Paul initially trained as an architect and specialised in fire safety engineering, eventually becoming a member of the Engineering Council Division once it was established. He has a PhD on “the integration of fire safety into the process of architectural design”, worked in a number of universities, and has run his own architectural technology company.
Paul previously spearheaded the overhaul of the Scottish Building Standards and served as the first Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency. In recognition of his contribution to the development and promotion of quality and standards within the construction industry, the Association of Building Engineers presented him with the Peter Stone Award in 2006.
Working with the Health and Safety Executive for four years, Paul first served as a regional director for Scotland and then for all of northern Britain. On behalf of Scottish Ministers, Paul chaired the expert review panel into the Scottish building fire safety standards following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. He is currently a member of the Board of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and is providing fire engineering consultancy related to Grenfell Tower.