2024 Airport Business Top 40 Under 40: Paul Ferguson, AIA, NOMA

Paul Ferguson, AIA, NOMA
Associate Principal
Paslay Group
Age 39

Paul Ferguson, AIA, NOMA, serves as an Associate Principal at Paslay Group, where he leads high-impact aviation design projects that enhance airport infrastructure and improve passenger experience. Since earning his Master of Architecture in 2013, Ferguson has combined technical expertise with a service-driven approach in his work.

With a background in architecture and construction management, Ferguson’s extensive experience spans construction, facilities management, and aviation architecture. His role as Design Manager on the Pittsburgh International Airport Terminal Modernization Program includes coordinating with stakeholders on key program elements, from airline fit-outs to security screening layout and concessions build-out.

"A lifelong passion for aviation drives me to succeed in this industry," he said. "I find the complexities of air travel, along with the people and facilities that support it, incredibly engaging. I’m motivated by the unique opportunities to further develop and possibly redefine the facilities necessary to support commercial aviation."

Ferguson’s portfolio includes notable achievements, such as designing the Concourse B expansion at Palm Beach International Airport, where he championed sustainable building systems and solar heat gain reduction strategies. At RS&H, Ferguson led the Aviation Architecture Practice in Dallas, serving as a project manager for multiple Texas airports. His work on Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C pioneered the implementation of the first terminal-wide high-speed Individual Carrier System (ICS) in the U.S., a milestone for baggage tracking efficiency.

Demonstrating a deep commitment to the industry, Ferguson engages actively with organizations like the AIA, AAAE, and NOMA. He is passionate about mentorship, participating in the ACE Mentorship Program, serving as a guest advisor for the KU Aviation Studio, and speaking to students at the University of Missouri. His advocacy for diversity in aviation and community involvement, combined with his industry contributions, highlight Ferguson’s dedication to advancing aviation architecture and supporting the next generation of industry leaders.