Don Dethlefs

FAIA
Principal, Sports, Recreation, and Entertainment Practice Leader, Denver

Born in Bridgeport Connecticut, Don considers himself lucky to have experienced, at an early age, to some of the world’s most monumental buildings—the formidable Boston Public Library, the soaring John Hancock Tower, the brutalist City Hall. It was from childhood that Don knew he wanted to be an architect.

Don believes great design engages four elements: use, function, looks, and experience. He is passionate to discover his clients’ needs which he fluently translates into flexible yet timeless designs. Don has worked on hundreds of projects around the globe, helping to elevate hundreds of thousands of athletes and engage millions of fans.

Don likes to give back to his community in his free time. He volunteers for Project Angel Heart, the Denver-based nonprofit organization focused on providing food and assistance to individuals in need. He is engaged with the AIA’s Denver chapter and sits on the board of his neighborhood park, the 80-acre Cheeseman Park.

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“Architecture is about meeting the needs of client and the community, both in terms of service and in terms of creating outstanding design."
target center interior
Target Center Renovation
Minneapolis, Minnesota
target center club
Target Center Renovation
Minneapolis, Minnesota
allentown ppl center exterior
PPL Center and Mixed-Use Development (2017 ULI Global Award for Excellence)
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Don enjoys working with the non-profit, Project Angel Heart, and has donated his time and design to their cause.
ulker arena bowl
Ülker Arena
Istanbul, Turkey

Don's Featured Work

Bell MTS Place exterior of bell mts place
Work
Bell MTS Place
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Ülker Arena full bowl
Work
Ülker Arena
Istanbul, Turkey
University of Michigan Crisler Center Renovation and Player Development Center
Work
University of Michigan Crisler Center Renovation and Player Development Center
Ann Arbor, Michigan
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Fertitta Football Complex
Work
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Fertitta Football Complex
Las Vegas, Nevada
Ball Arena Improvements
Work
Ball Arena Improvements
Denver, Colorado