most wasn’t the destination, it was the airport itself. Growing up near Washington D.C., I vividly remember flying out of Dulles and being mesmerized by the sweeping roof of the main terminal. That experience stuck with me. While most kids were filling in the lines of coloring books, I was sketching airport concourses with jet bridges and airplanes included! That’s where my love of airport design started and at that young age realized I wanted to be an architect.

Fast forward to my high school years, I attended Skyline Center in Dallas, the nation’s first magnet high school with a career-prep program in architecture. That experience laid the foundation for my admission to Syracuse University’s School of Architecture, where I earned my Bachelor of Architecture degree. Soon after, I began my professional journey at Jacobs, where my career in aviation architecture took off — starting with designing TSA checkpoints as an architectural intern and later serving as a terminal planning consultant on master plans for airports such as Houston Bush, Baltimore-Washington, and Detroit.

Over time, I shifted from planning to design and construction management at Los Angeles International (LAX) and Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) airports. I’m fortunate to be in a role where I combine my technical background in airport design with a strategic lens shaped by my MBA. Airports are more than infrastructure — they’re businesses that must attract airlines, serve travelers, and support economic growth. Helping clients succeed both architecturally and operationally is what drives me now.

What excites you about working in airport architecture and design at this moment in time?

We’re at a pivotal moment in American infrastructure. The last major wave of airport construction in the U.S. occurred in the 1960s and ’70s — an era when architects and planners shaped the first generation of jet-age travel. Now, more than 50 years later, we’re being given that opportunity again. The facilities we’re designing now aren’t just for the next five or ten years, they’re going to shape the experience of air travel for the next 30 to 50 years. That kind of generational impact is incredibly exciting.

Most U.S. airports are focused on modernizing their existing facilities, which is an efficient and cost-effective strategy for ownership and operations. What truly really energizes me are the airports and cities that see this moment as more than just a renovation effort. They see it as a chance to reinvent themselves. When civic pride, political will, and long-term strategy align, airports become more than transit hubs — they become expressions of identity, ambition and economic vision.

With my background in both architecture and business, I bring a dual perspective to this work in thinking beyond just form and function — to understand the financial, operational and strategic goals that drive airport development.

How do you feel airport design positively impacts the community?

Airport design has a profound impact on the communities it serves. Airports aren’t just buildings — they’re economic engines. They enable supply chains, attract investment, support tourism and generate jobs. As an airport grows, so does the region around it.

Thoughtful design plays a key role in that growth. When we design airport spaces, we’re shaping a product — one that needs to appeal to passengers, airlines and businesses alike. If we get it right, the results are powerful: increased demand, more air service, stronger business partnerships, and greater economic vitality.

What excites me most is seeing how that impact ripples outward — through local job creation, opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses in airport concessions, and greater regional connectivity. If we create a space that passengers love and airlines view as a strategic opportunity, we’re helping that airport grow its market share — and, in turn, helping the community thrive. That’s the kind of meaningful work that makes airport design so rewarding.

Share a piece of career advice.

Be curious — and don’t limit yourself to your current role or business line. Especially early in your career, it’s easy to get tunnel vision and focus only on what’s directly in front of you. But some of the most valuable growth comes from stepping outside your lane.

Take the initiative to connect with leaders in other business groups. Most are more than willing to share insights into their career paths and highlight opportunities within their teams. AECOM is a global company with an incredible range of disciplines — if you’re open to exploring those intersections, you might find yourself working on projects or in places you never expected. Curiosity and cross-collaboration can take your career further than you imagined.

The post Aviation for a changing world: Meet Joe Cannon appeared first on Blog.

Could you tell us about your journey into architecture design and construction management?

Before entering the sports industry, most of my project experience began with large scale churches across North America, ranging from a few hundred seats to as large as 10,000 and with my degree in Interior Architecture from Kansas State University, it has allowed me a variety of experiences and development. The first third of my career focused on entry level architectural and interior work with base planning, documentation and development. The second third of my career was as a senior architect leading several project teams, and the next third of my career has been involved in more of the project management side. I’ve spent some time away from the architectural professional as I was on the owner’s side of the table, working as an owner’s representative for the Miami Dolphins, leading the construction administration of their renovation projects. All of which led me to where I am now at AECOM.

