Can you briefly introduce AECOM and explain how it supports and integrates with the air transport ecosystem?

AECOM is at the forefront of airport infrastructure innovation.  We partner with airports, airlines, and other business partners to design iconic, human-centric terminals and concourses that transform how guests experience air travel. Our goal is to create spaces that elevate the travel experience while supporting the operational and commercial success of our partners. 

What inspired AECOM to become a Platinum Sponsor of FTE Global 2025, and what are your strategic goals for this participation?

Our decision was driven by our commitment to fostering meaningful connections and driving transformative change within the aviation industry. FTE Global provides a unique platform to engage with innovators, exchange insights, and collaborate on solutions that will shape the next generation of air travel. We’re aiming to not only share our expertise but also listen, learn, and strengthen partnerships that advance sustainable, passenger-focused, and technology-enabled airport solutions worldwide.

You are speaking in a conference session at FTE Global focused on ‘Understanding the trends, and factors, that will impact passenger journeys & future expansion strategies of airports and airlines. What can attendees expect from the session, and can you give a preview of the key messages will you share?

I’m really looking forward to exploring how airports and airlines can anticipate the shifting needs of travelers and industry stakeholders while ensuring infrastructure remains resilient, adaptable, and future-ready. Attendees can expect practical insights and forward-looking strategies that combine innovation with real-world implementation:

• Designing for tomorrow’s journey
• Innovation meets infrastructure
• Passenger- and workforce-centric design
• Strategic expansion and refurbishment in an evolving industry
• Integrating technology and experience

In what ways is AECOM approaching airport design and planning to accommodate digital, sustainability and human expectations of new terminals of the future?

• Elevating passenger experience: Designing airports that prioritize seamless navigation, comfort, and efficiency through clear signage, intuitive layouts, and amenities that meet diverse traveler needs.
• Prioritizing efficiency and functionality:  Creating terminals that facilitate effortless passenger flow, streamlined security, and seamless baggage handling, ensuring airports operate at peak performance while enhancing the travel experience.
• Commitment to sustainability: Integrating energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly materials, and innovative green strategies that minimize environmental impact and elevate the overall quality of the built environment.
• Emphasizing flexibility and scalability: Developing visionary designs that can adapt to passenger growth and evolving technologies, ensuring they can effortlessly accommodate increasing passenger volumes and meet the ever-evolving demands of modern travel.
• Embracing technological integration: Seamlessly weaving technologies into every aspect of the travel experience, from streamlined check-in and enhanced security processes to dynamic passenger information systems that keep guests informed and engaged.
• Innovative design solutions: Delivering iconic, high-ROI designs that not only captivate the eye but also elevate terminal functionality, blending stunning aesthetics with practical features to redefine the commercial air travel experience.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Leveraging expertise across architecture, engineering, planning, and operations to create integrated, future-ready solutions that exceed technical and safety standards.
• Guest-Centric Features: Prioritizing diverse passenger needs — such as inviting dwell areas, gourmet dining options, and vibrant retail spaces — to elevate the travel experience and significantly enhance guest satisfaction, turning airports into enjoyable destinations.
• Cultural Relevance: Infusing local cultural elements into the terminal design to create a rich, authentic identity that resonates with passengers, transforming their journey into a meaningful experience that reflects the unique spirit of the community.

What key airport projects is AECOM currently working on that you can share details of?
We’re proud to be delivering some of the most ambitious and transformative airport projects around the world. Each project reflects our commitment to enhancing passenger experience, improving operational efficiency, and embedding sustainability into the future of air travel. Our teams are partnering with airports and airlines to design and deliver facilities that are resilient, adaptable, and ready to meet the evolving demands of the aviation industry.

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
  • The revitalization of Terminal E added 320,000 square feet of new gate infrastructure, featuring a distinctive red roof inspired by Boston’s color palette, while integrating advanced operational efficiencies and new ticketing, baggage handling, and U.S. Customs facilities.

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  • AECOM Hunt is partnering in the $4.2 billion redevelopment of Terminal 6 at JFK, which includes a 1.2 million square foot terminal, expanded gate capacity, new amenities, and a commitment to exceeding 30 percent utilization of minority- and women-owned businesses, expected to be completed by 2028.

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
  • Terminal A/B Connector and Baggage Handling System. Here we are contributing to a $332 million upgrade at BWI to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency, including direct connectivity between Concourses A and B, expanded baggage handling, and more hold room, food, and retail options.

• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s (SEA)
  • We’re proud to be modernizing Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s S Concourse in collaboration with HOK, transforming the 350,000-square-foot space into a more efficient and sustainable facility by reconfiguring concourse areas, redeveloping former inspection spaces for retail and dining, and expanding premium lounges. This project, expected to be completed by 2031, underscores our commitment to enhancing travel experiences and aligns with the Port of Seattle’s sustainability goals.

• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
  • At Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C, we’re providing project and program management services for multiple initiatives, including supporting infrastructure enhancements, wayfinding updates, and landscaping improvements to streamline operations and enhance the guest experience amid extensive expansion efforts.

• Melbourne International Airport (MEL)
  • At MEL, we’re delivering multiple projects including the expansion of Virgin Domestic Arrivals and Reclaim in T3, upgrades to baggage screening, and the redevelopment of the Arrivals Duty-Free retail space.

• San Diego International Airport (SAN)
  • Here we’re delivering comprehensive program, project, and construction management services for NT1, the airport’s largest project, which will feature a new on-airport entrance road for quicker access, as well as bicycle lanes and a pedestrian path connecting to San Diego’s communities, while also reserving space for a future direct link to the region’s public transit network.

