In a move that could reshape the future of multidisciplinary design practice, Populous has acquired OJB Landscape Architecture, one of the most respected landscape architecture and urban design firms in the United States.
The acquisition marks a significant strategic expansion for Populous, the global architecture firm best known for designing some of the world’s most recognizable sports and entertainment venues. By bringing OJB into its orbit, the firm is making a decisive move into landscape architecture, urban design, and large-scale public realm planning at a moment when cities, developers, and institutions increasingly view outdoor space as central—not supplemental—to architecture itself.
The deal also reflects a broader shift occurring across the architecture industry, where major firms are racing to assemble integrated multidisciplinary practices capable of delivering entire districts and immersive environments rather than standalone buildings.
“This acquisition significantly enhances Populous’ capabilities in landscape architecture, urban design and the public realm —unlocking new opportunities across sport, entertainment, civic and mixed-use developments,” the firms said in the announcement.
James Burnett founded OJB Landscape Archtiecture in 1989. Photo courtesy Populous.
Founded in 1989 by landscape architect James Burnett, OJB has built a national reputation for transforming public space into experiential civic infrastructure. The firm’s portfolio includes projects such as Omaha RiverFront in Nebraska, Downtown Cary Park in North Carolina, and Seaport Village in San Diego—projects that merge ecology, placemaking, recreation, and urban identity.
Target Field by Populous. Courtesy Paul Crosby.
For Populous, whose portfolio includes stadiums and sports districts such as Target Field, LoanDepot Park, Allianz Field, and Pittsburgh’s North Shore developments, the acquisition strengthens its ability to shape not only venues themselves but also the surrounding urban ecosystems that increasingly determine a project’s long-term value and public impact.
The two firms are not strangers. They previously collaborated on Baylor University’s McLane Stadium, which opened in 2014 and received recognition from the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Bruce Miller, Chairman and CEO of Populous, framed the acquisition as part of a larger ambition to broaden the firm’s scope and influence.
Bruce Miller, Chairman and CEO of Populous.
“We are committed to expanding the breadth of our practice and the impact of our work,” Miller said. “OJB Landscape Architecture is globally recognized for its exceptional landscape architecture, urban design and planning and its ability to create meaningful, enduring public spaces.”
Allianz Field by Populous. Courtesy James Ewing.
He added: “Bringing OJB Landscape Architecture into Populous strengthens our ability to design complete, immersive environments, from venues to the public realm around them, ensuring every part of the experience is thoughtful and cohesive. Both firms are focused on people-centric design and that is reflected in the cultural fit between us.”
The RiverFront Omaha by OJB. Courtesy Tzu Chen.
The emphasis on “immersive environments” is notable. Increasingly, architecture firms are competing not merely on buildings, but on their ability to orchestrate entire experiential ecosystems—districts where landscape, mobility, hospitality, entertainment, branding, and public life operate as a unified system.
Sunnylands Center and Gardens by OJB. Photo courtesy Jeff Durkin.
That evolution has accelerated as stadiums and arenas transform into mixed-use entertainment destinations and cities seek greener, more socially activated urban environments.
Roy Blunt Luminary Park KC. Courtesy OJB.
OJB’s expertise aligns directly with those ambitions. The firm has become known for designing landscapes that operate simultaneously as civic infrastructure, ecological systems, and social condensers. According to the release, the practice is recognized for its “design excellence, environmental sensitivity and a deep understanding of how people engage with outdoor spaces.”
James Burnett, President of OJB Landscape Architecture, suggested the acquisition could expand the scale and reach of the firm’s influence globally.
“Populous shares our belief in the power of design to bring people together and shape communities,” Burnett said. “Together, we can extend the reach and impact of our work, creating more integrated and meaningful environments for people around the world.”
Importantly, OJB will retain its existing studios and leadership structure while integrating into Populous’ global network.
The acquisition grows Populous to more than 950 employees across the Americas and more than 1,600 worldwide.
The timing is also revealing. Populous recently launched a Real Estate Strategy service line, signaling a broader pivot toward destination-scale urban development and mixed-use planning. The addition of OJB gives the firm a major foothold in the increasingly competitive public realm sector, where landscape architecture has become central to everything from climate resilience and wellness to economic development and tourism.
In many ways, the acquisition underscores how the boundaries between architecture, landscape architecture, urbanism, and entertainment design are rapidly dissolving. The contemporary city is no longer being conceived building by building. It is being designed as a total experience.
