PITTSBURGH, PA – July 12, 2019 – Building on its regional leadership and national recognition in sports facilities design, Pittsburgh-based DLA+ Architecture and Interior Design (DLA+) announced today that Sunghoon Jung, LEED AP BD+C, has joined the firm to lead its Sports and Recreation Practice.  Jung, an internationally renowned designer specializing in sports and entertainment venues, is also a lecturer, author, and thought leader in sports and esports industry design and planning.  

The addition of Jung to the team positions DLA+ for continued national and international expansion in traditional sports, entertainment, and emerging esports facility planning and design.  DLA+ principals, Dennis Astorino and Christopher Haupt, who have planned and designed sports facilities since 1992, will stay involved in the Sports Practice and work with Jung and key staff to guide the firm’s vision and continue delivering Strategic Architecture^SM solutions for clients.  

“We are thrilled to have Sung join our team. His creativity, passion, forward-thinking, and strategic philosophy all align perfectly with our approach, and his expertise significantly builds on the thriving sports practice we’ve established at DLA+,” said Dennis Astorino, CEO and senior principal, DLA+ Architecture and Interior Design.  

“Sung’s experience and thought leadership in the evolution of esports venue design adds an exciting new dimension to our capabilities that few other firms – even internationally – possess. His experience also affords us the opportunity for me to focus on strategic and operational matters so that we can continue to grow and evolve the firm,” said Christopher Haupt, COO and principal, DLA+ Architecture and Interior Design.  

Sung has successfully managed complex planning and design projects across the globe for more than 20 years. He is regarded internationally as one of only a few leading experts in esports facility design and is the author of several important sports architecture books and published works. He has also been a panelist and keynote speaker for the International Esports Federation, served as a PyeongChang Olympics Advisory Committee Member, and is a founding Board member of the Center for Sport Culture.    

He has worked as a designer and project manager on sports and entertainment projects such as NFL stadiums, MLB ballparks, NBA/NHL arenas, MLS stadiums, collegiate facilities, and multi-purpose entertainment and esports venues. To address topics including strategic venue design and the fan experience, he has been an invited speaker at sports conferences and universities in both the United States and Korea.  

“I am extremely excited to become a part of the DLA+ family and combine my passion and skills with those of the very talented team here. We have a tremendous opportunity to provide sports, entertainment and esports clients with inspired and insightful design solutions that are grounded in strategic business goals, whether they are located in Western Pennsylvania or across the globe,” said Jung.  

Before joining DLA+, Jung was an associate and senior designer with ROSSETTI in Detroit, Michigan. Previously, Jung was a senior associate with Yamasaki Associates and began his architecture career at David W. Osler Associates.    

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea and a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan. He and his wife have relocated to Pittsburgh from Detroit.  

The DLA+ Sports Practice team has been involved in more than 100 sports projects with more than $1B in constructed value over the past 25+ years. The team has worked with multiple NCAA conferences and Major League franchises.  This work consists of Division I work, including Power 5 conferences, ACC, Big 10, Big 12, and Divisions II and III; the NFL, MLB, MiLB, and NHL. In addition, the firm works on an ongoing basis with PNC Park, and Heinz Field, and has worked on projects for the Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, the University of Pittsburgh, West Virginia University, and the Pennsylvania State University.

Read more about the history of the sports practice at DLA+.

About DLA+ Architecture and Interior Design Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, DLA+ is a full-service Architecture and Interior design firm dedicated to providing Strategic ArchitectureSM solutions through a collaborative and integrated approach to delivering projects for clients. Its team of talented professionals has broad and deep experience in all aspects of the Architecture and Interior design disciplines, significant LEED and design/build background, and extensive construction contract administration experience. Visit www.DLAplus.com for more information.