AEG, the company that hopes to build an NFL stadium in downtown Los Angeles, has already picked an architect for part of the project – even though it has yet to win approval from the city.

AEG, which also operates Staples Center, selected the architecture firm Populous to design a new Convention Center West Hall. AEG wants to tear down the existing hall to make way for its proposed NFL Stadium.

Populous is popular. Majestic Realty has also hired the firm to build a rival stadium in the City of Industry.

City Councilwoman Jan Perry, who chairs the committee charged with vetting the stadium proposal, called the convention center rebuild an integral part of the project. She said a new and bigger west hall would attract more conventions to the city.

AEG Chief Executive Officer Tim Leiweke has pumped up his rhetoric as he seeks to pressure the city to accept his stadium proposal, even though he has yet to secure a commitment from an NFL team. Leiweke has threatened to walk away from the stadium and convention project if the city and AEG don’t sign an agreement by July 31.