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All Posts By

Steve Petracek

06.19 2026

45 Years of Entertainment Architecture | TK Architects

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June 2026

45 Years of Designing What’s Next

For 45 years, TK Architects has partnered with visionary clients to create destinations that bring people together. What began in 1981 as a commitment to thoughtful design and strong client relationships has grown into an internationally recognized practice serving the entertainment, cinema, food and beverage, retail, and hospitality industries across 53 countries.

Throughout this anniversary year, we’ve reflected on the projects, partnerships, and people that have shaped our journey. We’ve celebrated milestones, revisited transformative projects, recognized long-standing industry relationships, and honored the clients who trusted us to help bring their ideas to life. While the projects themselves may differ in size, scope, and location, they all share a common thread: a belief that great design starts with understanding a client’s vision and transforming it into something meaningful, memorable, and enduring.

A Legacy Built on Partnership

Through those 45 years, our success was never defined solely by the buildings we’ve designed. It was built on the relationships we’ve developed along the way.

For four and a half decades, clients have returned to TK because we approach every project as a partnership. We listen first. We ask questions. We seek to understand operational goals, market opportunities, and long-term aspirations before a single line is drawn.

That collaborative approach has allowed us to evolve alongside our clients and the industries we serve. From traditional cinemas to immersive entertainment destinations, from neighborhood restaurants to large-scale mixed-use developments, we’ve helped clients navigate changing markets while staying focused on creating exceptional guest experiences.

Experience That Continues to Evolve

Forty-five years of experience brings perspective, but it also brings responsibility.

The industries we serve are changing faster than ever. New technologies, shifting consumer expectations, and evolving business models are redefining how people gather, dine, play, and connect. At TK Architects, we see these changes as opportunities.

The future of entertainment is being shaped through innovation, technical expertise, and collaboration. Through 45 years of technological advancements, client expectations, and teamwork, we have learned success comes from combining proven expertise with a willingness to embrace what’s next.

Looking Forward

While we’re proud of the last 45 years, our focus is firmly on the future.

We continue to invest in new markets, emerging technologies, and evolving design strategies that help our clients stay ahead of industry trends. We are expanding our expertise, strengthening our partnerships, and finding new ways to create spaces that inspire connection and drive business success.

The future of architecture isn’t simply about designing buildings. It’s about creating experiences, solving challenges, and helping clients achieve their goals through thoughtful, tailored solutions.

That commitment remains unchanged.

Why Choose TK Architects?

Choosing a design partner is more than selecting a firm with experience. It’s about finding a team that understands your vision and is committed to helping you realize it.

At TK Architects, we bring:

  • 45 years of industry knowledge and proven results
  • A full-service, in-house design approach including Architecture, Interior Design, Concept Design, Structural Engineering, MEP Engineering, and Graphic Design & Branding
  • Experience delivering projects across 53 countries
  • Specialized expertise in entertainment, cinema, food and beverage, retail, hospitality, and emerging destination-based experiences
  • A collaborative process focused on listening, problem-solving, and long-term partnership
  • Tailored architectural and engineering solutions that exceed client and industry expectations

Most importantly, we bring a genuine commitment to our clients’ success.

The Next Chapter

Every project begins with a conversation, a challenge, or an idea waiting to be realized. After 45 years, that excitement hasn’t changed.

To our clients, partners, consultants, contractors, vendors, and team members, thank you for being part of our story. Your trust, collaboration, and support have made the last 45 years possible.

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re not looking back as much as we’re looking ahead – to new partnerships, new opportunities, and new projects that will define the next chapter of TK Architects.

The future is being designed today, and we’re ready to help bring your vision to life.

Principal, Steve Petracek

03.03 2026

World of Concrete: Innovation, Craftsmanship, and Award-Winning Design

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March 2026

Steve Petracek, Principal

World of Concrete – Craftsmanship Still Leads the Industry

I attended the World of Concrete (WOC) convention in Las Vegas for the first time at the end of January, and it did not disappoint. Between the expansive vendor exhibits, product demonstrations, and hands-on challenges and competitions, the energy on the show floor was contagious. One of the highlights was watching mason apprentices and tenders construct a CMU wall with an exceptional level of craftsmanship—a reminder that skill and pride in workmanship remain at the heart of the industry.