What inspired you to specialize in sports venues, and how did that path evolve?

Being the son of a retired lieutenant colonel in the USAF, we moved around a lot and settled in the Kansas City area, and I was always passionate about sports. Watching the Royals and Chiefs and later learning how their stadiums changed the sports architecture world, gave me a deep understanding of how a stadium can change history. Their evolution is what led to creating Kansas City as the sports architectural capital of the world. After joining Ellerbe Beckett (later acquired by AECOM), I took a two-year contract in Miami, Florida, to assist the Miami Dolphins with master planning. Those two years turned into eight, during which I served as owner and client representative for over $600 million in comprehensive facility upgrades.

After your time in Miami, how did your role evolve at AECOM?

I returned to Kansas City and joined AECOM in 2013 as an associate project manager. Now, I serve as Vice President, Sports Practice Leader and Senior Project Manager, and have worked on a wide range of professional sports projects — including the Intuit Dome, Golden 1 Center and Barclays Center.

How do you stay grounded during long complex projects and how would you keep the team inspired to get to the finish line?

Getting to the finish line is the ultimate prize. Making it to the grand opening, the first event or celebration is what it’s all about. Whether it’s a year or seven years of work, there’s no better feeling than seeing fans experience the venue for the first time. Watching them interact with the space exactly as we envisioned is incredibly rewarding. I don’t think there’s anything else like it in the world.

Intuit Dome has been called one of the most ambitious arenas ever built. What do you think sets it apart from your other projects?

When I stepped in as the Project Manager, we understood the technical challenges ahead. With Steve Ballmer’s vision — he’s very technically savvy — we focused on improving both the fan experience and operational efficiency. A major part of the design planning involved optimizing the placement of restrooms and concessions so that fans wouldn’t miss a second of the game. As a result, we implemented grab-and-go technology to minimize time away from the action. Our goal was to create a truly frictionless experience.

What’s one thing about Intuit Dome that fans may not realize, but that represents a breakthrough in how sports venues are delivered?

One groundbreaking feature is the use of facial recognition for entry and ticketing through the “Game Face ID” system, allowing fans to enter without a physical ticket. But it doesn’t stop there — technology is integrated throughout the venue. For example, in the Wall section, a screen delivers personalized messages to each fan just by looking at it. Even with 100 people using it simultaneously, the system tailors messages based on past purchases or even sound decibel levels from their seat.

Looking back, which project taught you the most and what did it teach you?

I began working with the Miami Dolphins in 1990, just a few years earlier they moved into a new stadium in 1987 — one of the first NFL venues to feature a premium club-level experience. I worked with the original owners on unfinished areas of the stadium, which were left open for future development. Around 1993, Wayne Huizenga became a minority owner and successfully brought the Marlins to Miami. From there, we began adapting the stadium for baseball. That project sparked my enthusiasm for sports architecture and ignited my passion for the industry. I saw the value of maintaining strong client relationships, not just professionally, but personally. My two daughters have both worked in this industry, and from the beginning, I told them that this is a personal business — it’s all about building and sustaining strong relationships. It’s the same message I share with junior architects entering the field: success in this profession hinges not just on talent, but on the relationships you cultivate and maintain over time.

The post Behind the sports and entertainment centers that changed the game: Meet Frank Anderson appeared first on Blog.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elevated Suzanne, who leads our Buildings + Places Education Practice in the U.S. East and Latin America, to its prestigious College of Fellows. This distinction is the AIA’s highest membership honor, recognizing architects who have made significant contributions to the field and achieving a standard of excellence in their profession.

We invited Suzanne to tell us more about her career, the lessons she’s learned along the way and what she sees for the future of the industry.

What does it mean to you to receive this distinction from the AIA?

Receiving Fellowship in the AIA is a profound honor that represents not just personal achievement, but also recognition of the collective impact of my work on the profession, educational institutions and the broader community. I have committed to advancing architectural practice in higher education throughout my career, from fostering innovative design solutions that enhance learning environments to mentoring emerging leaders in the field. This distinction affirms the value of that work and reinforces my responsibility to continue shaping the profession by sharing knowledge, elevating design excellence, and championing sustainability and inclusivity in academic architecture​.

