Designing the Ballpark

Architects Joe Spear of HOK and Marshall Purnell of Devrouax & Purnell take questions in May 2006. (Photo by Ian Koski)

The D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission hired two architectural firms to design Nationals Park -- pairing the most prolific stadium design firm in North America, HOK Sport, and esteemed Washington design firm Devrouax & Purnell, to design a stadium that would modern styling and convenience with the monumental influences of the nation's capital.

HOK Sport

Kansas City-based HOK Sport is one of the world's most renowned stadium and arena design firms, having worked on 25 of Major League Baseball's 30 stadiums and 30 of the National Football League's 32 stadiums.

Devrouax & Purnell Architects

D.C.-based Devrouax & Purnell Architects has designed dozens of elegant buildings in the Washington area, including the Convention Center and several memorials. The firm also worked on the Verizon Center, the Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex and other recreational facilities.

The Design Process

The architects utilized a unique "design/build" process to expedite the construction of the new ballpark, designing the stadium in sections so that construction crews could begin building in area while other areas were still being designed. Click here to read more about the design process in the Washington Post.