Global design firm Populous has acquired OJB Landscape Architecture, a landscape architecture and urban design practice known for its work on parks, waterfronts and civic environments. The move brings together two firms that have previously collaborated on major projects, now aligning under a single platform with a broader scope across architecture, landscape and urban design.
The acquisition comes at a time when large-scale developments are increasingly shaped by integrated design approaches that extend beyond buildings into surrounding public spaces and urban districts.
Expansion into integrated urban and landscape design
Founded in 1989, OJB Landscape Architecture has built a portfolio focused on urban parks, campuses, waterfronts and mixed-use environments, with projects including Omaha RiverFront in Nebraska, Downtown Cary Park in North Carolina, and Seaport Village in San Diego. The firm has been recognised for its emphasis on environmental sensitivity and how people interact with outdoor public spaces.
Populous, which has delivered global projects such as Pittsburgh’s North Shore, Target Field in Minnesota, LoanDepot Park in Miami, and Allianz Field, has also worked across landscape architecture and urban design within its broader venue-led portfolio. The acquisition brings these capabilities into closer alignment, combining stadium and venue design expertise with landscape and public realm planning under one organisation.
Leadership commentary on the integration
Bruce Miller, Chairman and Chief Executive of Populous, said the acquisition reflects a strategy to broaden the firm’s design capabilities and strengthen its work across connected environments that extend from venues into surrounding urban fabric. He noted that both firms share a focus on people-centric design, which has underpinned their collaboration on past projects, including Baylor University’s McLane Stadium.
Jim Burnett, President of OJB Landscape Architecture, said the two firms share a common approach to design as a tool for shaping communities and bringing people together. He added that the integration is expected to extend the reach of their combined work across global markets.
Post-acquisition structure
Following the acquisition, OJB Landscape Architecture will retain its studios and leadership structure, while working within Populous’ wider international network. The combined organisation will expand to more than 950 employees in the Americas and over 1,600 globally.
Alongside the acquisition, Populous has also recently introduced a Real Estate Strategy service line, signalling a broader focus on multi-layered destination development that combines sport, entertainment, civic infrastructure and mixed-use planning within unified design frameworks.