Over the course of your career, what has been your most memorable moment as an architect, or what moment has shaped your approach/philosophy?

One of the most defining moments in my career was leading the McLeod Tyler Wellness Center project at the College of William & Mary. This project challenged me to rethink how architecture can holistically support student well-being, blending clinical, counseling and wellness spaces into a seamless, welcoming environment. By integrating evidence-based design strategies — such as biophilic elements, natural light and adaptable spaces — we created a facility that actively reduces the stigma of seeking support while fostering a sense of belonging and resilience. Seeing students embrace this facility and knowing it has a measurable impact on their mental and physical well-being reinforced my belief that architecture is not just about buildings — it is about shaping experiences that empower individuals and communities to thrive​.

How do you define successful architecture in the context of educational facilities? Is that definition changing as we look toward future trends?

Successful architecture in educational settings is about more than just function — it must foster a sense of belonging, inspire intellectual curiosity and enhance student outcomes. A well-designed academic environment seamlessly integrates flexibility, sustainability and technology while supporting diverse pedagogical approaches. The definition of success is evolving as campuses adapt to shifting learning models, emerging technologies and the growing emphasis on well-being. Today, the best educational facilities prioritize adaptability, interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring that spaces not only serve immediate needs but also remain relevant for future generations. My work at institutions like James Madison University, Prince George’s Community College and The College of New Jersey exemplifies this forward-thinking approach, where strategic planning and evidence-based design create transformative environments that support both students and educators​.

The post Suzanne Klein elevated to AIA’s College of Fellows appeared first on Blog.

In the Intuit Dome blog series, we’ve taken a deep dive into each element of Intuit Dome with the leaders who made this project a reality. Today, we learn more about the empowering design architects who brought this project to life and their experience as women in architecture.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture, and how did your background influence your design approach on Intuit Dome?

My diverse background includes experiences in sports, corporate, hospitality and furniture. This has equipped me with a unique perspective and an ability to problem-solve creatively. I enjoy looking at situations from different angles, whether it’s the big picture or the smallest details.

I pursued architecture because I enjoy challenges, allowing me to explore new ideas using technology and art.

My passion began with a deep curiosity about how things work and a fascination with the world around us. This curiosity led me to pursue an engineering degree, where I found the intersection of physics and building design especially captivating. I was drawn to building physics — the study of how the laws of physics apply to the built environment — which ultimately shaped my career path. In 2013, I was fortunate to transition to the High-Performance Buildings and Communities team within our Buildings + Places business line. There, I worked on notable projects such as the Golden 1 Center, applying the lessons learned to future endeavors like Intuit Dome.

Q: Can you describe your specific role with Intuit Dome? What were your main responsibilities?

As the Lead Interior Designer, I was responsible for creating premium, team and public spaces that aligned with the owner’s vision. I collaborated with the team to develop unique designs that catered to the needs of patrons, the team and Clippers staff, overseeing the project from conception to completion.

The Intuit Dome project has many components such as the arena, garages, ancillary buildings and the outdoor plaza. I led the design team for the arena and my primary responsibilities were coordinating the architectural team and the discipline designers, i.e., structural engineers, mechanical engineers and others to deliver contract documents to the construction team.

In my role on the Intuit Dome project, I led the performance-based design modeling, collaborating with high-performance building design specialists across our regions, including the U.S., the UK and Australia. My primary responsibility was to support the project in achieving its ambitious sustainability targets, such as net zero carbon, 100 percent electric energy use and LEED Platinum certification. Additionally, I worked to balance these sustainability goals with other key project requirements, such as enhancing aesthetics, optimizing the fan experience, ensuring thermal comfort and managing costs.

Q: How do you think projects like Intuit Dome contribute to the visibility and recognition of women in architecture?

The prominent presence of women in leadership roles on the Intuit Dome project, including architects, designers, specifiers, construction managers, owners’ representatives and clients, has significantly advanced the field of architecture. Our visibility off-site waiting for a rideshare or our coffee order, often marked by the distinctive PPE gear, has sparked conversations about gender diversity and inspired a desire for more women in these roles.

The Intuit Dome project contributed extensively to the visibility of women in business and architecture. Women were visible at all levels from Gillian Zucker, President of Business Operations for the LA Clippers to young intern architects at our office.

