Paul trained at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, and worked for EPR architects and Michael Squire before joining Conran & Partners. He has worked on major mixed-use developments including the 4.5-hectare Butlers Wharf site by Tower Bridge, London, both masterplanning the site and working on the detail design of several buildings within the development. This included the £40 million Butlers Wharf Building on the riverfront. He led the retail and restaurant Bluebird Garage project in Chelsea and Ocean Terminal, a £100 million retail and leisure building in Leith, Edinburgh's port. He designed the Canary Wharf venue for Tony Blair's Anglo-French Summit and led the redesign of the Labour Party headquarters at Millbank.

More recent work has focused on major housing schemes around the UK, many of which have won significant awards. He also led the Barclays project, looking at innovative ideas in the banking sector.

Paul's work includes ongoing research into 1930s British architecture and he has been involved in exhibitions and books connected with this subject. He recently led the restoration of Wells Coates' Embassy Court, on Brighton's seafront.

Since 1999 he has served as a Civic Trust Award Assessor and is an occasional contributor to architectural and design publications.