Fentress Architects

During this week's #AviationHistoryMonth highlight, we look to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) Terminal 2, a project that embodies innovation, regional heritage, and forward-thinking design. The redevelopment of Terminal 2 was driven by shifts in travel patterns, carrier operations, and technological advancements. Fentress Architects approached the design with the theme “hand-made and mind-made,” drawing inspiration from North Carolina’s rich history in both craftsmanship and research. The terminal’s design honors the region’s heritage while embracing modern efficiency. Key to the project is the use of #masstimber, including dramatic lenticular wood trusses that evoke the state’s furniture and craft traditions. These elements not only add warmth to the space but also contribute to #sustainability goals. The terminal’s undulating roofs echo the rolling hills of the #Piedmont region, and the glass curtain walls flood the interior with natural light, creating a welcoming environment for travelers. #AviationHistoryMonth #FentressArchitects #FentressAviation #AirportDesign #MassTimber #SustainableArchitecture #InnovationInAviation #DesignforPeople

As we head into the holiday season, we’re reflecting on the power of community and giving back ?? Yesterday, Fentress Architects' D.C. studio partnered with the AGC of Metropolitan Washington DC chapter at the National Building Museum for the 2024 #CANstruction event. This impactful initiative combines creativity with purpose: all canned goods used in our sculpture will be donated to local food banks, providing support to those facing hunger. With the support of Milwaukee Tool, our team came together to build not just a structure, but a contribution to our community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this effort, coming together to make a difference. From all of us at Fentress Architects, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful Thanksgiving. #FentressArchitects #FentressArchitectsDC #CANstruction #GivingBack #Community #Teamwork #Gratitude #MilwaukeeTool #DesignforPeople #Thankful

For this week's #AviationHistoryMonth feature, we reflect on the design of the #TomBradleyInternationalTerminal at #LAX Los Angeles World Airports ??? This terminal is more than just a transit space; it’s a reflection of the evolution of air travel. The iconic wave-inspired roof-line and expansive glass curtain walls create a dynamic, open environment that connects passengers to the surrounding landscape. The design’s integration of advanced technology, sustainability, and passenger-centric spaces marked a new chapter in airport architecture, reinforcing the idea that airports can be both functional and inspiring. What's your favorite Fentress airport project? Let us know in the comments! ?? Nick Merrick #AviationHistoryMonth #FentressArchitects #FentressAviation #AirportDesign #InnovativeArchitecture #SustainableDesign #DesignforPeople #ThoughtLeadership

?? We’re proud to share that Fentress Architects won Best Use of Soft Surface Material at IIDA Rocky Mountain Chapter Prêt-à-Porter 2024! ?? Our design was inspired by the landscape of #Cheyenne, reflecting the earthy tones of the high prairies and the vibrant hues of blooming wildflowers. Using Interface’s recycled yarns and carpet tiles, we translated the seasonal shifts of this region into a thoughtful, sustainable concept. A huge thank-you to Brent Otsuka, our Interior Design Manager and Co-Chair of this year’s event, for his leadership and creative vision throughout the process. We’d also like to recognize the entire team for their contributions to this design. Your hard work, collaboration, and attention to detail were key to bringing this vision to life. Thank you to the IIDA Rocky Mountain Chapter for hosting such an inspiring showcase of design talent! #FentressArchitects #SustainabilityInDesign #PretAPorter2024 #IIDA #DesignforPeople #ThoughtLeadership

As we continue to celebrate #AviationHistoryMonth, we look to the #SeattleTacomaInternationalAirport (SEA) Central Terminal Expansion. A post-9/11 project, where Fentress Architects was entrusted with revitalizing the airport's original 1949 terminal. ? Selected from a pool of renowned architects, we brought a vision to life that infused excitement back into air travel and celebrated the #PacificNorthwest. The design features a 130,000-square-foot Pacific Marketplace in a majestic Great Hall, crowned by sweeping roof forms and framed by a striking 60-foot-high, 130-foot-long double-curved glass curtain wall with breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains. ? A testament to the power of #architecturetoinspire, SEA's Central Terminal is more than a hub—it's an experience, uniquely Seattle. ?? Nick Merrick #AviationHistoryMonth #FentressArchitects #DesignforPeople #ThoughtLeadership #FentressAviation #AirportDesign #SeattleTacomaInternationalAirport #InnovationInAviation

