December 2, 2024
A Look Inside Populous Americas
What we create for others mirrors the environment we build for ourselves. We emphasize connection, ensuring our newest team members feel supported and inspired. By cultivating enjoyment and a sense of belonging within our own walls, we equip our team to design environments that nurture these same qualities for others.
In this blog, you’ll hear directly from our colleagues in each of our offices, sharing their journeys, perspectives and how they’ve found their place at Populous. Their voices illustrate the blend of passion, curiosity and camaraderie that defines our approach to design — and to life.
Boston
Perspective from Logan Costner:
After joining Populous, what’s been an unexpected yet exciting aspect of your job/the team?
After starting my career at a smaller design studio, I was concerned with the transition to a larger firm and having a voice during the design process. However, I couldn’t be more impressed by the agency and respect my peers in the Boston office give me. The team not only encourages me to participate, but has also implemented my ideas in every project.
Dallas
Perspective from Trenton Scott:
If you could share one piece of advice with someone considering starting at Populous, what would it be?
If I could share one piece of advice to someone considering starting at Populous. I would simply tell them to prepare to be yourself, in this day and age we need authenticity because it produces growth within our self, team, and industry.
How does Dallas inspire you in your daily life, creatively or otherwise?
The city of Dallas is new to me but it inspires me to expand my knowledge of creativity. I’ve been riding the Dart Train Station and understanding the different modes of transportation for different people helps me think about better design opportunities for the future.
Denver
Perspective from Sophie Roberts:
What has been the most fulfilling part of your experience at Populous so far in your city?
Making some really great friends. I moved across the country for this job and didn’t know anyone in Denver, but the office is very sociable, and I’ve made some great friendships that now extend beyond the workplace. Since the Denver office houses our events practice, along with architecture and interior design, there is always a great dynamic of creative thought in the office.
After joining Populous, what’s been an unexpected yet exciting aspect of your job/the team?
How much I enjoy being on site for events. As an event designer, I spend so much time drawing and planning before the event that working the event itself is such a satisfying culmination of the hard work that the whole team has put in. It’s a great chance to become closer with coworkers and with the client. And seeing fans attend the event and be so excited really makes me appreciate my job and the work Populous does.
Houston
Perspective from Sebastien Torres:
What has been the most fulfilling part of your experience at Populous so far in Houston?
With Houston being such a new office, it’s been great watching the group develop a unique personality that fits into Populous as a whole while being distinct unto itself. We’re a close group with a strong passion for creating great public spaces in our city.
Kansas City
Perspective from Whitley Stephens:
After joining Populous, what’s been an unexpected yet exciting aspect of your job/the team?
All of the relationships and camaraderie built with clients, consultants, contractors and especially team members. After a project is complete it is fun to reminisce on all the learned experiences and fun times had as a team. Even more so I enjoy stories our more seasoned staff share of their past experiences and younger days at Populous. You know the history of Populous, but there’s something to be said about learning the rich history and deep roots we have in sports through those who created it.
Los Angeles
Perspective from Dominique La France:
If you could share one piece of advice with someone considering starting at Populous, what would it be?
At Populous, everyone has an equal voice. Regardless of your experience level or job title, you’re always encouraged to share your ideas — because the best idea always wins, no matter who it comes from.
How does Los Angeles inspire you in your daily life, creatively or otherwise?
LA is a city rich in culture and diversity where everyone has a unique story to tell. This dynamic mix of backgrounds and perspectives fuel my creativity daily. A key cultural influence here is the entertainment scene — it’s truly unbeatable. Whether it’s a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, a local film festival, a baseball game at Dodger Stadium, or an up-and-coming restaurant that everyone’s talking about, there’s always something happening and new people to meet.
New York
Perspective from Han Jiang:
How does New York inspire you in your daily life, creatively or otherwise?
New York City is a countless source of inspiration with its rich blend of designers’ works and iconic architecture with modern and historical styles. The city’s diverse and inclusive culture provides a creative environment, and its countless art exhibitions and world-class museums open a lot of doors for exploration and learning. I love riding my bike through the city, soaking in its unique energy and discovering new perspectives that fuel my creativity every day.
Norman
Perspective from Farzan Mahmoudzadeh:
If you could share one piece of advice with someone considering starting at Populous, what would it be?
Populous gives you the opportunity to grow and find where your passion is. Networking and immersing yourself in as many different initiatives as you can is a great way to develop professionally and receive one-on-one mentorship from experts in the field. The nature of our projects is very specialized, so no one expects new hires to know everything. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Portland
Perspective from Whitney Ranson:
How does Portland inspire you in your daily life, creatively or otherwise?
The presence and easy connection to nature throughout the city of Portland. Access to places like Forest Park even in the heart of Portland feels like an oasis in the city. The culture of craft and innovation across the broader design community in the PNW keeps me inspired daily.
San Francisco
Perspective from Casey Hagen:
What has been the most fulfilling part of your experience at Populous so far in San Francisco?
The diversity of ideas and thoughts in San Francisco give energy and life to our projects, and our shared experiences we can bring to the wider group to share trends in our niche area of the tech-centric world to help shape projects at Populous.
What’s one lesson or insight you’ve gained from living in San Francisco?
Keeping an open mind and an open sketchbook, to document what people sense from the buildings and environments we create. There are many ways to look at what initially we think of as challenges, but in the end, become opportunities.
The voices of our colleagues, from interns and new graduates to those who have spent their entire careers with us, highlight what makes Populous unique. Together, we share a passion for creating spaces where people connect and stories unfold.The story of Populous is written through its people — across every city, every office and every project. Each office brings its own character, shaped by the city it calls home and the individuals who work there. But what binds us all together is the same belief: design is about drawing people together.
Learn more about our intern and new graduate programs at populous.com/join.
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