• Dallas – Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW)
  • As the leader of the Airfield Management Partners joint venture, we’re providing comprehensive planning, programming, design, procurement, and construction management services for all phases of airside project development, including infrastructure rehabilitation and enhancements for runways, taxiways, utilities, security, signage, support facilities, and airport transit systems.

What are the major trends you are noticing in terms of airport design and planning and how is AECOM influencing those trends?

AECOM’s Aviation teams are setting trends, not following them. By combining innovative design thinking with advanced digital technology, we transform our clients’ most pressing challenges into opportunities for smarter, more resilient, and passenger-focused solutions. Some of the challenges our aviation clients are facing include:

• Navigating complex logistics: Coordinating passenger flow, optimizing security checkpoints, and ensuring reliable baggage handling to keep airports operating efficiently.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance: Meeting rigorous security, safety, and accessibility standards across every phase of design and operation.
• Balancing aesthetics and function: Designing terminals that are both visually inspiring and highly efficient, creating spaces that perform as well as they look.
• Managing scale and scope: Addressing the complexity of large-scale projects through careful planning, collaboration, and coordination across multiple disciplines.
• Overcoming budget/funding constraints: Delivering high-quality and functional designs within budget limitations.
• Future-proofing designs: Embedding flexibility and foresight to accommodate future growth, evolving passenger expectations, and emerging technologies.

The ultimate showcase of innovative solutions for complex challenges is the remarkable (BOS) Boston Logan Terminal E Expansion. As AECOM’s Global Head of Aviation Architecture and Engineering, I am beyond thrilled to share my admiration for the inspirational planning, architecture, engineering, and construction of BOS Terminal E. This incredible project is a true testament to innovation, creativity, and sustainability in aviation infrastructure. Designed with a striking red roof that blends bold aesthetics with functional purpose, the terminal demonstrates how architecture can be both iconic and highly practical.

Led by Terry Rookard and Jonathan Rushmore, a team of highly talented AECOM architects integrated cutting-edge technology with timeless design principles, creating a structure that is both visually striking and highly practical. Walking through Terminal E, you will be inspired by the seamless harmony between form and function. It’s a space that not only meets but exceeds expectations, providing an environment that is calm, comfortable, and efficient. we’re proud to help set that direction, turning ambitious visions into lasting infrastructure that will serve communities and travelers for decades to come.

What do you value most about participating in FTE events, and what are you particularly excited about at this year’s FTE Global?

I value the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and exchange innovative ideas that shape the future of aviation. This year, I’m particularly excited to explore how new technologies and guest-centric design are being applied to create smarter, more seamless airport experiences.

How can attendees best connect and engage with you and your team during the event, and is there a message you’d like to share with them in advance?

We’d love to connect during sessions or ahead of time to discuss the future of airport design. Our team is excited to share insights on creating human-centric, innovative infrastructure that elevates every journey. Let’s collaborate to shape airport experiences that inspire and delight.

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Daniel Charbonneau is a proud Anishinaabe Algonquin with over 30 years of experience in Indigenous relations. Throughout his career, he has focused on Indigenous business partnerships, major projects consultation, and modern treaty negotiation. He brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, evidence-based policymaking and program management. 

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry. 

What inspired me to join the industry is the immense potential for meaningful impact and collaboration. The infrastructure sector is at a pivotal moment with a growing emphasis on inclusive practices that ensure full Indigenous participation in major projects. For me, engineering consulting is not just about building structures; it’s about forging partnerships that drive shared success. The commitment to integrating Indigenous perspectives such as Indigenous traditional knowledge, environmental stewardship, business development and employment creation into every aspect of project planning and execution is not only important but essential in driving innovation and achieving sustainable outcomes. The opportunity to contribute to initiatives that enhance both industry progress and Indigenous prosperity is what truly motivates me. 

What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why? 

In my role as Reconciliation Project Manager, I am leading AECOM Canada’s participation in the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program for the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB). The CCIB PAIR program enables organizations to set and achieve progressive performance targets in Indigenous employment, procurement, business partnerships and community investments. I am very excited about our progress such as updating an Indigenous Relations Policy, developing an Indigenous Procurement Policy, and creating an Indigenous Investment Fund — all of which support relationship building with Indigenous communities. I am also leading our efforts towards Bronze Level of certification, making sure that AECOM meets the highest standards of collaboration in its engagement with Indigenous communities. I am eager to continue to drive initiatives that promote genuine engagement, foster mutual trust, and advance the company’s commitment to reconciliation. 

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community. 

I am currently working on a large passenger rail project called Alto that will provide more frequent, faster and reliable service for commuters between Quebec City, Quebec and Toronto, Ontario. My contribution to the project supports meaningful economic participation and maximum socio-economic benefits for Indigenous Peoples. By fostering strong partnerships and ensuring that Indigenous voices are integral to the planning and implementation process, I have helped create opportunities that extend beyond the project itself such as creating a series of socio-economic research reports serving Indigenous communities in other projects. This work has led to increased capacity building, employment and training opportunities, which are helping sustain long-term benefits within the communities such as environmental protection, and business and job creation. My goal is to ensure that the project not only respects Indigenous rights and traditions but also leaves a lasting, positive legacy for future generations. 

Share a piece of career advice. 

Always stay curious. Learn the needs and aspirations of the communities your projects impact. Embrace learning and be ready to apply the latest industry best practices in your field. Adapt to new challenges as they arise, and keep proposing innovative ideas, knowing that only one in ten come to fruition. Continue to collaborate with your colleagues and sustain team efforts in the areas important to Indigenous Peoples such as healing, education, socio-economic benefits, cultural protection and environmental stewardship. This is about creating social value through intentional design, driving sustainable community growth, and working with authenticity. Acting ethically means going beyond mere performative actions to make a genuine impact. 