We’re excited to announce the Nashville International Airport (BNA) Terminal Lobby and International Arrivals Facility project has been honored with three?awards at the 2024 Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) National Conference: ??? DBIA Merit Award ??? DBIA Excellence Award ??? DBIA VDC Award These awards highlight the innovative design and technical excellence that brought the BNA? Vision to life. A heartfelt thank you to Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, HENSEL PHELPS, and our team of consultants for their invaluable partnership. We’re proud to see this project recognized on a national level! #FlyNashville #DBIAConference2024 #DBIA #BNA #FentressArchitects #HenselPhelps #FentressAviation #DesignforPeople #ThoughtLeadership #NashvilleInternationalAirport

?? We're honored to be mentioned in this Architizer article on structural glass engineering, featuring the innovative design of the Denver Art Museum Sie Welcome Center! ?? The elliptical facade, made from jumbo curved glass panels, connects the museum's buildings and sets a new standard in design and seismic engineering. It was rewarding to be part of the incredible team that brought this impactful design to life! #Architizer #FentressArchitects #DenverArtMuseum #InnovativeArchitecture #StructuralGlazing #DesignforPeople #ThoughtLeadership

As we celebrate #AviationHistoryMonth ?? we reflect on our very first airport project, Denver International Airport - City & County of Denver Dept of Aviation (DEN). What began as an ambitious vision in 1995 has become a global icon in airport design – earning more than 50 industry awards for innovation and setting new standards for sustainability. ? More than just a transportation hub, DEN has grown into a major economic driver and positioned Denver as a key international gateway. Its groundbreaking design continues to inspire airports worldwide, proving that visionary architecture has the power to transform communities and shape the future of air travel. ?? Ellen Jaskol #AviationHistoryMonth #FentressArchitects #DesignforPeople #ThoughtLeadership #FentressAviation #AirportDesign #DenverInternationalAirport #InnovationInAviation

? For over 30 years, Fentress Architects has led the way in #sustainabledesign. Long before it became an industry standard, we were creating architecture that served people and respected the planet. As we honor #NationalEnergyAwarenessMonth, we reflect on how our early innovations continue to shape a greener future. Since the 1990s and early 2000s, projects such as the Natural Resources Building in Olympia, WA, the Ronstadt Transit Center in Tucson, AZ, and the California Department of Education Headquarters in Sacramento, CA, set the bar for environmentally-responsible public buildings. These were not just projects—they were bold statements about what architecture could achieve for the environment. Fast forward to today, and our Contra Costa Administration Building is a leading example of Net Zero Energy design. And with the upcoming California Indian Heritage Center, we are taking sustainability to new heights by integrating both culture and nature. At Fentress, we believe sustainability goes beyond certifications—it is about understanding context, culture, and the environment to create buildings that last and make an impact. Clean energy is not just an option—it is essential. This National Energy Awareness Month we are more committed than ever to designing the future with sustainability at its core. Read more about our Sustainability Action Plan here: https://lnkd.in/gknzwUiP #FentressArchitects #EnergyAwarenessMonth #Sustainability #LookingAhead #ThoughtLeadership #EnvironmentalImpact #DesignforPeople

We're proud to say that the new Terminal D West Pier at #IAH is officially open! ?? This project is the culmination of years of planning, innovation, and collaboration to create a space that elevates the experience of today's travelers. A special thank you to Houston?Airport?System, our incredible team, and all of our partners for their dedication throughout this journey. We couldn't be more excited for travelers to experience this new space! #ExperienceChange #FlyIAH #FentressArchitects #FentressAviation #ThoughtLeadership #DesignforPeople