Aviation for a changing world: Meet Katerina Fotiadi
In this Aviation for a changing world blog series, we’re highlighting our global aviation experts illustrating our master planning, terminal design, digital, ESG and cargo expertise to create seamless and memorable airport experiences.
Katerina has 20 years of experience in large-scale architectural and engineering projects worldwide. She specializes in terminal design, project coordination, and sustainable building solutions. Her expertise spans airports, mixed-use developments, hotels, offices and industrial facilities. She has led designs for major aviation projects, ensuring efficiency, passenger experience and sustainability. Katerina’s multidisciplinary background allows her to integrate architectural innovation with engineering excellence in complex infrastructure developments.
Tell us a bit about yourself – your role and career journey.
I’m an architect with 20 years of experience in architectural design. Originally from Greece, I began my career working in small architectural studios there before moving to Madrid, where my professional journey truly took shape.
Before joining AECOM, I worked in the hospitality and industrial sectors, but my passion for aviation design began when I joined the company 10 years ago. Since then, I’ve focused on airport projects worldwide, serving as a lead architect and design manager. What I love most about aviation design is that it’s an ongoing learning experience — every project is unique, requiring new and innovative solutions.
I lead the design of terminal buildings, ancillary airport structures such as control towers and support facilities and coordinate various aspects of airport planning and design. I also take on the role of terminal planner for several projects, ensuring seamless integration between architectural design and operational functionality.
What I love most about aviation design is that it’s an ongoing learning experience — every project is unique, requiring new and innovative solutions.
Can you share an example of one of your favorite aviation terminal design projects. What was special about it and why?
One of my favorite aviation projects is Terminal 4 at Kuwait International Airport, where I served as Design Manager, working closely with the client (the contractor) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Kuwait (DGCA). This was my second aviation project, building on my experience from Rome Fiumicino Airport. It was especially rewarding to apply my knowledge while also mentoring others, just as my colleagues once guided me.
What made this project remarkable was its fast-tracked delivery — completed in just 15 months — through close collaboration with our client. Our team prioritized efficient solutions aligned with production and procurement schedules, always anticipating site needs to ensure versatility and long-term effectiveness. Despite the rapid pace, we maintained high design quality, creating welcoming interiors and striking exteriors inspired by local patterns and symbols.
What made the Terminal 4 at Kuwait International Airport remarkable was its fast-tracked delivery — completed in just 15 months — through close collaboration with our client.
How do you combine sustainability and digital in your designs to elevate the passenger experience?
Sustainability and digital innovation go hand in hand in our aviation architecture designs. We collaborate closely with MEP and sustainability teams to integrate smart technologies like intelligent lighting and climate control systems, reducing the carbon footprint while creating comfortable environments that adapt to passenger needs. We also prioritize the use of eco-friendly materials, balancing environmental responsibility with aesthetics that enhance the terminal experience. High-quality insulation plays a crucial role in reducing energy consumption, maintaining stable indoor temperatures, and improving overall comfort.
We also leverage Building Information Modeling (BIM) to create digital twins of our terminal designs. This allows for early-stage simulations, optimizing passenger flow, operational efficiency and spatial functionality. These models continue to be valuable throughout the construction and operational phases, assisting contractors and supporting our clients with long-term facility management.
We collaborate closely with MEP and sustainability teams to integrate smart technologies like intelligent lighting and climate control systems, reducing the carbon footprint while creating comfortable environments that adapt to passenger needs.
What are some of the trends in terminal design that you’re excited to explore or implement in your work?
One of the most important trends we factor into our terminal designs is flexibility. By creating adaptable environments, we support operators and contractors to optimize space and reduce costs. For example, we analyze peak times for international and domestic passengers and design shared-use spaces that can shift functions as needed. This is particularly valuable for seasonal airports, where certain areas can serve aviation needs during peak periods and be repurposed for landside functions — such as cultural or retail spaces — during off-peak times. This ensures terminals remain active and efficient year-round.
Energy efficiency is another key focus of our designs. By implementing smart climate control systems, we can deactivate HVAC systems in underutilized spaces, significantly reducing energy consumption without compromising passenger comfort.
Integration of touchless technologies throughout the terminal, from check-in and security to boarding is also now really important. The demand for contactless solutions grew significantly over the past few years, not only to enhance the passenger experience but also to address health and safety concerns while creating a seamless travel experience. These innovations not only enhance safety but also contribute to a more modern and efficient airport environment.
One of the most important trends we factor into our terminal designs is flexibility. By creating adaptable environments, we support operators and contractors to optimize space and reduce costs.