Gensler has named Hiro Aso as its regional Head of Transport and Infrastructure, a newly created role in which Aso will spearhead the firm’s railway and infrastructure projects, Gensler announced on July 20, 2015. He will be based out of the firm’s London office.
With over 20 years of industry experience, Aso is a highly skilled specialist in the architectural design and delivery of regenerative transport hubs, bolstering Gensler’s global network of experts, the company said.
"We are delighted to welcome Hiro on board,” said Duncan Swinhoe, Gensler’s Regional Managing Principal. “This strategic hire demonstrates the firm’s recognition of London as a global center of transportation excellence and allows us to leverage the very best talent to continue serving clients worldwide.”
“Gensler is an utterly creative global platform with local expertise and sensitivities,” said Aso upon his appointment. “I look forward to combining my railway and infrastructure experience with Gensler’s planning, urban design and mixed-use capabilities, to build a hub of design excellence here in London.”
Aso joins Gensler from John McAslan + Partners, where he was Board Director in charge of transport and infrastructure. He supports the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) as panel member of the Strategic Railway Advisory Group, promotes the UK Creative Industries and is an expert panel member for the Greater London Authority, currently supporting the London Borough of Lewisham. Aso is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, as well as the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, and was appointed to senior lecturer at the College of Engineering, University of Birmingham.
Gensler has also hired Paul Rea, previously associate at John McAslan + Partners, as Major Projects Leaders, ensuring steadfast growth of the firm’s transport and infrastructure team.
Ian Mulcahey, Managing Director and Planning & Urban Design Leader, said “Hiro and Paul’s expertise allows us to augment our integration of planning, urban development and infrastructure design to define the future direction of urban growth and transformation, and create holistic public spaces.”