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Jeff Chan is a structural engineer with five years of experience specializing in the transportation and water/wastewater sectors. Since joining AECOM in 2020 as a structural designer, he has contributed to building projects across Canada, gaining expertise in seismic design and integration of diverse structural materials in buildings.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I was born in Hong Kong, a region renowned for its rapid infrastructure development, and spent my early childhood immersed in a constantly evolving urban landscape. For the first nine years of my life, this rapid urban growth felt normal. It wasn’t until my family immigrated to Canada that I began to recognize how unique and complex such development was, especially in densely populated areas. This realization sparked my curiosity about the built environment and a deep appreciation for the role infrastructure plays in shaping quality of life. That early insight, combined with an interest in thoughtful, impactful design, inspired me to pursue a career in engineering.

At AECOM, I was fortunate to have a flexible full-time schedule, which allowed me to pursue graduate studies part-time. The combination of academic learning and guidance from knowledgeable, supportive colleagues and mentors helped me sharpen my technical skills, expand my confidence, and step into greater responsibilities.

What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?

I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to many meaningful projects at AECOM, but the Capital Line South Extension has been one of the most rewarding experiences so far. I’ve served as the structural engineer and was also part of the pursuit team for the Operations and Maintenance Facility, which was one of the key components of this major design-build project.

What made this project stand out for me was the collaborative spirit from day one. We worked closely with an engaged client and a talented multidisciplinary team to develop conceptual designs, propose creative solutions, and shape a design that helped win the project. The strength of our design stemmed from the close collaboration we maintained with the builder throughout the process. We were aligned in our goals and challenges which allowed us to understand and share concerns around key issues such as material costs, construction sequencing, and overall constructability. By maintaining open lines of communication and working through these issues collaboratively, we were able to tailor our design approach to directly support their needs. This provided a smoother transition from design to construction, minimized surprises in the field, and fostered an integrated, solution-focused team dynamic.

This environment of trust and intensive multi-disciplinary coordination left a lasting impact on how I approach design thinking and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

The project was awarded in mid-2024 and is now in the construction phase. I’m excited to continue my contribution to a project that will help shape the future of transit in Edmonton and look forward to seeing our work take shape on site.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

One of the most rewarding experiences of my career has been contributing to the structural design of the Warehouse Park Pavilion in downtown Edmonton. What was once a stretch of surface parking lots is being transformed into a vibrant, community-focused park. The striking new pavilion structure anchors a revitalized green space in the city’s core.

The pavilion’s cantilevered, barrel-vaulted roof is framed with wood trusses, curved plywood sheathing, and is supported by steel beams and columns. This serves as both a functional shelter and an architectural statement. Its irregular geometry presented a complex structural challenge, requiring close collaboration with a senior AECOM engineer and an award-winning architect to develop a solution that balanced durability, cost and design intent. Several roof design iterations were explored during the conceptual and design phases, considering concrete, steel and wood systems. Ultimately, we formed the barrel vault using prefabricated wood trusses and curved plywood, while the cantilever was framed with steel beams which leverages the versatility of wood and the strength of steel. Following the construction award for this design-bid-build project, we engaged early with the contractor to review the framing design. With input from carpenters and site supervisors, we refined details to enhance constructability and confirm accurate execution of the complex geometry.

What makes this project especially meaningful is knowing how the community will engage with the space once it’s fully redeveloped. Whether its families enjoying the shade in the summer, visitors gathering around the fireplaces in the winter, or individuals seeking a quiet moment in the heart of the city, it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that the structure the team designed will become a part of people’s everyday experiences. That kind of lasting, human impact is exactly what inspired me to pursue engineering.

Share a piece of career advice.

My best advice would be to ask questions, stay open to the perspectives of other building disciplines or contractors, and shape your design to anticipate their needs. What may initially seem like an impossible design challenge within your own discipline can often be resolved through collaboration with others who bring different skills and expertise to the table. Each discipline, whether it’s architectural, structural, mechanical, or electrical, has its own approach to solving problems and its own set of needs. By considering end user, contractor and discipline perspectives early in the design process, you can create more effective and integrated solutions that benefit the entire project.

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Joseph Schoenborn specializes in station design that prioritizes architectural excellence and elevates the passenger experience. With a solid background in architecture and a focus on urban transit projects, Joseph contributes to the development of stations that are both functional and aesthetically engaging. His work supports the creation of user-centered transit infrastructure that enhances urban mobility and community connections.

Tell us a bit about yourself – your role and career journey.

I began my career with an international architectural firm, working with a small team dedicated to the design of a 550-meter mixed-use tower in Doha, Qatar. It was a great experience that showed me how collaboration and attention to detail can deliver iconic results.

After the project, I pursued my master’s degree in architecture at Virginia Tech and then joined a small architectural firm in Washington, D.C. where I gained experience of working on historic preservation projects, including the statue restoration at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

I joined AECOM in 2014, where I discovered my passion for transit architecture. It’s a discipline where thoughtful design directly impacts the daily lives of thousands, improving not just function but community identity, connectivity, and even property value. Over the last decade, I’ve worked on stations and transit facilities across the United States and internationally — from Riyadh to Toronto and Mexico. Recent career highlights include working on the station design for Pittsburgh’s bus rapid transit system, and new light rail lines in Austin, Phoenix and Los Angeles.

Since late 2023, I’ve been serving as Architecture Manager for our Baltimore team, helping to grow our practice while continuing to learn from every new project we take on.

