Firm’s horrible name probably looks worse on a severance check

A couple of months ago, local sports architecture firm, HOK Sport Venue Event, changed its name to Populus and we made fun of it because a) why change your well-known name to something that sounds like an ancient-Greek insemination device and b) is this really the economy you want to take risks with your established branding in? Men at some times are masters of their fates — but not the company’s employees.

The firm recently cut its staff — though they won’t say by how much. We

heard a rumor that it was upwards of 15, but brand manager Gina Leo

said that wasn’t right. She declined to clarify, then forwarded this

statement from Populous’ board of directors, which she said would be the

last word on the matter:

“We are continually evaluating market conditions to position our company for long-term success. Because

certain projects have been put on hold due to current economic

conditions, we made the decision to reduce our workforce accordingly.

Our expectations for the future remain high, and these staff

adjustments will allow us to maintain a healthy, well positioned design

practice.”

Ah, public relations, you are indeed an art. We kill so that we may live.