Earl Santee is one of the most experienced sports designers in the world. Over his 26-year career at Populous, Santee has developed a portfolio of projects that have helped bring urban life back to such cities as Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Houston, Denver and St. Louis. Considered an urban designer first and architect second, Santee’s philosophy is that urban sites shape the buildings he designs. As such, he has successfully selected more than 40 sites for sports venues spanning the country. The buildings he has designed – highlighted by 18 Major League ballparks and 40 spring training and minor league ballparks as well as collegiate work including Baylor Stadium and the Kyle Field redevelopment plan at Texas A&M – are each fitting for their unique site and surroundings. Santee’s buildings are more than just form; they also capture the spirit and emotion of the place, creating distinct moments that last forever for the millions of fans who enjoy his buildings. His is a nonformulaic approach to a seemingly formulaic building type.

Santee serves on the Populous board of directors and was instrumental in guiding the firm in its transition to a new brand in 2009. He received bachelor’s degrees in architecture and environmental design from the University of Kansas. Santee is a registered architect and a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Society for American Baseball Research, Stadium Managers Association and the Urban Land Institute. He is a frequent speaker and author on trends in sports architecture. In 2004, Santee was named Sports Business Journal’s Most Influential Person in Sports Facility Design and Development and was named 2010 Sportsman of the Year by the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Earl Santee is one of the most experienced sports designers in the world. Over his 26-year career at Populous, Santee has developed a portfolio of projects that have helped bring urban life back to such cities as Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Houston, Denver and St. Louis. Considered an urban designer first and architect second, Santee’s philosophy is that urban sites shape the buildings he designs. As such, he has successfully selected more than 40 sites for sports venues spanning the country. The buildings he has designed – highlighted by 18 Major League ballparks and 40 spring training and minor league ballparks Read More »