Talk to us about a transit or rail station project that has impacted or been a major highlight of your career. How is it helping to solve some of the challenges and issues our clients and communities are facing? 

One project I am particularly proud of is the Salt River Bridge in Phoenix. The light rail project extends the system that was originally built in the early 2000’s from Downtown into South Phoenix. Our transit architecture team designed eight new stations along the alignment, each featuring artist integration that highlights the different communities in unique ways.

Early into the project, our client saw an opportunity to celebrate the Salt River crossing — a historic, dry riverbed — through design. We seized this opportunity to elevate the overall experience of the transit system. The design we came up with introduced a delicate steel structure that mimics the form and cadence of the existing, more traditional bridge features. The rise and fall of sculptural form — replicated on both sides of the bridge — signifies progression and movement to one’s destination. The result not only creates a memorable experience for passengers but also serves as a gateway between two communities.

You’ve worked on station renovations across cities like New York and Baltimore. How do you approach balancing historic preservation with modern design expectations in transit architecture?

I’ve always considered myself a modernist. I think generally the modern approach is often best. By modern architecture, I mean simplicity — clean lines, minimal clutter, and the use of transparency and open space. In transit station design, every square foot matters, and the challenge is to make the most of it.

At Camden Yards in Baltimore, we designed a new commuter rail station adjacent to the iconic Warehouse. Instead of mimicking historic architecture, we used modern materials like glass and steel to create a station that feels light and open. The large canopy and extensive glazing not only protect passengers but also frame views of the historic site, allowing the new and old to complement each other.

In New York’s Astoria, we rehabilitated four century-old, elevated stations, replacing the original solid metal walls with glass windscreens to open up the views to the neighborhood and transform the stations into transparent, connected public spaces. By thoughtfully integrating modern elements, the neighborhood became part of the station experience, a living backdrop to the transit journey.

Can you share more insights into how modular construction methods can support decarbonization goals in transit projects?

I’ve had the opportunity to tour several modular and offsite fabrication facilities. What struck me most during these visits was how clean, organized and efficient the operations were. The inherent environmental benefit of this approach lies in its ability to significantly reduce construction waste while improving overall efficiency.

For transit stations, offsite construction can be used to great effect because station elements are repeatable. One example is the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Pittsburgh. The station shelters were prefabricated in Wisconsin, with every component prefinished and predrilled. Onsite, the installation process was like assembling a puzzle — fast, precise and clean. This minimized construction time, reduced disruption to the surrounding area, and eliminated metal waste onsite.

Use of offsite construction practices can support clients to decarbonize projects by cutting down material waste, reducing transportation-related emissions, and limiting energy use during construction. It also improves enhanced quality control and accelerates delivery, helping transit agencies meet their sustainability targets while delivering high-performance infrastructure more efficiently.

The post Transforming Transit: Meet Joseph Schoenborn appeared first on Blog.

Transport is a long game — and a worthwhile one

While large capital programs can seem daunting — both in scale and cost — the real story is told in the years and decades that follow. That’s when the returns start rolling in.

It’s proven time and again: investment in public transport isn’t just about transport. It’s about economic growth, alleviating congestion, promoting environmental sustainability, and building stronger communities.

I am based in San Francisco, where I have dedicated my career to advancing public transit systems.  According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), every $1 invested in public transit yields $5 in economic returns. Public transit in the U.S. alone supports a $79 billion industry and over 430,000 jobs — with 77 percent of federal funding flowing to the private sector, supporting more than 2,000 suppliers across 48 states.

Real returns from real systems

Take Portland, Oregon, for example. TriMet’s MAX light rail lines have helped drive over $45 billion in development near its stations. Across the Dallas Rapid Area Transit (DART) service area, The University of North Texas has tracked a cumulative economic impact of $17.1 billion since 1999 — a staggering boost to the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Transit-orientated development has flourished: in just a two-year span, 31 projects were completed within a quarter mile of DART stations with a total property value of $980 million.  

These numbers are compelling. But what’s even more important is what they represent: vibrant downtowns, job creation, housing development, better air quality, and more inclusive urban growth.

The Irish context

Ireland is on the cusp of a similar transformation. The Luas Benefits Report — which AECOM is proud to have supported — tells a powerful story of how light rail has changed Dublin over the last two decades.

The Luas, which operates with zero emissions at street level, has become more than a mode of transport; it’s now a symbol of Dublin, delivering clear and measurable benefits. Along its corridors, over 10,000 new jobs have been created in the technology and services sectors, while an estimated 12,000 tonnes of CO₂e emissions were avoided in 2022 through modal shift. Importantly, the Luas has enabled some of Dublin’s largest housing and regeneration projects, connecting areas such as Tallaght and Sandyford to the city center, facilitating the delivery of much-needed new homes.

Looking ahead, projects like MetroLink have the potential to deliver even greater benefits — not just by moving people more efficiently, but by creating a ripple effect across communities, businesses, and industries. The vision for transport in Ireland is bold, and with the right support, it can be a catalyst for a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future.

Acknowledging the pain points

Of course, we also need to be honest: these benefits don’t appear overnight. Large-scale infrastructure takes time — and construction can be disruptive. We’ve seen it in every city. Streets are torn up, traffic is rerouted, businesses are affected. It’s frustrating. But what I’ve learned from decades of working in this space is that the short-term pain is vastly outweighed by the long-term gain. When we push through, what emerges on the other side is well worth the wait.

Let’s talk

If this topic resonates, I invite you to come and hear my presentation on the socioeconomic significance of transport infrastructure at Transport Ireland 2025.  I’ll be sharing more insights, examples from around the world, and my thoughts on how we can all help make the most of these once-in-a-generation investments.

