The Documentary Podcast Dan Meis: Designing Everton Football Club's new stadium
Aug 20, 2025
Dan Meis, an innovative sports architect known for his groundbreaking designs, discusses the exhilarating journey of creating Everton Football Club's new stadium. He shares insights on blending modern architecture with historical influences and the emotional investment required for impactful designs. The conversation also highlights the importance of architectural modeling in effectively communicating concepts and the collaborative process between architects and athletes. Meis's passion for redefining sports venues promises an exciting future for football fans.
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Experience Comes Before Form
- Sports buildings are defined by the spectator experience and memory they create rather than pure function or height.
- Dan Meis focuses design on enhancing spectacle so fans carry lasting memories across generations.
From Colorado Kid To Stadium Designer
- Dan traced his move into stadium design to relocating to Chicago and being captivated by big buildings during the early 1980s.
- A later trip to Kansas City revealed concentrated stadium firms and convinced him he could learn the craft there.
Understand Club Culture First
- Learn the client's history, culture, and fans before proposing technical solutions.
- Prioritize understanding why people love a club to preserve its magic through design.