Ewing Cole

Don Dissinger, AIA

Principal

Don began his architectural career in 1977. His background in the planning and design of large scale mixed use developments led him to EwingCole in 1985, when he teamed up with Stan Cole and Robert Krause on the design of his first entertainment project, the Birmingham Turf Club. He has spent the last 24 years programming, planning and designing destination entertainment projects across the USA and internationally. Projects recently completed include Empire City at Yonker’s Raceway, Cross Iron Entertainment Center, Zia Park, Hollywood Casino and Racetrack, Emerald Downs, Magic City Casino, Harrington Raceway and Casino, Monmouth University’s Multi-Purpose Arena, Bucknell University’s Langone Center and Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. “What has been most satisfying about my career are the long term relationships that I have developed with our clients and throughout the entertainment industry. As a planner and designer I enjoy collaborating with clients on the realization of their vision”

Don Jones, AIA, LEED AP

Principal

Don Jones, an architect and principal since 1991, has led the design of projects for health care, research and development, and sports clients. As a lead designer in EwingCole’s Sports and Entertainment practice, his work includes Citizens Bank Park for the Philadelphia Phillies, a new NFL stadium for the New York Giants and Jets and arena renovations for both the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. He has taught at Drexel University since 1986, and has been a visiting professor at Penn State and the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Jones also served as President of the Philadelphia Chapter AIA for 2009. Mr. Jones received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Virginia in 1975, and a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in 1977. He holds NCARB certification, is registered in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina, and is a LEED accredited professional.

Robert A. McConnell, RA

Principal

Bob has focused his professional career on complex and large-scale development projects, with an emphasis on sport and public assembly projects. His professional experience has spanned the spectrum of sport expertise, from horse racing, to professional and collegiate sport facilities and stadia. Designing places that create a memorable experience is a driving passion in Bob’s work. Bob’s extensive 25 year planning and architectural experience has enabled him to participate in all phases of design, from conceptual planning, site master planning, building design and interior architecture. Bob’s creative and thoughtful approach to bringing unique and site-specific designs has resulted in many successful projects, nationally and internationally. “A fully conceived Place is a result of labor and rigor. Design is a journey; consider the unknown, embrace what’s least obvious, plan for the future. The most successful Places are created when we and the client take the journey together.”

William McCullough, AIA

Principal

Bill’s 18 years of experience include programming, planning and designing unique sports and entertainment facilities across the country. His focus has been developing collegiate athletic and recreation facilities, places where the student community gathers to celebrate camaraderie and campus pride. His project experience includes Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Bucknell University’s Langone Athletic and Recreation Center, Monmouth University’s Multi-purpose Activity Center, George Mason University’s Physical Education Building, and Pomona College’s Rains Athletic Center. Currently Bill is working on Drexel University’s Armory Athletic and Convocation Center, The University of Pennsylvania’s historic Palestra and Hutchinson Gymnasium, The United States Military Academy Preparatory School in West Point, New York and Dover Air Force Base’s new wellness center. “The opportunity to lead a process that ultimately creates a unique and memorable place is most satisfying.”

Mark Ottman, NCIDQ

Hospitality Design Leader

Mark is a native of Massachusetts, where for many years he directed his own small Interior Design firm focusing on hospitality projects - including restaurants for celebrity chefs Jasper White and Todd English, and the nightclubs at Mohegan Sun Casino. In 2007 he joined EwingCole to lead their Hospitality Design Group, and since then has been engaged in the design of Harrington Casino, Cross Iron Entertainment Center, Magic City Casino, and the Downs at Albuquerque. “My work is all about our culture’s insatiable pursuit of happiness. Whether it’s a sporting event, a musical performance, a night at the casino, or having drinks at the neighborhood bar, we all want to be entertained. My job is to create the places where this happens. I have found that the best way to do this is to create environments where the actual experience of being there will enhance the quality of your life.”

Craig Schmitt, AIA

Principal

Craig began his architectural career in 1987. His prior experience in the planning and design of PNC Park for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Blair County Ballpark for the Altoona (PA) Curve and Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh led him to EwingCole in 2001. Craig served as the senior project architect to lead the EwingCole design team planning the Philadelphia Phillies’ new ballpark, Citizens Bank Park. He has devoted the past 12 years of his career developing sports facilities for major and minor league franchises. On all projects, Craig has been involved through all aspects of the project development, from programming and concept design to design development and construction administration. Projects recently completed are Citizens Bank Park and Brighthouse Networks Field in Clearwater, Fl. Craig is currently completing the New Meadowlands Stadium (opening in 2010), future home to the NY Football Giants and NY Jets, the only NFL venue housing two NFL franchises. “As an architect, there has been nothing more rewarding than seeing the happy faces of friends and families watching their home team in action in a stadium I helped build, and seeing the pride of the Owner’s whose vision it was to create the facility, and who trusted EwingCole to turn that vision into reality.”

Steven Sclarow, AIA

Project Manager

Steven is a Project Manager and Industry Expert with extensive experience in the design and delivery of entertainment, hospitality, collegiate, sports and cultural facilities for clients across the United States. Working closely with client leadership, Steve manages projects from feasibility through construction administration. Steven’s leadership and creativity have led to the development of many successful projects including ZIA Park, Cross Iron Racing and Entertainment Center, Rio Village Seafood Buffet and the Mitchell Performing Arts Center. “I am passionate about architecture and enjoy working collaboratively with clients to create the best architectural experiences.”