Ireland has the chance to lead by example in showing what’s possible when you invest in transport not as a cost, but as a catalyst. I look forward to being part of that journey with you. 

AECOM is proud to be sponsoring Transport Ireland 2025, which is taking place at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin on Friday June 6^th.  Diane’s presentation on the socioeconomic significance of transport infrastructure will take place in the first session between 9-11am, alongside:

• Peter Walsh, Chief Executive Officer at Transport Infrastructure Ireland
• Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Reform and Digitalisation
• Séan Sweeney, MetroLink Programme Director, Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

The session will be chaired by Derval Cummins, Director, Transportation from AECOM.

The post Why public transport investments are worth the wait appeared first on Blog.

Bradley Touchstone is an architect with more than 35 years of experience specializing in complex bridge design. His work is visible on major signature bridges across North America and around the world, including the Gordie Howe International Bridge that spans the border between the U.S. and Canada, and the Kosciuszko Bridge in New York City. Bradley holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Mississippi State University and studied at the Technical University of Barcelona. Passionate about designing unforgettable bridges, he uses his architectural background to inform his bridge design, believing that bridges should not only be functional but impactful.

What inspired you to join the industry?

I’ve loved architecture since I was young. I even took drafting in high school. I grew up in a family of builders in Laurel, Mississippi. Early on, I saw how architects shape communities and knew I wanted to create places that matter.

That said, I didn’t set out to design bridges. After graduating, I launched my own architecture practice. Not long after, I received a call from Gene Figg — an icon in the world of bridge design. He was looking for someone with a fresh, creative perspective and believed my architectural background could bring that to the table. What began as a collaboration evolved into a series of signature bridge projects, starting in Toledo and Tampa, and eventually expanding across the country. That experience pulled me into the world of bridge design.

When Gene passed in 2001, I reestablished my practice with a new focus: bridges. I partnered with AECOM on major projects across the U.S. and internationally before joining the firm in 2019 as National Practice Lead for complex bridge architecture. I’m now in a position that blends my design and architectural background, and desire to shape spaces that connect and benefit communities.

What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?

I’ve worked on many major bridges, but two smaller bridges stand out. The first is the 2^nd Street Bridge in Austin, Texas, that we completed in 2013. This is a canted arch bridge, about 160 feet long and that is also known as the “Butterfly Bridge” for its outward-leaning steel ribs. It carries two lanes of traffic and a pedestrian sidewalk over Shoal Creek.

2^nd Street is the centerpiece of the City of Austin’s Seaholm District project, which revitalized an industrial part of Austin on the edge of downtown. The bridge links the district’s east and west sections and is now also a destination, integrated with an adjacent plaza that includes sitting areas and coffee shops.

I was responsible for community involvement, bridge type selection — along with the structural team — and preliminary and final design for all architectural and lighting components. As with all our bridge projects, I worked closely with our bridge engineers to deliver a bridge that met the city and community’s vision for durability and beauty. We evaluated girder, cable-stayed, and arch bridge options before selecting the canted arch bridge type as it is a dynamic and sculptural form that creates an interesting profile from the widest range of vantage points. Every detail had the user in mind. For example, we built a gap between the sidewalk slab and the bridge’s traffic deck to allow light to pass to travelers from the Shoal Creek below. With its trapezoidal shaped steel ribs, galvanized wire rope hangers and non-fracture critical structural system, we delivered a bridge that is not only striking but resilient and easy to maintain.

Another favorite is the recently completed Christian to Crescent Bridge along the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. Like 2^nd Street, this bridge is a destination. It gives pedestrians and cyclists opportunities to create memories in an urban environment. The bridge is part of a 4-mile constructed stretch of an 8-mile planned Philadelphia section of a 128-mile Schuylkill River Trail of which half is currently complete.

I was the lead architect for this 650-foot-long cable-stayed bridge. This design presented technical challenges in part because the bridge is set in an active industrial area. I initially focused my design on its alignment. The reverse curve that I introduced was born from practicality, it allowed us to avoid those problematic areas. It also gave us the advantage of shifting the perspective. Providing a curved view added a sense of journey for people using the bridge.

Curving the alignment also led to the selection of a cable-stayed bridge. We opted for this structure in part because it provided a more prominent vertical profile for the bridge. Its lattice cable pattern and soaring pylons also allowed us to create a striking landmark along the river, one of the missions of the developers, the City of Philadelphia and the Schuylkill River Development Corporation.

These two projects, though smaller than many I’ve worked on, are special. The 2^nd Street Bridge helped bring an underused area of the city back to life. The Christian to Crescent Bridge provides a new type of greenspace and an entirely off-road means of moving through the city. Each is a testament to how bridge and landscape architecture can make lasting community improvements.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

The Hastings Bridge project in Hastings, Minnesota, showed me the lasting impact that our work can have. I was the architect and visual quality manager for the 545-foot-long bridge that carries Highway 61 over the Mississippi River into this small town. We completed it for the Minnesota Department of Transportation as a replacement for two previous iterations built in the same location. It’s the longest freestanding tied arch bridge in North America, and with a 100-year lifespan, it was built to last.

While the bridge is vital to the area’s transportation network, what struck me was that the community was less concerned about the crossing than its potential impact on the area around it. This bridge touches down on Hastings’ Main Street. Earlier bridge abutments had left behind neglected spaces. Residents were concerned that we would repeat this history. Instead, we listened. We created a plaza underneath the bridge on Main Street that became a town gathering point.

We also added an artist to our project team named Craig David. He designed two murals that became springboards for art along the town’s riverfront and public places. The community so loved the murals that we modified the abutment design so they could be detached if the bridge was torn down. When you spark that kind of community involvement, it becomes a magical experience.