A Project Put to the Test

My primary reason for attending was to see how TK Architects’ design of the Larry H. Miller Megaplex Entertainment Center would fare in the Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) Awards competition in the Heavy Commercial category. The competition was stiff, with an impressive range of projects represented, so it was exciting to see the Megaplex Daybreak project in South Jordan, Utah selected as a top-three finalist.

This being my first time at WOC, I knew the convention was large—but I didn’t fully grasp the scale until I experienced it firsthand. It covered approximately 900,000 square feet across both indoor and outdoor venues, which helps explain why it is considered the largest construction-industry convention in the world. Photos truly don’t do it justice. Companies from all over the world filled the space, showcasing everything from small handheld grinders to towering batch-plant systems. It felt like a “kid in a candy store” event for anyone who has an appreciation for the concrete industry.

And while concrete was the star, it wasn’t the only act. Helical pile foundation systems, ICF wall bracing solutions, and even a booth offering moisturizer to combat the effects of long, skin-abusive days on the jobsite were all part of the experience.

What’s next in Concrete Reinforcement

While my primary focus at the convention was attending the ICF Awards banquet, I also spent a good portion of my time walking the floor with a fellow structural engineer—mostly visiting ICF manufacturers. Each company has its own characteristics that, depending on the application, allow it to stand out. One topic that came up repeatedly was fiber reinforcement.

Replacing a 20-foot No. 6 steel bar—typically weighing around 30 pounds—with a GFRP alternative weighing approximately 7.5 pounds represents a significant reduction in labor and fatigue. Over the course of a full workday, that difference matters.

The current code, ACI 440.11 (Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete with Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer [GFRP] Bars), governs the use of GFRP bars. At present, the bars meet requirements for low seismic activity areas but do not meet the requirements for high seismic use. That said, progress in this area is clearly moving—whether that comes through a fully glass fiber system or some form of hybrid approach.

If you have an interest in anything concrete-related, World of Concrete is well worth the trip. The innovation, craftsmanship, and sheer scale of the event are impressive—and you’re bound to walk away inspired (and with some great merch).

And if you want to see how those ideas translate into real-world, award-recognized design, visit the Larry H. Miller Megaplex Daybreak Entertainment Center in South Jordan, Utah.

If you’re looking for what’s next in concrete, go to World of Concrete.
If you want award-winning design built to perform, work with TK Architects.

Principal, Steve Petracek

05.07 2025

Don’t Dismiss the Box: How to Design It Right the First Time

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May 2025

by Principal Steve Petracek

Thinking outside the box… By Starting with One

The Basic ” box isn’t usually considered good architectural design. It’s commonly associated with warehouses, grocery stores, or home improvement centers — all built for pure function and efficiency. But maybe there’s more to it that that.

This blog is here to suggest that by rethinking how we approach the box, we can unlock new opportunities — especially when it comes to entertainment renovations and remodels. A few simple structural choices early on can go a long way toward making these spaces more adaptable down the road.

Planning for Possibility, Not Just Purpose

Instead of always letting function dictate the design, what if we allowed form to guide the function? A wide, open space — especially one without columns — gives you the most flexibility. Of course, most buildings still require columns, but they can be positioned intentionally to keep the space open, usable, and easy to adapt.

When the building’s lateral systems (the parts that resist wind or seismic movement) are handled with concrete, CMU, or steel frames placed around the perimeter, you reduce the number of interior obstacles. That means fewer headaches when the space eventually needs to change. We’ve seen plenty of projects where structural demising walls caused major issues — making renovations far more difficult and expensive than they need to be.

The Strength of the Box

Think of the box as a clean, open structure. Add columns only where necessary — just enough to carry the lid. The fewer, the better. These columns can define areas of the space (intentionally or not), so placing them with purpose is important. Once done right, that open plan becomes multifunctional. It can be repurposed, subdivided, or expanded with far less effort.

Elevating the Ordinary

A plain box might not sound attractive, but think or it like building blocks — they don’t all need to be the same size or shape. you can introduce depth and interest by stacking or staggering different volumes. When done thoughtfully , the very systems that hold the structures up —lateral frames, columns, etc. — can become architectural features instead of nuisances.

