Populous's Rod Sheard, one of the key figures behind the management buyout, says: “We celebrate a new beginning in 2009 as an independently-owned design practice. Our new name, Populous, reflects our management buyout and separation from HOK Group of St. Louis, Missouri in December 2008. With clarity of vision and purpose that only amplifies our expertise, all of the people, portfolio, capabilities and expertise formerly known as HOK Sport Venue Event continue as Populous.
The firm says: "Populous is a global design practice specializing in creating environments that draw people and communities together for unforgettable experiences"
Farewell HOK. Power to the Populous!
The directors of the former sport business have put a positive spin on their division's separation from HOK International – itself the world's largest architectural firm – but industry observers have speculated that the split was forced on the sports group. Of its former parent group, Sheard previously said that "HOK is a very capable generalist practice and the two approaches were best seperated to allow both to fulfill their potential and to allow both firms to develop their approach to design independently. It was a mutually agreed idea. We had grown in 25 years to a 500-employee firm with a £75m turnover and a level of expertise in sport and venue buildings that is the best in the world."
Looking ahead, Sheard says that he believes the new brand "will allow us to be even more focussed on our clients needs and to explore growth and design opportunities anywhere in the world."
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