Share a piece of career advice.

Confidence is important, but so is collaboration. Be open to input from your team members. You might have a clear vision for how to approach a project, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be improved with other perspectives. Listening to your colleagues often leads to better, more creative outcomes.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Bradley Touchstone appeared first on Blog.

Dipal Vimawala is a structural engineer with more than 32 years of experience designing highway, moveable and railroad bridges. Passionate about nurturing leaders, empowering his team members and connecting communities, Dipal earned his bachelor’s degree in civil (structural) engineering in India and a master’s degree in structural engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison before making Chicago his home base. Whether restoring historic bridges or designing new ones for modern mobility, Dipal is driven by the impact of transformative infrastructure, creating opportunities that shape cities and improve lives.

What inspired you to join the industry?

I’ve always believed in the power of civil engineering — the way it links communities through the infrastructure that connects them. Building bridges is a clear and tangible way to do just that, literally and figuratively. I have friends who are doctors, and they often remind me that they save lives. My joke in response? “Well, doctors need bridges to reach their patients across highways, waterways and railroads.” It’s a lighthearted way of expressing something I feel deeply — connectivity matters, and I’ve been passionate about it from the very start of my career.

I was fortunate to recognize that interest early on and turn it into a career, using my education and technical skills to help create infrastructure that makes a real impact. The idea that I could contribute to projects that improve communities was one of the major inspirations for joining this profession.

Beyond that, I’ve always enjoyed tackling complex challenges. How do you design and build a bridge in a dense urban environment? How do you deliver critical infrastructure without disrupting traffic? Finding solutions to these kinds of engineering puzzles has been just as rewarding as seeing the finished structures come to life — and knowing they help people every day.

What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of the most rewarding projects of my career is the reconstruction of the historic Wells Street Bascule Bridge in downtown Chicago. I dedicated about 10 years to this project. I served as the project manager and lead structural engineer from planning to final design phase to completion of the construction.

Originally opened in 1922, this double-deck, moveable bridge is a vital part of downtown Chicago’s infrastructure, carrying thousands of commuters every day. The lower deck accommodates highway, bike and pedestrian traffic while the upper deck supports Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Brown and Purple Line trains. Modernizing the bridge while preserving its historic character and minimizing service disruptions was a challenge but also a remarkable experience.

A key factor in the project’s success was our ability to collaborate with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the CTA to minimize closures. Instead of shutting down the bridge for months, we proposed two carefully planned nine-day closures. I was told we’d never get agreement on this approach, but I thought — why not ask? This solution served the community well. These short-term complete shutdowns allowed us to complete major structural replacements efficiently, while making the project cost effective overall. We used float in-and-out techniques to replace a major portion of the bridge structure.

Thanks to careful planning, strong teamwork, and precise execution, the project was completed on time with little impact on daily travel. In the end it was deeply satisfying to be a part of a project that kept the city moving. CDOT appreciated our work on the Wells Bridge project — which resulted in several industry awards — but the real success for AECOM was being selected for two similar major moveable rehabilitation projects; Lake Street and Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, which are currently under design.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

Two projects that stand out are the 41^st and 43^rd Street Pedestrian Bridges in Chicago’s Southside Kenwood neighborhood. Designed to provide safe, accessible connections for pedestrians and cyclists, the bridges span Lake Shore Drive and the Metra Electric/CN railroad tracks. Before their construction, reaching the waterfront often required a long drive — now, residents can easily walk or bike straight to the lake, making the shoreline more inviting and accessible.

Beyond its practical use, the City of Chicago desired signature bridges that create an inviting atmosphere with aesthetically pleasant iconic structures resulting in a unique and memorable experience for users.  We wanted the bridges to stand out as a beautiful addition to the landscape. We designed sweeping S-curves and inclined arches to mirror the nearby park walkways, creating a smooth, dynamic connection for pedestrians and cyclists.

I mainly worked on the planning phase with the City of Chicago and architects to shape the final product from a conceptual sketch. Much credit goes to Mike Eichten, the project manager and Jixing He, the lead structural engineer. As part of our team, I also helped create a temporary bridge in between the proposed arch bridge and the Metra Electric Railroad overhead catenary power lines. This created a safe working environment for workers and allowed construction to continue while several hundred trains a day were running below. The project was part of a larger effort to improve public spaces along the lakefront, making the area more inviting and better connected to the surrounding community. Seeing the project come to life and witnessing the impact on people within the neighborhood — how it encourages outdoor activity and strengthens the community — has made this a truly meaningful experience.

Share a piece of career advice.

I am a big believer in empowering young engineers and creating future leaders; always look for opportunities — it’s one of the best ways to grow your career. We all need challenges to keep our minds active, learning and growing. Seek out complex and challenging projects — having a hunger for technical expertise will push you forward.  Take on challenges, embrace more responsibilities, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The more you engage, the more you’ll learn from experienced colleagues that will be invaluable to your growth. Stay curious, stay proactive, and your career will continue to advance. Make sure to enjoy yourself and have fun while you are at it.

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Katerina has 20 years of experience in large-scale architectural and engineering projects worldwide. She specializes in terminal design, project coordination, and sustainable building solutions. Her expertise spans airports, mixed-use developments, hotels, offices and industrial facilities. She has led designs for major aviation projects, ensuring efficiency, passenger experience and sustainability. Katerina’s multidisciplinary background allows her to integrate architectural innovation with engineering excellence in complex infrastructure developments.

Tell us a bit about yourself – your role and career journey.