Projects like Intuit Dome are excellent platforms to highlight the invaluable contributions women make to iconic projects, reinforcing their visibility and recognition in architecture. Role models play a critical role in this process, as studies have shown that nearly 60 percent of women believe having a relatable role model is essential to achieving career success. Seeing women in leadership positions on such high-profile projects boosts confidence and support for others, demonstrating that women not only belong in these spaces but are instrumental to their success.

Q: How has the acceptance of women in your field changed throughout the years? How do you think it will look in the future?

Over the years, I’ve witnessed a gradual increase in the acceptance of women in architecture. This trend is encouraging, and I believe it will continue as younger generations recognize the profession as a viable career path. I hope that we’ll eventually achieve gender equality in the field.

I have observed a growing acceptance of women in the workplace, largely due to a stronger focus on diversity and inclusion. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that all women can fully realize their potential and thrive in their careers, and I hope this will occur in the future. Raising awareness and discussing biases and their impact on women’s careers is key, as is fostering a culture of respect and belonging that celebrates diversity. Accountability, particularly at the managerial level, is crucial to advancing diversity and inclusion with leaders supporting work-life balance through flexible working arrangements to help women succeed.

The post Q&A with the women behind the design of Intuit Dome appeared first on Blog.

In the Intuit Dome blog series, we are taking a deep dive into each element of Intuit Dome with the leaders who made this project a reality. Throughout these pieces, we discuss features like community engagement, sustainability and visionary design/innovation to learn more about what makes Intuit Dome a game-changer in sports and entertainment.

LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer originally thought that having an existing building (Staples Center at the time) would be beneficial when he bought the team. Within the first six months, he realized that the situation was unworkable as the third tenant in the building, so he sought out AECOM as lead designer when he was envisioning the creation of his team’s new home. After initial site selection and concept design, Ballmer then brought AECOM Hunt on board to review real-time construction cost estimates. A separate procurement led to the hire of an AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction joint venture as construction manager at-risk. From there, a unique partnership formed that proved to be as iconic as the venue itself.

The magnitude of this project drove the design and delivery team because of Steve Ballmer’s leadership and commitment. On many projects, the design team and contractors are put in opposing camps to identify responsibility for risk or challenges. With Intuit Dome, everyone set aside historic practices to put the success of the project first. The typical process of change orders and requests for information was not discussed in contractual terms but instead focused on solutions. Combining design and construction management expertise to complete this project elevates it to another level.

AECOM has served concurrently in both roles in the past, most recently at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, but typically these roles have been contracted separately with the assumption that we would act in traditional designer/contractor roles. However, this is the first time that we have engaged in a full collaboration along with the team at CAA ICON.  Across all team members, regardless of company, everyone’s focus was on delivering the highest standard for our client. 

Intuit Dome supersedes all others in the sports and entertainment realm regarding technological advancements. With the arena’s design and ambitious technology goals, the team coordinated with technology partners early in preconstruction. The most visible symbol of this commitment is the Halo scoreboard, which is almost an acre of 4k LED screens, 4-5 times the size of a typical NBA scoreboard. This is also the first time a venue is equipped with fan focused technology like frictionless point-of-sale — from concessions, to merchandise, to their very own seat. With the technology ingrained into the building, the focus is truly on creating an atmosphere that prioritizes the fan experience.

Additionally, on the construction side, the team utilized Microsoft HoloLens technology allowing crews to use real-time BIM information in augmented reality to verify work in place and resolve conflicts. We believe that we’re just scratching the surface of the future usage of technology on large-scale projects like Intuit Dome.

Throughout the design and construction process, a few challenges arose for our team to conquer. This project was unique in that we had to deliver the design and construction documents during COVID-19 while working across offices in LA, Chicago, Kansas City, London and Melbourne. The joint venture had to deal with the cost impact of the pandemic as well as limited commodities and reliance on overseas work. As a result, our team was very clear to the client about the cost impact and to outline the increases and risks.

