DENVER, CO.- Fentress Architects has been announced as design architect for the new world-class facilities at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Curtis W. Fentress, founder of Fentress Architects, has earned international recognition for designing some of the world's finest airport terminals. These include Incheon International Airport in South Korea (the first airport ever to earn "Best Airport in the World" for three consecutive years, 2005 - 2007, by the Airport Council International's Quality Passenger Survey), and Denver International Airport in Colorado (named "Best Airport in North America" three consecutive years, 2005 - 2007, by Business Traveler Magazine).

As the gateway between the U.S. and the fast-growing Asia Pacific region, LAX has served millions of international travelers who have experienced the inconvenience of the outdated facilities at the Tom Bradley International Terminal. The Fentress design will provide travelers a modernized terminal and concourse that will dramatically improve passenger experience.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa described the design concepts by Fentress Architects as "spectacular," "embodying the character of Los Angeles and creating a remarkable sense of place. It is unmistakably L.A."

"Los Angeles is one of the world's centers of entertainment, fashion and international trade," said Curtis W. Fentress, FAIA, RIBA, Lead Designer. "The airport is the first and last impression travelers have of this great city. Los Angeles deserves a world-class airport that is recognized as a landmark worldwide. This modernized airport will change LAX into L.A. WOW."

Inspired by the Pacific Ocean, the dynamic design concepts capture the city's sense of place with rooftops flowing as waves breaking on the shore. The design unifies the airport with a cohesive theme honoring the distinctive arched structure built during the Jet Age of LAX in 1961. Two parabolic arches, forming a pedestrian bridge, are incorporated into the design concept.

Fentress Architects' design concept is environmentally responsible, and will serve travelers today while honoring the needs and concerns of future generations. The modernization addresses the airport's goal for a "greener" LAX and its intention to apply for the highest level of LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Curtis W. Fentress founded Fentress Architects in 1980 to create exceptional, humanistic, contextual architecture. The firm has been honored with over 240 awards for design excellence, and over 285 million people worldwide visit Fentress' buildings annually.