Paul McAneary was born in Northern Ireland in 1973 and began his architectural education at the Oxford School of Architecture. While studying for his degree, he was awarded the Alan Barnes Travelling Scholarship which enabled him to undertake his practical training year in Hong Kong. Paul thrived in the fast paced environment of Hong Kong and was appointed project architect for a wide range of schemes while working for Mike Tonkin. Paul then moved to Tokyo to work with Shin Takamatsu, the noted Japanese contemporary architect. During his time in Japan he was drawn to its aesthetic culture of refinement and rigour. In particular, how light is captured and how materials can improve with age, relating to the concept of wabi-sabi.He completed his architectural training at London’s Architectural Association, studying under luminaries such as Ben van Berkel, Kevin Rhowbotham and David Green. After his time at the AA he was elected Honorary Secretary of the AA Council.In 2003 he qualified as an architect and worked for the influential minimalist architect John Pawson, completing a number of high profile national and international projects. On leaving Pawson he established Harwood McAneary in partnership with Australian architect Robert Harwood.In 2007 he founded Paul McAneary Architects, currently based in the centre of London (Soho/ Covent Garden) in one of his own projects. It now houses a drawing atelier, exhibition space and workshop, with experimental design details that underscore the practice’s ‘warm minimalist’ approach.Paul McAneary Architects is now a thriving, medium-sized practice with considerable experience of working in London and overseas.Paul regularly holds lectures for his peers on his architectural ethos at venues and events which have included the ICA and Ecobuild.