My airport experience
For more than two decades, I’ve dedicated my career to one of the most complex and rewarding challenges in architecture: designing and delivering airports. My path has taken me from regional gateways in the United States to some of the world’s most ambitious aviation megaprojects in the Middle East, always with the same goal— to create airports that connect people safely, seamlessly, and with a sense of place.
I began my aviation career at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), where I helped design and deliver the D/E Connector expansion, a project that balanced operational complexity with passenger experience at one of the East Coast’s busiest hubs. Soon after, I contributed to the master plan at Texarkana Regional Airport, which entailed the siting of a new replacement terminal and the design of a new Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) Station.
In 2008, I moved to the Middle East, joining HOK to help realize the vision for Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar — a six-million-square-foot terminal that has since been named World’s Best Airport by Skytrax. I managed design and construction through its final phases, overseeing everything from concourse extensions and operations centers to the integration of advanced special systems. I led critical approvals with Civil Defence officials and helped the airport open on time, ensuring that technology was seamlessly integrated into an environment defined by architectural precision and passenger experience.
Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
From there, I played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central, DWC/AMI), the $32 billion expansion program planned to be the world’s largest airport. As Principal Architect for the technology subconsultant team, I developed a 10-year technology roadmap, guided strategies for biometric passenger processing, and planned for two high-performance data centers—laying the groundwork for how the airport will integrate state-of-the-art systems well into the future.
In Abu Dhabi, I served as Senior Design Manager and Project Manager for the Midfield Terminal Complex (now Zayed International Airport, AUH). Representing the airport owner, I led the tenant fit-out program for more than 200 retail, lounge, and F&B spaces — nearly a fifth of the terminal’s area. I introduced new processes for tenant coordination, approvals, and logistics that kept one of the most complex fit-out programs in the world on track during critical construction phases.
Central retail & duty free area, Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Returning to the U.S., I have continued to lead major projects at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). At LAX, I’ve guided planning and definition efforts for Terminal 9, Concourse 0, and multiple modernization initiatives, helping shape the future of America’s busiest origin-and-destination airport.
At PHX, I am currently leading the design of the New North Concourse at Terminal 3, a six-gate expansion with panoramic views to the Arizona mountains — delivered on schedule and budget through collaborative, tech-driven innovation.
LAX Terminal 9, Los Angeles
Across all these projects, what defines my career is not just the scale of the work but my approach. I see myself as a master integrator —someone who brings together architects, engineers, technologists, and stakeholders to deliver airports that function as both civic landmarks and operational machines. My unique vantage point bridges design excellence with deep technical expertise in engineering systems, data, and technology, ensuring that airports are not only beautiful but also resilient, efficient, and future-ready.
My contributions to aviation extend beyond project delivery. I have published thought leadership on experience-driven design, the role of technology in architecture, and the future of advanced air mobility. I’ve also pushed creative boundaries through competitions such as the award-winning Caravanserai and the Invisible Airport concept for Dubai’s Aviation X Lab.
Looking back at PHL, DOH, DWC, AUH, LAX, and PHX, I see not just airports but a continuous pursuit of innovation — of finding new ways to connect people and places while navigating the evolving relationship between architecture, technology, and the passenger experience. That pursuit continues to guide my work today.