Paul is an internationally recognised expert in Computational Engineering, respected by a vast network of collaborators across academia and industry. Regularly invited to present his research at conferences and offices around the world, he is able to leverage his strong communication skills, both to attract research funding and to give his results a direct impact on society. These unique qualities led him to be appointed as a Deputy Director of the Digital, Manufacturing & Design (dMaDe) Research Centre at the University of Bath, and as a member of the IStructE's Digital Design & Computational Workflows Panel.Paul originally studied Mathematics at Cambridge and from there proceeded to a PhD in the Department of Civil & Structural Engineering at the University of Sheffield. He then worked as an Analytical Consultant for Buro Happold, using his programming and mathematical skills to use computers more effectively in the design process. Pioneering techniques such as multi-objective optimisation and parametric modelling on the building design process, long before they were common in the design office, he went on to set up and lead his own group of analytical consultants, delivering high-end software solutions to the vast range of complex design challenges that work on projects with architects such as Frei Otto, Shigeru Ban and Richard Rogers would often bring.After eight years on the research side of consulting it was an easy transition to the consulting side of research, joining the Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering at the University of Bath in 2007. His time in practice is still a huge influence on his approach to research, ensuring the tools and techniques he develops will be of real practical use to the industry. His first-hand experience of working on exciting and high-profile projects is also an invaluable aid to his high-quality teaching and consultancy is something he has continued to engage in even after leaving practice.Qualities which make Paul stand-out from his peers are his passion for public engagement, his multi-disciplinary approach to research, the wide-ranging impact of his work in both academia and practice, and a proven ability to successfully lead a team of researchers into the unknown.