Aviation for a changing world: Meet Yvonne Bilshausen
In this Aviation for a changing world blog series, we’re unveiling the artistry of innovative architecture, inspiring interiors and how we’re delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Yvonne Bilshausen revolutionizes airport infrastructure through her visionary leadership and remarkable achievements. Inspired by her father’s passion for design and aviation, she has spearheaded groundbreaking projects such as the O’Hare World Gateway Program and the development of Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 2B. Her collaborative approach and focus on passenger-centric design has set new standards, reshaping the future of airport engineering worldwide.
What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture and engineering? What have been the most significant career milestones that stand out to you?
If I had to point to a single source of inspiration, it would be my dad. His passion for inspiring, cost-effective, high-quality design, and modern architecture profoundly influenced me. His love for aviation also shaped my early years, instilling a fascination with the power and beauty of flight and aviation infrastructure. Growing up, I frequently accompanied him on flights around Chicago, but not before I learned how to do the necessary pre-flight checks. I initially aspired to join the U.S. Air Force, but my focus shifted to design and construction. My dad’s insights, gleaned from his work at Chicago O’Hare International Airport for United Airlines fascinated me and he always challenged me to excel, becoming my foremost advocate and mentor.
I always say that my next milestone will be the best because I don’t look back often. However, one memorable project I was involved in was the O’Hare World Gateway Program (WGP) in Chicago, particularly focusing on the development of Terminal 6. After WGP was suspended due to 9/11, I joined the inaugural O’Hare Modernization Program (OMP) team, an AECOM-led, $6 billion, 20-year effort transforming the airfield to reduce delays and prepare for future terminal redevelopment. As Deputy Infrastructure Director, I managed project controls, RFPs, schedules, budgets, and risk for the South Airfield Projects. I also led presentations and developed training materials for Program Management Office (PMO) and City of Chicago staff. Notably, my former firm was acquired by AECOM while I was working at O’Hare, adding an interesting dimension to my involvement in the program.
Another notable career milestone was when I was employed directly by Heathrow Airport in the UK. I led the design on behalf of Heathrow for the new Terminal 2B, the refurbishment of Terminal 3, which included 17 projects, and the temporary London Olympic Terminal. Terminal 2B was the first new terminal I contributed to from the ground up. The collaborative effort involved over five thousand individuals from across the globe including contractors, architects, engineers, and many others. The experience was truly remarkable, and witnessing the culmination of our collective efforts in the stunning Heathrow Terminal 2B is incomparable.
If I had to point to a single source of inspiration, it would be my dad. His passion for inspiring, cost-effective, high-quality design, and modern architecture profoundly influenced me. His love for aviation also shaped my early years, instilling a fascination with the power and beauty of flight and aviation infrastructure.
How do you approach the unique challenges and opportunities of different airport projects around the world?
Approaching the unique challenges and opportunities of airport projects worldwide includes recognizing their individuality; as the saying goes, “If you’ve seen one airport, you’ve seen one airport.” While industry knowledge provides a foundation, understanding each airport’s specific context, including its community and economic impact, is paramount. You’ve got to know your client, the community surrounding it, the airlines operating at it, and the airport itself. Airports are massive and complex, but also serve as tremendous economic generators for entire regions.
Engaging with airport leadership early and frequently fosters collaboration and ensures end-user needs are met. Input from designers and builders is crucial to improve facilities so that commercial air travel remains safer, secure and more efficient. It is critically important for us to keep a communication loop open so that we can ask questions, receive feedback, and pivot as needed. Continuous communication and active listening enable adaptation to evolving circumstances, whether technological advancements or global events.
Additionally, attending global industry events enriches our insights into staying at the forefront of trends, emerging technologies, and passenger preferences. These conferences facilitate discussions on crucial topics like connectivity and intermodal transportation, enhancing our ability to design safe, efficient, and passenger-friendly airport environments for our clients.
You’ve got to know your client, the community surrounding it, the airlines operating at it, and the airport itself. Airports are massive and complex, but also serve as tremendous economic generators for entire regions.
How do you prioritize the passenger experience in your designs for airport terminals, and what principles guide your approach?
In my approach to prioritizing the passenger experience in airport terminal designs, I focus on what I call “enlightened infrastructure with emotional intelligence.” This concept encompasses smart, sustainable, and durable design elements that cater to passengers’ needs and environmental considerations. As flying can be stressful for many, the enlightened infrastructure includes a clear line of sight during the passenger experience, intuitive wayfinding, and an understanding of the stressors passengers face, such as security concerns and baggage wait times. The structure and natural light guide you where you need to go. The emotional intelligence part is for me to remind myself – as a designer, who am I designing for – to create the ultimate passenger experience while also considering the needs of airport operators and airlines.
In my approach to prioritizing the passenger experience in airport terminal designs, I focus on what I call “enlightened infrastructure with emotional intelligence.” This concept encompasses smart, sustainable, and durable design elements that cater to passengers’ needs and environmental considerations.
Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of airport design and engineering? Are there emerging technologies or design concepts that you believe will redefine the way we experience airports in the future?
The future of airport design and engineering is evolving rapidly, driven by digital technology, automation, and decarbonization. Today there are commercial airports where you can arrive, check your bag, pass through security, and board your plane without having to interact with another human being. Some passengers prefer this while others want or need human engagement. As a result, airports are adapting by offering both automated and human-assisted experiences. Looking ahead, airport design is aligning with advancements in aircraft design and drawing inspiration from large-scale public spaces like stadiums and train stations to create immersive and engaging environments.
It’s crucial to observe passenger behaviors inside and outside our industry to understand their preferences and technological engagements. Airports should provide positive, personalized experiences, evolving into destinations themselves where passengers could arrive 6-8 hours early to enjoy the facilities and amenities. By understanding historical needs and considering future trends, we can effectively support airports’ responses to the evolution of passenger expectations.
Future airport design is aligning with advancements in aircraft design – including Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), sustainability, digital transformation, and is drawing inspiration from large-scale, interactive public spaces like sports stadiums and intermodal transit stations to create immersive and engaging environments. It’s crucial to observe customer behaviors inside and outside our industry to understand their preferences and technological engagements.
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