International multi-disciplinary design practice HBO+EMTB has announced the appointment of Paul Weston as Head of Architecture in the group’s Melbourne studio as the firm embarks on a drive to intensify a focus on transport infrastructure, health and education.

HBO+EMTB has a strong rail transport pedigree in Victoria, having designed the new Williams Landing Station east of Werribee for Transport Victoria and, earlier, the award winning Craigieburn Train Maintenance Facility for Vic Rail.

HBO+EMTB Managing Director Kevin Fitzgerald said Paul Weston joins the firm with a strong background in major projects, particularly the infrastructure and related sectors.  Our Melbourne studio is refocusing on this area following an increased presence in the residential sector.

“We believe the latter sector is past a cyclical peak whilst the demand for infrastructure, particularly transport related projects, will continue to grow.

“Paul’s recent experience has been centred on large technically complex projects. As the complexity of projects increases and the diversity of project delivery expands to regularly encompass either PPP, alliance or IPD, a higher level of engagement is required by the principals of the design team.

“Paul’s architectural talents, complemented by his outstanding project management and project delivery skills ideally equip him for this new role within the group.

“He has played a leading role in many significant Melbourne public sector projects, most recently the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC), an $850 million public private partnership (PPP), where he was a Senior Project Leader.

“His credentials and experience in the transport sector are equally impressive. Paul has had senior roles in a multitude of aviation projects, including the Melbourne International Airport $330million Strategic Terminal Expansion Project (2004-6) and the subsequent design and delivery of a number of new international aircraft gates and logistics projects over several years including the Airbus 380 project.

“He was also the Design Leader for John Holland Aviation Services’ 2010 JetStar Facility feasibility study and for the Victorian Government’s $130 million Aviation Training Academy feasibility study and business case.

“He is experienced in the rail sector, with architectural leadership roles in bid teams for South Morang Rail Alliance and the Springvale Road/Rail Separation Alliance. In the education sector he had design leadership roles for new buildings at Melbourne University, Central Gippsland TAFE, Kangan Batman TAFE and a number of secondary schools,” Mr. Fitzgerald said.

Paul will play a key role in the Melbourne HBO+EMTB practice working with Tina Berardi, who is responsible for interiors and workplace solutions, and Mark Stolz, who manages Urban and Landscape Design.

Paul joins HBO+EMTB from Silver Thomas Hanley where he was responsible for design management of the VCCC. Prior to that he was Associate Director at Architectus Melbourne.

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