Moreover, one main schedule issue on the project involved the fabrication and delivery of our diagrid steel. The stadium’s 2,791-ton diagrid structural steel frame (or gridshell) is a design inspired by a basketball net. It consists primarily of pipe radial, diagonal members and complex nodes. The arena enclosure, parking garage, plaza and garden were all impacted by the diagrad’s delivery schedule. Despite all schedule challenges, our team worked cohesively to meet our client’s needs by creating different sequences to pull certain components of the work forward.

Beyond the arena, the project’s connection to the surrounding neighborhood was critical, both socially and sustainably. The LA Clippers worked with the City of Inglewood on a far-reaching benefits package — funding for schools, housing, infrastructure and jobs have all been part of the commitment to develop an arena with positive community impact. Inglewood Mayor James Butts wanted this project to increase employment opportunities in his city, especially the training of young adults. Before the construction of Intuit Dome and SoFi Stadium just to the north, the unemployment rate in Inglewood was around 17 percent. Now, as job creation in the area has increased, the unemployment rate has declined to around 4 percent.

All in all, the AECOM partnership proved to be more efficient and cost-effective, allowed for greater design quality and produced a better outcome. Working together and successfully creating a world-renowned venue speaks volumes to our ability as a company to be able to deliver a show-stopping project like Intuit Dome.

The post The partnership behind the design and construction of Intuit Dome appeared first on Blog.

Mylena Maximo is an architectural coordinator based in Brazil specializing in data center design. During her career at AECOM, she has overseen the completion of four data centers and 14 logistics warehouses. Her design principles navigate challenges such as energy efficiency and environmental impact. Her approach to staying current with rapidly evolving technologies allows her to be adept at customizing solutions for our clients.

Tell us a bit about yourself – your role and career journey.    

For as long as I can remember I’ve always been fascinated with buildings and had a desire to pursue a career in architecture. I graduated with a degree in architecture in 2013 and joined an engineering firm with an architectural division, which gave me a great opportunity to interact with lots of different teams regularly and contributed significantly to my growth as an architect.

I joined AECOM in 2019 where I’m currently the architectural coordinator for AECOM’s Buildings + Places business in Brazil. Over the last 10 years, I’ve been fortunate to work on a diverse range of projects, including schools, water parks, residential towers, corporate real estate, and more recently, data centers and logistic warehouses. I’ve overseen the completion of four data centers with a total capacity of 120 megawatt and 14 logistics warehouses which has helped me refine my professional journey tremendously.

Talk to us about a project that has impacted or been a major highlight of your career. How is it solving the challenges and issues our technology clients and communities are facing today?  

The market and demand for data centers are rapidly growing.  On top of the intricacies of installations and equivalents in data centers, there is the complexity of the MEP requirements and the need for very meticulous coordination between Long Lead Equipment (LLE) in the initial design phases. On one particular data center project, I worked with a client who didn’t speak Portuguese. Initially I thought this would be a challenge and barrier, but it actually allowed me to be exposed to different global architectural practices and approaches and resulted in a really enriching experience.

Data centers play a crucial role in modern society, contributing significantly to community development in many ways. They facilitate digital transformation, support the development of new technologies like artificial intelligence, aid scientific research, and enhance community connectivity through improved access to information. It is rewarding to be part of a project that, when completed, will enable more efficient data handling and foster innovation.

What are the key considerations and challenges you take into account when designing a data center, particularly in terms of infrastructure, scalability and energy efficiency?

Designing data centers involves addressing challenges such as energy efficiency, water consumption, environmental impact, and data privacy. We need to ensure that the facilities are deployed responsibly and sustainably to the end users and communities. One key consideration throughout every data center project is the site selection phase, as the location of a data center can have a huge impact on the environment, costs and overall operation. We always consider factors like energy and water availability, climate, and potential for future expansion due to the growing demands of the market.

Here in Brazil, AECOM is conducting audits to assess the technical, social and environmental impacts associated with data centers. As designers, we always make sure we stay up to date with the latest technologies and construction materials to ensure we provide optimal solutions, not only for our clients but also for the local communities to ensure that our data center designs minimize their environmental footprint.

How do you go about assessing the unique needs and goals of clients when beginning a new design project, especially in the context of hyperscale data centers or logistics warehouses?