I’m an architect with 20 years of experience in architectural design. Originally from Greece, I began my career working in small architectural studios there before moving to Madrid, where my professional journey truly took shape.

Before joining AECOM, I worked in the hospitality and industrial sectors, but my passion for aviation design began when I joined the company 10 years ago. Since then, I’ve focused on airport projects worldwide, serving as a lead architect and design manager. What I love most about aviation design is that it’s an ongoing learning experience — every project is unique, requiring new and innovative solutions.

I lead the design of terminal buildings, ancillary airport structures such as control towers and support facilities and coordinate various aspects of airport planning and design. I also take on the role of terminal planner for several projects, ensuring seamless integration between architectural design and operational functionality.

Can you share an example of one of your favorite aviation terminal design projects.  What was special about it and why? 

One of my favorite aviation projects is Terminal 4 at Kuwait International Airport, where I served as Design Manager, working closely with the client (the contractor) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Kuwait (DGCA). This was my second aviation project, building on my experience from Rome Fiumicino Airport. It was especially rewarding to apply my knowledge while also mentoring others, just as my colleagues once guided me.

What made this project remarkable was its fast-tracked delivery — completed in just 15 months — through close collaboration with our client. Our team prioritized efficient solutions aligned with production and procurement schedules, always anticipating site needs to ensure versatility and long-term effectiveness. Despite the rapid pace, we maintained high design quality, creating welcoming interiors and striking exteriors inspired by local patterns and symbols.

How do you combine sustainability and digital in your designs to elevate the passenger experience?

Sustainability and digital innovation go hand in hand in our aviation architecture designs. We collaborate closely with MEP and sustainability teams to integrate smart technologies like intelligent lighting and climate control systems, reducing the carbon footprint while creating comfortable environments that adapt to passenger needs. We also prioritize the use of eco-friendly materials, balancing environmental responsibility with aesthetics that enhance the terminal experience. High-quality insulation plays a crucial role in reducing energy consumption, maintaining stable indoor temperatures, and improving overall comfort.

We also leverage Building Information Modeling (BIM) to create digital twins of our terminal designs. This allows for early-stage simulations, optimizing passenger flow, operational efficiency and spatial functionality. These models continue to be valuable throughout the construction and operational phases, assisting contractors and supporting our clients with long-term facility management.

What are some of the trends in terminal design that you’re excited to explore or implement in your work?

One of the most important trends we factor into our terminal designs is flexibility. By creating adaptable environments, we support operators and contractors to optimize space and reduce costs. For example, we analyze peak times for international and domestic passengers and design shared-use spaces that can shift functions as needed. This is particularly valuable for seasonal airports, where certain areas can serve aviation needs during peak periods and be repurposed for landside functions — such as cultural or retail spaces — during off-peak times. This ensures terminals remain active and efficient year-round.

Energy efficiency is another key focus of our designs. By implementing smart climate control systems, we can deactivate HVAC systems in underutilized spaces, significantly reducing energy consumption without compromising passenger comfort.

Integration of touchless technologies throughout the terminal, from check-in and security to boarding is also now really important. The demand for contactless solutions grew significantly over the past few years, not only to enhance the passenger experience but also to address health and safety concerns while creating a seamless travel experience. These innovations not only enhance safety but also contribute to a more modern and efficient airport environment.

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Jonathan Rushmore is Vice President & Principal Architect with over two decades’ worth of experience in transportation architecture, with a focus on transit and aviation projects. His expertise lies in managing design teams, solving complex design challenges, and driving innovation and sustainability in project delivery. Jonathan’s work is characterized by ensuring timely, effective project completion and a deep commitment to enhancing passenger experiences.

Tell us a bit about yourself – your role and career journey. 

My career has focused on transportation architecture, primarily on transit and aviation projects in the United States. Throughout my 20+ years career, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to several high-profile and impactful projects in the sector, taking on roles that span design, technical and project management, and emphasize the adoption of technology, design and delivery innovation.

I’m currently Vice President at AECOM where I delve into architectural design, complex project delivery and transportation terminal planning. I have had the privilege of leading design teams in tackling complex design challenges across a diverse array of transportation architecture projects, including Boston Logan Terminal E Modernization, BWI Air Tower and FAA Facility and Tampa Airside A & E Expansion. I’ve been fortunate to be supported by mentors that have led to my success, and I try to propagate that culture to those around me. In addition to managing and mentoring really talented and dedicated teams, I’m always concentrating on ensuring that our solutions are both innovative and sustainable for our clients. This blend of teamwork and deep sector expertise has equipped me to drive excellence in every project we undertake.

How do you approach designing airport terminals that elevate the passenger experience to new heights?

A key element in designing an effective airport terminal is understanding the diverse needs of different passenger types. For example, frequent business travelers who know exactly where they’re going, large families traveling together, others who need consideration with mobility or reading signage — all require a terminal that accommodates their specific requirements. Our aim is to ensure that all passenger types feel that the terminal has a path designed specifically for them. To achieve this, we utilize data evaluation, simulations, insights from our People + Places advisory practice and imaginative design to intimately understand the passenger experience.

As an architect, seeing how different passengers engage with the terminal space we have designed is incredibly rewarding. Extended post occupancy observations provide reinforcement to design decisions and lessons learned. Feedback from passengers provides valuable qualitative data and insights into how the space and architecture impact their journey, allowing us to continuously improve our designs and further enhance the passenger experience.

What role does technology play in the design and development of modern aviation terminals, and how do you integrate these technologies into your projects?

