Populous Expands Global Leadership with New Operational Roles
In a bold move to enhance its global operational framework, design and architecture firm Populous has announced the appointment of two new executives focused on driving growth and integration across its global practices.
New Appointments at Populous
Gavin Houldin has been appointed as the Global Chief Operating Officer of Populous. His role will center on streamlining operations and standardizing processes to improve the firm's overall performance on a global scale.
Houldin brings a wealth of experience from his previous position at Arcadis, where he served as Senior Vice President and Operations Director for the North American division. At Arcadis, he led a large team across multiple countries and has experience overseeing operations in India, the Philippines, and Romania. His extensive background in managing complex projects will be invaluable as he endeavors to position Populous for further success.
Leadership Insights from the CEO
Bruce Miller, the CEO of Populous, expressed his enthusiasm about Houldin's appointment, stating, "Gavin's collaborative leadership style and focus on client service align perfectly with our vision to drive innovation and growth. His proven skills in merging companies through acquisitions and enhancing performance will be critical as we embark on our next chapter."
Focus on Global Integration
Joining Houldin is Teryn Hightower, who steps into the role of Head of Global M&A Integration. Hightower’s primary responsibility will be to develop and implement a comprehensive integration strategy for Populous' acquisitions.
With over seven years at Accenture specializing in post-merger integration, Hightower will ensure that Populous’s acquisitions align with its strategic objectives and enhance operational capabilities, fostering seamless integration across teams and systems.
Recent Acquisition: Fentress Architects
This strategic expansion comes on the heels of Populous's recent acquisition of Fentress Architects, which took place in June 2025. This notable acquisition, which formed Fentress Studios, highlights Populous's commitment to broadening its service offerings and improving its global reach.
The newly established positions of Houldin and Hightower will serve a global scope, with responsibilities that stretch across Populous's regional headquarters in Kansas City, London, and Brisbane as well as its 34 studios worldwide. This wide-ranging influence is set to enhance the firm’s ability to meet diverse client needs across different markets.
About Populous
Populous has made significant strides in the design industry, emphasizing their mission to connect people through memorable experiences. With more than 3,500 projects valued at over $60 billion, Populous has a substantial footprint in both emerging and established markets.
The company’s comprehensive services encompass a variety of areas, including architecture, interior design, event planning, landscape architecture, and urban planning. With a strong workforce of over 1,600 employees, the firm operates globally across four continents, maintaining a focus on sustainable design principles and innovative strategies.
To learn more about Populous and their innovative approach to design, visit www.populous.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What roles were recently added at Populous?
Gavin Houldin was appointed as Global Chief Operating Officer and Teryn Hightower as Head of Global M&A Integration.
What is the aim of these new appointments?
The aim is to enhance operational effectiveness and create a robust integration strategy for acquisitions.
What prior experience does Gavin Houldin bring to Populous?
Houldin previously served as Senior VP and Operations Director at Arcadis, managing large teams across North America and other global markets.
What significant acquisition did Populous make recently?
In June 2025, Populous acquired Fentress Architects, which expanded their capabilities and service offerings.
How many global offices does Populous have?
Populous operates 34 studios globally on four continents, highlighting their extensive reach in the architecture and design industry.