By placing those elements in key locations (along the exterior or in areas that are less likely to change), the design becomes more resilient. It’s a small move with big long-term benefits.

Design for What’s Next

The truth is, no one wants to design for change — but preparing for it is smart. The more flexibility you build in now, the easier (and more affordable) future upgrades will be.

So yes, let’s think outside the box — but maybe the smartest first step… is starting with one.

Principal Steve Petracek

07.30 2024

Optimize Site Adapted Prototypes for Efficient and Compliant Design

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July 2024

by Steve Petracek

Site Adapted Prototypes

On the design side of a project, everyone loves a prototype. Okay, maybe not everyone, but making a project or its details can be prototypical, the more efficiently a project can be designed. However, adapting a prototype to a specific site requires careful consideration. Questions may include: How does the building integrate with the site’s layout? How do planning, zoning, and energy codes influence both aesthetics and functionality? And where are the utilities situated, considering they often don’t align with the optimal building corners?

On the structural side of the project, The main elements affecting structural design at any site are variable loadings: snow, wind, and seismic forces. Foundations can vary as much as the loading types, each presenting unique challenges. The complexity of foundation design increases with soil types like clay, silt, sand, or any combination thereof, not to mention site leveling and frost depth. In conclusion, addressing these variables with a well-adapted prototype ensures structural integrity and cost-efficiency.

Snow

Snow is effectively a variable live load, and while many of us enjoy it, it can significantly impact a structure’s design. For reference, a standard roof live load is 20 pounds per square foot (PSF) across the country. In regions like Florida, southern Texas, and southern California, there is no snow loading. However, places like Maine and Alaska can experience ground snow loads of up to 100 PSF. Site-specific locations in mountainous regions, such as Colorado and Idaho, can have localized loads well over 100 PSF. Consulting the building official in these areas is highly recommended but not always sufficient. Building officials often suggest contacting local fabricators to determine the typical design load used in the region.

Wind

Wind pressure can be applied as a broad loading, or in other words, one design covers a significant area of the country. Almost everywhere in the country, anytime you step outside, you can feel a breeze. For wind to be considered severe in the US, it must reach a speed of 58 mph with most storms only reaching 39 to 46 mph per the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Therefore, one design may be able to cover 90% of the prototype locations. Unless the project is in a hurricane zone, the code wind speed in the US is predominately 115 mph or less for a Risk Category II structure. For a Risk Category III, the wind speed jumps to 122 mph, well above all but the most severe cases.

Seismic

Location is significant in seismic design, with forces determined by the structure’s weight. Plate tectonics and the Ring of Fire in the Pacific significantly affect the west coast and Alaska. But one can’t forget the Madrid fault in southeast Missouri that in 1811 it shook and was felt in Hartford, CT and Charleston, SC.  The lighter the structure, the smaller the seismic force. For most lightweight structures built with wood or cold-formed steel framing, 90% of the designs are completed with a single approach since the structure is relatively light. However, some variations make seismic design unique at each site compared to wind. Beyond the previously mentioned weight concern and building height, framing type plays a significant role in the design effort. Concrete shear walls, moment frames, and braced frames are in a long list of framing options that require different levels of detail, depending on the maximum considered earthquake. And then there is the soil type unique to each site that plays a significant role. Solid or soft, each one resists the load in a different way.

Geotechnical

Geotechnical information varies significantly across the United States, impacting building costs. To break this variation down, I will address them as two foundation types: shallow and deep. Shallow foundations are the typical spread footings located approximately in the upper 10′ of the soil. Deep foundations are some version of piers or piles and extend deeper than 10′. Depending on the structure’s mass, a conservative value for spread footings that work in most places may add avoidable additional costs.

An assumed bearing pressure of 1,500 psf compared to an actual bearing pressure of 2,000 psf could reduce the footing size and material costs by 25%. The nice thing about spread footings is that an adjustment to them can be made easily and quickly, depending on the complexity of the foundation system. 

There is no point in making the effort for deep foundations to create a prototype design. There are too many variables. Better results will be achieved by designing deep foundations on individual projects.

Grouping

For a prototype design, the larger the grouping, the quicker the updates or design adjustments can be made. Of course, the design envelope size will vary, depending on the framing material and type. Structural steel and concrete typically have extra capacities based on code minimum or functional requirements. For example, an HSS2x2 post may work, but an HSS4x4 is used because of the connection preferences. Cold-formed steel and wood are typically not loaded to their maximum capacities, and higher loads can be applied to allow for a larger design window. 