Technology plays an immense role in designing and developing today’s aviation terminals. These projects are heavily driven by data and metrics, such as passenger numbers, flight schedules, and processing speeds individual processing front of house and back of house elements, including at TSA checkpoints, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and baggage systems. This quantitative information constitutes the basis for determining the size and layout of programmatic spaces which we then design, simulate and future proof.

We have successfully leveraged virtual reality (VR) to help our clients, stakeholders and occupiers visualize concepts, ensuring team buy-in and addressing questions about the look, feel and functionality of the design. We go beyond 3D modeling, which is essential for maintaining operational capacity during construction. And we use phasing and time-based modeling and collaborate closely with construction managers and builders to align with our client’s standard operating procedures, ensuring uninterrupted project delivery. Mandating that all our trade partners design in a 3D environment ensures comprehensive coordination from design through construction, expediting multi-discipline shop drawing reviews.

Upon project completion, we deliver federated design and construction twins that provide valuable information for asset management and operations. As we hand the project over to our clients post construction, the federated design and construction twins contain information that accommodate asset management and operations and can be adopted into the client’s facility management system, ensuring long-term operational efficiency and sustainability.

Talk to us about a project that has impacted or been a major highlight of your career. How is it solving the challenges and issues our clients and communities are facing today?

All the projects and the professionals I have learned from and collaborated with have impacted my career; from helping solve project challenges, fostering team collaboration, design solutions or delivery.

The modernization and expansion of Terminal E at Boston Logan International Airport is a great example of how we’re able to embed digital and technology driven solutions. This project involved the design, fabrication, and construction delivery of complex three-dimensional spline building geometry and envelope in a multi-package fast track, managing complicated construction and phasing over and around active airport facilities without reducing operational capacity or safety for our clients, airlines or passengers.

Due to Terminal E’s fast-track construction and multiple bid package delivery, the architecture design had to accommodate steel and framing that were already in production or under construction. This required foresight, planning for out-of-tolerance work, live-monitored as-builts to confirm real-time existing conditions, and a flexible design process. Collaboration with the builder was essential to understand and adapt to changes, ensuring that any changes could be accommodated within the project boundaries. With the client, builder and consultants, we successfully delivered a world-class terminal on an accelerated schedule and compressed site. We developed processes and workflows for this project that will inform our design and delivery on all of our projects.

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Simon Middleton has over 25 years of experience in transportation infrastructure, primarily in the UK rail sector. His career began with Scott Wilson (an AECOM legacy company), focusing on asset management projects in the UK highway and rail sectors. He advanced to lead business development and oversee client frameworks, including international work in North America and Australia, where heavy haul rail clients adopted AECOM’s innovative asset management approach.

Simon has held various leadership roles within AECOM’s rail business, spanning operational management, business development, and project delivery across multiple regions. Notably, he has led AECOM’s work on the Northumberland Line reopening, a project of regional and national significance. This initiative converted a freight railway to passenger services, marking the return of rail passenger services to the line since the 1960s in 2024. The project is celebrated as transformative for North East England.

Simon is known for his collaborative approach and has built a wide network of trusted relationships within AECOM and the broader industry.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

As a child, I loved playing with building toys like Meccano and Lego and was also very keen on art so I thought that I would become an architect. As I went through school, my direction changed a bit, because I was strongest in STEM subjects, and this led to me studying civil engineering at university.

During my summer breaks from university, I would return to my hometown and work in a frozen food factory with my friends, which involved long shifts and night work but also helped me appreciate the challenges of hard work. Before the final year of my masters, I decided to do something better aligned to my degree and took up a summer placement with legacy company Scott Wilson. This gave me a foot in the door to the business, and 27 years later I am still working for the same company. 

I have grown in enthusiasm for the industry and what it can deliver for people and communities and really enjoyed the progression through professional chartership to becoming an ICE Fellow and then mentoring others through a similar path.

What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?

The Northumberland Line has undoubtedly been my favorite and most challenging project. I was fortunate to be involved from the early stages of development and business case, with my role expanding as the project progressed. As the project director for over six years, I led the development phases from feasibility through to detailed design, before handing over to the current Programme Delivery Director who has overseen the overall delivery of the works.

Our role on Northumberland has been influential, varied and a fantastic example of the range of expertise we have and the power of bringing this together to deliver a transformative outcome. Hundreds of my AECOM colleagues have worked on the project, but there is a strong core team that has been involved from the early stages through to the line opening in 2024. Many of us have had to learn and adapt on the job and worked under significant pressure, but in many ways, it has still been easy to be motivated because we all know what a big difference this project will make to the communities it will serve. 

I have been awestruck by the individual effort and professionalism of many of the team members and thoroughly enjoyed the team spirit that extends beyond AECOM to the client team and our delivery partners. We have continuously motivated each other throughout this multi-year project, celebrating the satisfaction of achieving critical milestones that once seemed out of reach. 

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

The Northumberland Line will reconnect communities to jobs and educational opportunities that were hard to access since the railway closed to passengers in the mid-1960s. The new stations are already stimulating development in housing, community hubs like Wansbeck Square in Ashington and small businesses seizing new opportunities brought by the railway. 

When the first two stations opened in December 2024, the excitement from locals using the railway for the first time in their lives, or those who had travelled on the last services before the line was closed, was fantastic.

Beyond improving lives, the project has also delivered local employment, engagement with communities, and special projects with schools. While construction caused noise and disruption, we have been sensitive to these issues from the start, always listening to concerns and mitigating them wherever possible.

Share a piece of career advice.

Embrace change and opportunity! In the early stages of my career, I got a bit stuck in my comfort zone and probably limited my progression, but as soon as I started to grasp opportunities that were put in front of me, my growth accelerated. You tend to regret the things you don’t do in life, rather than the things you do.

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