Brendan became involved on sports related projects at Goodwood Racecourse while at Michael Hopkins & Partners and, whilst at EPR, developed his expertise in sports buildings at Galway and The Curragh racecourses.

This led to success in a limited competition for York racecourse and further commissions at Lingfield Park and Fontwell Park racecourses.

This led to further repeat commissions from Galway and York under the Phelan Architects name.

All of these buildings have the spectator experience at their core however increasing the use of the building beyond its primary sporting purpose can also improve the level and quality of the facilities available and positively impact on the sustainability of the venue.

The buildings are public buildings and need to be able to cope with a high volume of customers within a concentrated period but they must also be capable of being used comfortably by smaller diverse groups of people with quite different needs and aspirations for the space.

Spectator experience needs to be considered in its totality. It is not confined to viewing areas, sight lines and way finding, rather, it is the complete experience on the way to and from, and at the event.