RMJM seeks new staff as Moscow design deal signals rising fortunes

SCOTTISH architectural firm RMJM is to take on 20 staff after winning a key contract for Domodedovo Airport in Moscow.

RMJM’s studios in Edinburgh and the Russian capital will draw up designs for part of a new £262 million terminal, which will double the airport’s size. The huge extension covering 254,000 square metres will be the same size as London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 building and will allow for a further 16.5 million passengers a year to pass through the airport.

Domodedovo is the largest airport in Russia and Eastern Europe in terms of passenger and cargo traffic, and includes a railway station connecting it to Moscow city centre 26 miles away. Passenger traffic has increased almost tenfold in a decade, up from 2.8 million in 2000 to 22.3 million last year.

RMJM is beginning the search for staff in Edinburgh and Moscow to carry out the design work over the next 18 months.

Other recent significant transport projects for the group includes the Kolkata airport, Metro Circle Line in Singapore and Hong Kong Admiralty Station. RMJM is currently designing one of three new metro lines and two interchange stations for a mass rapid transit system in Hyderabad, India.

The Domodedovo Airport project continues a 15-year history of RMJM working in Russia. Tony Kettle, design principal, designed the Gazprom headquarters in St Petersburg and the Wedding Palace in Moscow City. He was also responsible for the Falkirk Wheel which opened in 2002.

Speaking about the latest contract, he said: “This is a substantial win for us and is a result of recent work in the country.

“It further demonstrates both our strength and understanding of the region and will provide a first impression of Russia for many people travelling to the country. Our design will reflect this aesthetically and in terms of efficiency.”

Charlie Barguirdjian, RMJM design director said: “Our aim is to design a terminal that will greatly improve the passenger experience.”

Igor Borisov, director of Moscow Domodedovo Airport, added: “Domodedovo Airport is not only one of the largest, but one of the most modern airports in Russia.

“The choice of RMJM as a designer is dictated by a desire to emphasise Domodedovo Airport’s dynamics and aspirations for the future through architectural solutions.”

RMJM is involved in projects with an end value of more than £10 billion, including the Capital Gate Tower in Abu Dhabi.