HOK – the architects chosen to design FC Barcelona’s new Palau Blaugrana Arena – have swooped in to hire former Populous associate principal Algen Williams.

Williams has joined the Kansas City-based studio as leader of sports, recreation and entertainment where he will oversee the Barcelona design as well as other projects including the Rogers Place hockey arena in Edmonton, Canada and the Atlanta Falcons’ Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

During his time at Populous, Williams was also co-leader of the collegiate practice. He worked on projects such as the renovation of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ EverBank Field and the University of Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.

Nate Appleman, HOK’s vice president and director of global sports, recreation and entertainment, highlighted Williams’ “15 years of experience” and “passion for innovative sports facility design”.

“HOK is made up of collaborators and innovators who have a long history of challenging the status quo to create memorable experiences for fans and athletes,” added Williams.