We take a multifaceted approach to understanding and meeting our data center and logistics clients’ unique needs. Many types of hyperscale data centers are from outside Brazil, but we always ensure the prototypes align with Brazilian codes, even if there’s rigidity with the prototypes. We actively suggest engineering solutions aligned with the local Brazilian context and consider local challenges. For example, in our design for one data center in Brazil, we incorporated a rainwater collection system to reduce water wastage.

We don’t have a one size fits all solution for our clients — we customize solutions for them as technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning change and evolve so rapidly. The unpredictable nature of these technologies drives us to stay current with the latest updates in the market and share insights with the clients’ technical teams, ensuring our designs align with the industry needs of today and tomorrow.

The post Digital Infrastructure: Meet Mylena Maximo appeared first on Blog.

In the Intuit Dome blog series, we are taking a deep dive into each element of Intuit Dome with the leaders who made this project a reality. Throughout these pieces, we discuss features like community engagement, sustainability and visionary design/innovation to learn more about what makes Intuit Dome a game-changer in sports and entertainment.

Intuit Dome, the new permanent home of the Los Angeles Clippers, has been designed with a level of innovation and excellence that supersedes all others in the industry. With meticulous attention to detail from the gridshell exterior of the building to the myriad features inside that prioritize the fans and the community, Intuit Dome will provide a unique, multidimensional experience. The centerpiece of this mixed-use development is the 18,000-seat arena which is combined with 100,000 square feet of administrative office space, 9,500 square feet of retail space, an 86,000-square-foot training facility, and community amenities including an open public plaza with a large media screen, concert stage and basketball court. A key motivator behind Intuit Dome’s design features and envisioned user experience is a strong commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainability.

As a design architect, I believe a building should be tuned to its environment. Whether the project is a tower in the Middle East or a rail station in China, our design teams strive to create buildings that fit into and work appropriately within the context of their surroundings. A large part of this concept is ensuring that the building is efficient in terms of how it uses resources. In Los Angeles, we need to conserve water, but we have the benefit of abundant daylight and mild temperatures.  Additionally, we tried to connect the visitor experience to the California environment to create a unique presence for Intuit Dome.

When we looked at the Intuit Dome program, it proved to be larger than the usual arena facility, so it needed an expanded “envelope.” As conceived by our design team, Intuit Dome’s architecture works with the favorable Southern California climate by allowing as much fresh air and daylight inside the building as possible. An innovative gridshell enclosure creates an envelope that defines the volume of the building. It encompasses the arena and team-related facilities as well as the informal spaces, which include indoor/outdoor terraces, linking the primary levels of the interior of the building to its natural surroundings.

Appropriate to the California climate, the outside skin of the building, or gridshell, is built of ultra-lightweight material and seismically isolated from the building’s structure. The gridshell carries a system of flexible, durable membrane panels that modulate wind, sun and rain. The three panel types, ETFE, PTFE and laminated PTFE, protect most of the informal spaces from rain while also allowing for fresh air flow and solar glare control. These membrane materials are translucent and do not reflect light like glass. As a result, the material is a better surface for bird safety, which is important as Intuit Dome is located within a major avian migration path. The venue will use 100 percent outdoor air within the arena bowl, reducing energy consumption, enhancing thermal comfort and providing significant health benefits. The shell design also improves the outward perception of the venue. Since the primary interior spaces are separately enclosed and acoustically insulated, the informal exterior spaces are opened giving visibility to internal movement that allows the venue to have a lively active expression.

The interior of the building is as innovative as the exterior. Intuit Dome’s 18,000-seat arena is designed to both bring fans closer to the action and give them the most legroom in the NBA, whether they’re sitting in premium locations courtside or in the upper bowl. The loudest contingent of Clippers fans will be located immediately behind the opposing team’s basket, in a steep section we call “The Wall” where there will be special features catering to these fans. Our upper bowl seats are accessed from above rather than below to make that experience less intimidating. The innovative design of the unique halo-shaped LED scoreboard will bring statistics and replay footage for the audience at an unmatched scale. The form of the board allows it to be easily visible from all seats, but it is lifted to the rafters so that it does not compete with the action on the court. The curved surface of the board totals almost an acre of media.

