We are excited to announce the opening of our New York studio and a suite of senior elevations as we ramp up to deliver major projects around the world in 2024.

McAslan managing director Fanos Panayides says the New York studio will deliver the Penn Revitalisation project, working with WSP and FXC, and explore further opportunities in the US. Meanwhile, the elevations reflect the growth of the business across geographies and a focus on building capacity in key sectors.  

"McAslan is well known for its global work in transport, culture, education and mixed-use. In 2024, we'll be building on our strength in these specialisms and pursuing opportunities for our high-calibre landscape and urban design team to grow its client base."

"The promotions recognise the contribution of exceptional senior team members to the practice and the success of current and completed projects in the UK, Europe, the US and Australia. All our people are experts in their field. They're committed to our central ethos of working for the public good and turning old into new."

Sarah Kirby has been elevated to Director. With over 25 years' international experience, Kirby leads the McAslan culture team and has significant architectural expertise gained on complex cultural projects in the UK, Middle East and Australia. She is currently working on the Saïd Business School, Oxford, and the British Museum Archaeological Research Collection, both under construction.

Colin Bennie has been elevated to Director. As international transport and infrastructure lead, he is instrumental in the design and delivery of the practice's largest and most complex projects. Bennie's global experience includes projects for Crossrail, Network Rail, Doha Metro, Amtrak and Sydney Metro. He is currently leading Belfast Grand Central and the integrated Weaver's Cross masterplan, and McAslan’s collaboration on New York's Penn Station revitalisation.

Imran Patel has been elevated to Associate Director. With over 18 years experience in major transport projects such as Waterloo station, Sydney, Imran is now based in New York leading our collaboration with WSP and FXC on the revitalisation of Penn Station. He also co-leads technical and design reviews within the practice.

Paolo Longo has been elevated to Associate Director and brings over 20 years' experience across multiple sectors. Longo's design skills are supported by high-level technical knowledge in heritage conservation and façade design, as well as new technology such as machine learning and AI. He co-leads design and design and technical reviews within the practice.

Kit Bullas has been elevated to Associate Director. Bullas is a landscape architect and a key member of the practice's landscape and urban design team. He has extensive experience in the UK and Australia across public realm, infrastructure, transport, education and temporary placemaking. He is currently leading the £45m transformation of Sloane Street, one of London’s premier retail destinations.  

Ross Harrison has been promoted to Associate Director and leads McAslan’s Belfast studio. Prior to joining McAslan in 2021, Harrison worked with several high-profile design practices across Europe and the Middle East on projects such as Prada Fondazione in Milan, King's College Somerset House Campus redesign, Capital Gate Tower in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Expo Metro Line: Route2020. He is currently delivering Belfast Grand Central Station.

Nicola Whiteley has been promoted to Associate after seven years as executive assistant to John McAslan, taking a broad role on internal projects across McAslan studios. Across 30 years, Whiteley has worked in renowned practices including Farrells and David Chipperfield Architects, and as assistant to Sir Richard MacCormac CBE. Her broad skillset is invaluable to projects such as coordination on the 2023 monograph 'Making Architecture: The Work of John McAslan + Partners'. 

The practice also acknowledges the recent addition of Associate Director Peter Lee to the team as leader of the Edinburgh studio. Lee has worked in several high-profile design studios over a 20-year career, for clients that include world-leading cultural institutions. Lee's expertise in sensitive and low-carbon design is evidenced by his work on The Burrell Collection renewal. He is currently delivering The Art Works in Edinburgh for the National Galleries of Scotland.

John McAslan + Partners New York studio is located at:
Soho Works
55 Water Street, Floor 3 
Dumbo, Brooklyn, 
NY 11201