FC Cincinnati owners have chosen a new architect to build its West End stadium – one fresh off designing Major League Soccer's two newest stadiums.

The internationally-recognized firm, Populous, which has offices on four continents will continue to "drive the owner's vision," FCC President and General Manager Jeff Berding told The Enquirer.

"FCC's vision for the West End stadium is unique. The West End Stadium will stand out among not only soccer-specific stadiums, but also sports stadiums, in North America," Berding said.

The change, he said, is being made to ensure the team achieves its project goals, which is "to deliver an exceptional stadium and an exceptional fan experience to the City of Cincinnati."

FC Cincinnati officials at one point suggested the orange glow would disappear. At the time they said this was to appease neighborhood residents.

But, Berding said the orange glow is a key part of the vision for the stadium. West End Community Council President Keith Blake told The Enquirer Thursday he had not yet heard any complaints from residents about the plan.

More:City strikes deal to sell FC Cincinnati land for West End stadium

Who is the new architect?

Kansas City-based Populous designed Minnesota's Allianz Field, Washington D.C.'s Audi Field, the Orlando City Stadium and Kansas City's Children's Mercy Park. The firm has been a major player over the last decade in establishing America's booming soccer infrastructure.

Allianza Field, Audi Field, Orlando City Stadium, and Children's Mercy Park are considered some of the top soccer-specific venues in North and Central America.

Berding stopped short of saying the original firm, New York- and Los Angeles-based Meis, was fired. He focused on completing the vision of what's been promised by 2021. The agreement with MLS includes penalties if the stadium's opening is delayed.

Elevar, the local architect, remains in place, he said.

Berding pointed to elements of Populous' stadiums that he liked: Minnesota stadium's exterior, the L.A. Galaxy stadium's attention to detail, the Orlando stadium's integration into the Parramore neighborhood west of Downtown. .

A new set of planning documents is due to the city Monday. There are few changes at this point that will impact the look of the stadium.

The plans are expected to stipulate the stadium cannot be lighted, except from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Who was the previous architect?

Meis designed Paul Brown Stadium, which opened in 2000. And it's been praised for its stadiums and arenas all over the world. The firm designed Stadio Della Roma in Italy and Sports City Stadium along the Persian Gulf, part of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

FC Cincinnati's decision to end its business with Meis marks the end of a years-long partnership that first stirred conversation about a soccer stadium in the city, as well as extensive planning for multiple stadium designs.

Firm owner Dan Meis was front and center with Berding when the two men pitched their initial stadium vision – a stadium to be built in Northern Kentucky – in June 2017.

Meis was present again as he sold Cincinnatians on the club's bold vision for a West End Stadium in summer 2018.

The Enquirer has reached out to Meis for comment.