With all this said, prototype design can be very efficient for a client and a time saver for the designer. There will always be a design element in every project, but if the layout and framing of a structure don’t change, design effort is reduced, saving time and money.

The body having jurisdiction has the final say. Each municipality is different, and many have unique requirements, so even with the best planning, changes could still be possible.

Conclusion

Adapting prototypes to specific sites involves a careful balance of design efficiency and compliance with local codes and environmental conditions. By understanding the impact of site layout, planning, zoning, and structural variables such as snow, wind, and seismic loadings, architects and engineers can create designs that are both functional and cost-effective. Effective communication with local building officials and fabricators is crucial to ensure that the design loads and foundation requirements are accurately addressed.

Ready to optimize your next project with site-adapted prototypes? Contact our team of experts today to ensure your design meets all site-specific requirements efficiently and effectively. Let’s bring your vision to life!

Steve Petracek, Principal

05.30 2024

How To Overcome Structural Challenges: FEC Conversion – Chapter 3

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October 2023

by Steve Petracek, Principal

The Engineering Side of Things

Now that we have seen the architectural view of a Family Entertainment Center (FEC) conversion, the next logical step is to jump into the structural aspects. The benefits of an FEC conversion may be lost, if the modifications to the structure can’t be made. I have learned the best thing is to be flexible. Typically, we can achieve the outcome in most cases, but maybe not as planned originally.

The most intrusive element in the structure is the demising wall. Below are some general structural approaches to addressing existing demising walls. These tactics are dependent on the size and location of openings. Possible options include:

  • CIP conc: A solid wall, typically used to carry gravity and lateral loads, has the potential to add openings without excessive work.
  • Precast: Another solid wall system used to carry gravity and lateral loads, usually in widths of 8′ to 10′ sections. These are easier to modify as removing a complete section is possible; coordination of openings with the panel joints is required.
  • Tilt Wall: The same approach as used with CIP concrete.
  • CMU: Concrete Masonry Units are like concrete walls, but with unreinforced cells, intermittent steel reinforcing has an added challenge for wall capacity and use of anchor types.
  • Steel: The easiest and possibly the most troublesome at the same time. Typically, it is never an issue to remove the infill light gauge framing to enlarge the volume. In some cases, though, an X-brace is in the wall. Both the steel columns and X-bracing, which is a pretty cool feature, will need to remain.

The auditoriums themselves are typically straightforward, with the auditorium seating platforms able to be removed completely. Whether framed with structural steel, light gauge, or foam, reclaiming auditorium space is typically straightforward and requiring only demolition. Removing or filling a sloped floor is a simple fix to create a level surface at the required elevation.

Some difficulty comes into play with using the space under the mezzanine framing. There usually are columns between the demising walls to accommodate mezzanine offsets, steps, or reduce beam spans. In most cases, removing mezzanine columns can be completed with the correct reinforcing. Typically, removing one column requires two columns to be added.

To keep costs lower and downtime less, the location of the new framing is critical. The best solution is to design the new framing as the shoring element and the final condition framing. Having a contractor on board during the initial design phase is beneficial as they can provide guidelines or limitations on what they can do. Such as the maximum lifting weight, achievable framing lengths, and numerous other construction coordination requirements they are in control of that will push costs up or down.

Framing around kitchens is always a challenge. Owners want an open floor plan, with a preference for kitchen operation. That can be a problem based on the column interferences mentioned above. Coordination with a kitchen vendor early on to work on keeping unobstructed paths is recommended. Additionally, added kitchens require new rooftop equipment, typically supported by existing roof joists. In most cases, these joists do not have much additional capacity beyond their original design, requiring coordination with kitchen equipment to locate them efficiently and safely.

In summary, with Family Entertainment Centers becoming the next big thing, retrofitting an existing theatre is an excellent opportunity to bring in additional revenue. Bowling, arcade/redemption, axe throwing, laser tag, etc. provide diverse revenue streams that can be established for year-round, all-day business and an existing auditorium is an excellent place to find the space.

Steve Petracek, Principal