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AECOM, the world’s premier infrastructure consulting firm, today announced that Robert Chicas has joined the firm in New York City as vice president and aviation architecture lead for Metro New York. Chicas will expand AECOM’s capabilities serving the aviation market, aligning the firm’s Buildings + Places practice with its transportation specialists to deliver turnkey services to airport programs of all sizes and forms. “Robert has been a leading authority with aviation planning and design for the last 30 years,” said Kim Vierheilig, business line leader for AECOM’s Metro New York Buildings + Places practice. “His expertise will help AECOM’s aviation clients with their infrastructure projects, including terminal modernization and expansion for large and small airports in the metro area and throughout the U.S.” Throughout his career, Chicas has led multidisciplinary teams in the design of complex and large-scale aviation projects across the U.S. Some of his most notable experience includes managing the design of the New Indianapolis Midfield Terminal; serving as aviation leader and design manager for New York’s LaGuardia Airport Terminal B P3 redevelopment program; and several other significant projects at JFK International Airport in New York, Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Salt Lake City Airport in Utah and more. “The future of aviation is one that will be dependent on the ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and industry evolutions, whether it be new technologies, security concerns or other unexpected challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Chicas. “We must think beyond the airport itself in how we consider, plan, and design improvements in a manner that enhances the passenger journey from start to finish. We need to focus our efforts on our client ambitions, on delivering on a ‘value for money’ proposition, and on planning these facilities for a much longer useful life. Prior to joining AECOM, Chicas served as director of aviation and transportation at a leading architecture firm in New York City. Robert began his career with higher education, housing rehabilitation and corporate interiors projects prior to focusing on the aviation industry, where he has spent much of his professional career. Chicas earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the Pratt Institute School of Architecture and is a Registered Architect in New York and New Jersey. He is a member of the Airports Council International – North America, former chair of the Terminal and Facilities Committee of the Airport Consultants Council and is a former member of the Airports Council International – North America World Business Partners Associates Board.