Padraic Kelly

Padraic studied both engineering and computer science and has over 35 years’ experience designing and delivering large scale infrastructure and building projects.

Joining Buro Happold in the 1970s, Padriac initially specialised in the analysis of complex long-span structures and in the development of pioneering analytics and design software. He then transitioned into city planning, strategic planning and urban design and development projects, focusing on the Middle East market where he lived for many years. Following the death of Sir Ted Happold in 1996, Padraic was appointed Managing Director and led the growth of the practice in developing new service offerings and establishing international offices around the world.

In 2006, Padraic co-founded Buro Happold’s global strategic planning and consulting specialism which delivers a broad range of services at national, regional and city scales, and across a diverse range of sectors. Currently, Padraic’s key role is supporting the growth and development of our strategic planning practice in Indonesia, and well as continuing to support our operations in Saudi Arabia.

Padraic is considered a thought leader on city strategy, planning and economics, writing and lecturing widely on these subjects. He is a former President of Europengineers – a network of European consultants that collaborate and share knowledge. Padraic also co-founded the Working Group on Sustainable Cities at Harvard University, where he lectures part-time and works for their Executive Education program.

Believing in the virtue of organic growth over acquisitions, Padraic also initiated Buro Happold’s widely acclaimed in-house Archimedes Academy, which develops a pipeline of talent from graduate to leadership level. It is now a Harvard University Business School Case Study which he has taught to their MBA students. Padraic has taken the principles of Archimedes and used them to assist clients with developing their people and organisational competencies.