For the players, office staff and Clippers organization, we have designed their part of the facility to feel like home. Access points have been coordinated to provide privacy and convenience. The team locker room is used for both practices and on game day for easy movement to the practice courts, training room and therapy equipment. The practice courts and dining areas have views of a lush, terraced landscape that includes a lap pool.

Going beyond the building, it is important to us that Intuit Dome belongs to its neighborhood. To do this, we designed a large public plaza that leads to the front entrance. This vibrant community space features a large media screen and basketball court framed by retail, restaurants and a grand staircase shaded by a canopy. Visitors can access these amenities, even if they don’t have tickets to an event. The plaza can allow anyone to enjoy a game on the public screen and partake in the energy and excitement that concerts and NBA games will bring.

From redefining the multidimensional fan experience and environmental standards to empowering economic revitalization and community connections, Intuit Dome is truly more than an arena providing the blueprint for a sustainable legacy.

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In the Intuit Dome blog series, we are taking a deep dive into each element of Intuit Dome with the leaders who made this project a reality. Throughout these pieces, we discuss features like community engagement, sustainability and visionary design/innovation to learn more about what makes Intuit Dome a game-changer in sports and entertainment.

A game-changer in sustainable arena design and community impact, Intuit Dome topples all categories in innovative sports architecture. Design features like a unique gridshell enclosure, a 38,375-square-foot halo-shaped LED board, five full-size courts, a commitment to carbon neutrality and much more make Intuit Dome an iconic sports and entertainment venue.

Although an extraordinary level of innovation and attention to detail has informed the design of the internal aspects of the Intuit Dome program, its connection to the surrounding neighborhood was also critical, both socially and sustainably. The LA Clippers worked with the City of Inglewood on a far-reaching benefits package— funding for schools, housing, infrastructure and jobs have all been part of the commitment to develop an arena with positive community impact. Intuit Dome naming rights partner Intuit is committed to making the arena a hub for programs that power economic prosperity and benefit the community.

As a native Angeleno born and raised in Inglewood, I understand the need for empowerment and investment for the long-term development of this community. AECOM was given the opportunity to not only develop and design Intuit Dome, but the responsibility of ensuring that this project brought about positive social impact and economic inclusion. As Intuit Dome’s VP for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), my job was to lead the charge for community engagement to effect that ambitious goal.

The positive impact is already in motion. Local Inglewood businesses are getting their first opportunity to take part in a massive global project in their own backyard. Workforce development programs have given second chances to union workers with good pay and benefits. With these commitments also comes looking toward the future of infrastructure in Inglewood. Our team firmly believes in “leaving it better than how we found it.” We are interested in not just building the future of physical infrastructure but human infrastructure as well. For this project, that entails a dedication to the youth and prioritization of sustainable legacies.

You can design and build one of the most notable arenas in the world and create a vast impact and ensure there is a legacy to leave behind at the very same time.

For Intuit Dome, we have focused on four key pillars as they relate to community engagement and AECOM’s commitment to the client and arena. The first is business inclusion, honing in on requirements, goals, and efforts so that minority and local businesses participate in the project’s success through subcontracting. The next pillar is workforce development, which involves setting goals to ensure that AECOM prioritizes local community members in relation to the building trades. The third pillar is community and stakeholder engagement. For this pillar, I manage the relationships outside of the project, ranging from the mayor to city council to community organizations, nearby residents, and local businesses. Creating a foundation with these elements helps AECOM to lean into the community and support local organizations and local community members and set up a good neighbor program.

The last pillar is youth education. We are deeply committed to including the local youth in the region— who are a large part of the overall success of the project. The team has programming ranging from student tours to youth career fairs. As part of the youth education pillar, AECOM has built a strong partnership with the ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) Mentor Program, which provides exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) understanding, engagement and opportunities for students at a local high school, City Honors High School, as part of Inglewood Unified School District. The impact that AECOM has on the community is one of the most impressive parts of the arena and this program showcases that. AECOM also brought the first-ever pre-apprenticeship program to Inglewood Unified School District, ensuring that with the legacy left behind, there will be a more sufficient pipeline from high school to post-high school into the building trades.

The overall vital commitment to the community is also tangibly illustrated through Inglewood’s drop in unemployment rates. Prior to the construction of Intuit Dome and SoFi Stadium just to the north, the unemployment rate in Inglewood was around 17 percent. Now, as job creation in the area has increased, the unemployment rate has declined to around 4 percent.

