HNTB announces partnership with Drew Brees for next era of innovation in sports

American architecture studio HNTB has announced a strategic partnership with retired NFL quarterback Drew Brees aimed at improving the design of domestic sports stadiums and infrastructure.

Timed to coincide with the architecture studio's 50th anniversary, the partnership was established to leverage insights taken from Brees' 20-year career to deliver a better quality stadium experience for fans and athletes alike.

Brees, who is American professional football's second all-time leading passer, has earned a reputation outside of sports as a philanthropist and business leader. He lauded HNTB and said its values aligned with his own.

Desiging the future of stadiums

"HNTB is a company that designs more than facilities — it creates experiences, opportunities and communities," Brees said. "I'm excited to partner with a firm whose values reflect my own and whose mission aligns with my passion for innovation, leadership and excellence in performance."

In announcing the initiative, HNTB's president for corporate development Doug Mann said Brees character will help the studio innovate in design.

"Drew's integrity and drive reflect the same principles we hold ourselves to at HNTB – collaboration, vision and unwavering commitment to excellence," said Mann. "We're thrilled to welcome him as a strategic partner who can help us lead the next era of innovation in sports and civic design for our clients."

According to the studio, Brees' experience on the field throughout a variety of stadium configurations and levels will help to inform the studio's programmes.

In a promotional video titled Designing the Future of Stadiums , Brees also noted the importance of sustainability in his vision of design.

The studio said that these principles reinforce its own.

Staying ahead of trends

"Drew strengthens our position because he reinforces what we're already built for – proven design leadership and technical excellence," HNTB chief design officer Ryan Gedney told Dezeen.

"The partnership also helps us stay ahead of trends because Drew has a strong instinct for how fan behavior is changing, how premium experiences are evolving, and how venues need to perform year-round."

Brees has used his platform throughout his career to promote community development initiatives such as the construction of healthcare facilities, cancer research, and youth empowerment through the Brees Dream Foundation, which was established in 2006 to aid New Orleans in its recovery from Hurricane Katrina.

"Drew Brees represents excellence — not just on the field, but in every endeavor he pursues," said Robert Slimp, chairman and CEO at HNTB. "His ability to connect with decision-makers, inspire collaboration and drive impact is instrumental as we continue to expand our footprint in sports architecture and infrastructure."

The stadium design sector has proven to be a very lucrative bet for many American firms of late. It expects to reach a total market size of $38 billion globally in the next seven years, according to Deloitte.

First established as a civil engineering concern in 1914, HNTB is working with BIG to design the forthcoming Las Vegas MLB ballpark for 2028.

Dezeen recently took a close look at HTNB's 2014 design of Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, host of this year's Super Bowl.

Other recent sport updates from the US include a new Washington Commanders Stadium design from HKS in the American capital's RFK Campus and a soon-to-open $2.2 billion NFL stadium in Buffalo, New York, that features the "world's largest snowmelt system."

The photo is by Trevor Hawkins, courtesy of HNTB.

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