Gensler has strengthened its Global Sports Practice with the appointment of a trio of world leading experts.
Gensler welcomes Trevor Bechtold and Chris DeVolder to its Kansas City office, and Edward Mills to its San Francisco office.
With the sports marketplace projected to hit $508 billion this year and reach $635 billion by 2029, the firm has appointed the three new leaders in key markets to support its mission to reimagine what sports architecture can achieve around the world – from game day to every day in between.
The trio brings a combined 65 years of experience and a powerful range of creative perspectives on designing for impact, informed by their dynamic careers in professional and collegiate athletics.
DeVolder, who has been appointed Director of Sports, is a leader in sustainable sports design, with deep expertise in next-generation soccer venues and training facilities.
He is recognized for creating innovative, community-centered environments that set new benchmarks for teams and the future of the game.
He said, “Joining Gensler is an incredible opportunity to help shape the future of soccer and training facilities on a global stage. I’m inspired by the chance to design venues that go beyond the game itself — creating sustainable, community-driven places that leave a lasting impact.”
Bechtold, who has been appointed Director of Sports, specializes in performance-driven design, with a focus on the collegiate sports landscape and an expanding reach into professional arenas.
He is particularly passionate about athlete regeneration and whole-athlete support, shaping environments that foster excellence and long-term well-being.
Bechtold said, “Collegiate sports are steeped in tradition but evolving fast — and design must keep pace. I’m passionate about creating environments that elevate performance, support the whole athlete, and strengthen campus identity.
“At Gensler, I’m excited to extend this work into professional sports, shaping facilities that inspire both athletes and the communities they serve,”
Mills, who is the new Northwest Regional Director of Sports, offers a player-centric perspective in the design of collegiate and professional sports facilities.
His work emphasizes athlete readiness and holistic wellness, delivering spaces that strengthen both individual players and the organizations they represent.
Mills said, “Having lived the athlete experience, I approach every project with a deep understanding of what these spaces demand, not just functionally, but emotionally. My goal is to fuse performance, sustainability, and Gensler’s global reach in a way that elevates both players and fans worldwide.”
Working collaboratively with Gensler’s practices in hospitality, retail, health and wellness, urban planning, digital experience and brand design, Bechtold, DeVolder and Mills will accelerate the firm’s position as a top global design partner at the intersection of sports, culture and community.
Together they bring complementary strengths that will further propel the practice into a new era – where women’s pro leagues, the commercialization of college athletics, and emerging trends from pickleball to esports are reshaping communities and redefining the role of sports as city anchors.
Jordan Goldstein, Gensler co-CEO, said, “The role of sports in shaping our cities and communities has never been more powerful or dynamic.
“By expanding the leadership of Gensler’s Sports Practice, we’re doubling down on our ability to support clients as they go beyond delivering stadiums and facilities to create truly immersive experiences that unite fans, empower teams and elevate entire cities.
“Our ability to fuse local insight with global talent sets us apart as we work to deliver complex projects that perform on and off the field. This next chapter for the practice reflects the future of sports: innovative, inclusive and designed for the full human experience.”
Gensler’s sports practice has accelerated in recent years, marked by the launch of its centers of excellence in Kansas City, Austin, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. where the team is leading marquee projects including the Al-Ahly Stadium in Cairo; the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center; Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.; the Cincinnati Open; Lincoln Financial Field, home to the Philadelphia Eagles; the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams Village and the Phoenix Mercury Training Facility, among others.
Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year.
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