Architect Philip Johnson has joined the London-based studio WOO Architects as a director.
Specializing in sports, culture, and event architecture, his addition expands WOO’s capability in major global venue and stadia design.
With over 25 years of industry experience, Johnson, who was previously Senior Principal at Populous, has played a leading design and delivery role on some of the world’s highest-profile sports venues including the London 2012 Olympic Stadium where he led the design of the main Olympic Stadium and its subsequent transformation into the London Stadium.
He also served as the lead architect for the redevelopment of the iconic Riverside Stand at Fulham football club’s Craven Cottage stadium.
Other Landmark Projects he has contributed to include the masterplanning of the new Warner Stand at Lord’s Cricket Ground, the Ascot Racecourse redevelopment, and the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
His new practice, WOO Architects, is widely recognized for specializing in world-class temporary and permanent sports structures, event masterplanning, and cultural venues.
With studios in London, Paris and Los Angeles, WOO’s work spans the globe, seamlessly blending innovation and storytelling to create spaces and places that inspire people and create enduring happy memories.
Since leading the design for the London 2012 Olympics, WOO architects has specialised in creating permanent and temporary sports and culture facilities for global events including the Paris 2024 Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.
Beyond these iconic events, WOO has also used its design expertise to reimagine FC Barcelona’s iconic Camp Nou Stadium, create sports masterplans for Edgbaston and Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi.
Johnson said, “I am delighted to be joining WOO architects at such an exciting moment for the studio. I have long admired Kevin Owens and the team for the originality and ambition of their work, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the next phase of the company’s international growth.
“I just also wanted to pay tribute to the many wonderful people I have worked with at Populous, both those who have moved on and those who remain.
“It has been a privilege to work with you over the past 25 years, and I very much look forward to forming similar bonds with the team at WOO architects.”
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