We have the talent in our own backyards. Our investment in them is how we ensure that we tap into those resources and talents and bring them into the company to help move communities forward, in Los Angeles and beyond.

Learn more about Intuit Dome and how we are delivering a better world in Los Angeles and beyond. Get inside Intuit Dome.

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Fernando Temprano is a director of architecture from our Buildings +Places business in Madrid, Spain. His expertise in designing hotel and hospitality projects has been instrumental in leading a multibillion-dollar project in Europe, showcasing his visionary approach and commitment to architectural excellence in the sector.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself – your role and career journey

I have been working as an architect on hotel and hospitality projects across Europe for over 23 years. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many different hotel operators and to travel all around the world. Before joining AECOM, I gained valuable experience at renowned architectural firms in Spain, including Salvador Pérez Arroyo Studio where I managed projects for globally acclaimed architects such as Sir Peter Cook and led projects from the initial concept sketches to overseeing on-site construction, a practice embraced in Spain. Our architectural and interior design practice in Spain is now over 150 people, delivering projects all over the world.

2. Talk to us about a hotel project that has impacted or been a major highlight of your career. How is it solving the challenges and issues our clients and communities are facing today?

One of my favorite projects is leading the design for a multibillion-dollar mixed-use complex comprising residential, commercial and hotels. My role involves the seamless collaboration of various disciplines, such as advisory, master planning, architecture, interior design, and engineering services to create a synergy of expertise at every project phase.

Another major highlight of my career to date has been working in collaboration with the Cypriot government to design and deliver a new master plan for Larnaca — the third largest city in Cyprus. Our transformative, mixed-use solution combines residential areas, commercial offices, hotels, a port and a marina that allows us to give the sea back to the city and its citizens. Our design is one that prioritizes social value and the best sustainability measures. It fosters spaces for socializing, meetings, business, education, and more for the community, helping to bring this part of the city back to life for the people of Larnaca.

This is a perfect example of how we’ve been able to prioritize the implementation of environmental solutions in our design and ensure alignment with sustainable environmental practices. Our collaboration with the Cypriot government was vital in ensuring that every stakeholder had an opportunity to contribute to the shaping and the success of the project — from politicians to tourism agencies, we were able to incorporate their insights into the design and underscore our commitment to enhancing the well-being of the people of Larnaca.

3. Share a little insight into how you approach combing design aesthetic and functionality to enhance the guest experience?

I firmly believe that good design should always prioritize functionality. However, functionality encompasses more than just usability — it extends to the broader impact on the surroundings.

When we’re designing a building, we’re essentially shaping a part of the city. Designing a hotel centered on user experience is a top priority — it aims to engage the senses, create a memorable stay, and influence the reputations of hotel owners and operators — and involves everything from the quality of materials to the overall impression visitors have of the city. The guest experience starts with the arrival, and I believe that whether you’re on vacation, a business trip, or simply exploring a new city, it should be a special and memorable one. From shaping the cityscape to the tiniest details in every room, we can make a difference through thoughtful material choices, color palettes, lighting and other personalized elements. As a global company, we’re attuned to emerging trends in the industry all around the world and actively integrate these insights into our projects to ensure our designs offer a distinct and memorable experience for each and every user.

4. How is the need for our clients to decarbonize and become more sustainable driving our design solutions?

Our commitment to delivering impactful design solutions is driven by a shared goal of sustainability with our clients. We recognize the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and minimize the environmental impact of our projects. Sustainability is integrated into every aspect of our design approach. We focus on reducing energy consumption through innovative design elements, such as facade enhancements and efficient construction solutions. By reimagining various project aspects, including circulation and construction techniques, we can significantly decrease carbon emissions. We have also created our own tools to be able to measure carbon reduction, so we can mitigate the negative environmental impact of the projects.

We’re thrilled to see that our clients are increasingly seeking decarbonization solutions for existing assets, demonstrating their commitment to reducing emissions. We collaborate with experts from across the industry in sustainability, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing), and architecture to ensure a holistic approach and the best solutions for our clients. Being able to contribute to meaningful emissions reduction provides us with a sense of pride.

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