BA Degree Architecture from Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh College of Art (1989)

Corporate Member of Royal Institute of British Architects Heriot Watt University Edinburgh (1997)

Master Degree in Urban Design, Heriot Watt University Edinburgh (1999)

Project architect for design of Cedar Primary School, Crossgar; Malone College, Belfast; Cranmore Primary school; Belfast;  Cregagh Primary school, Belfast; whilst working at Knox & Clayton Architects in Lisburn ( 1995- 1999)

Project architect, for eleven months construction phase, of Belfast Metropolitan College, Millfield Campus, a PFI contract of 22million value, whilst working at JNP Architects, Belfast ( 1999-2002)

Established ‘Paul McAlister Chartered Architect’ Practice, August 2002. Part time lecturing at Belfast Metropolitan College 2002-2005.

Royal Society of architects diploma in Project management and Member of the Association of Project Management  (2004)
Planning permission granted for conversation of agricultural Barn to office 2005. Office relocates to temporary accommodation on site 2006 to oversee work and allow expansion. Practice name changes to Paul McAlister Architects Ltd in August 2006.

August 2007 office moves into new purpose designed premises, The Barn Studio, allowing the practice to grow.
Other interests include spending time with family, sport, rugby, cycling and the great outdoors. In 2003 qualified as referee with Ulster Society of Rugby Football Referees.