Structural design

The most crucial element of building design is to ensure that it’s structurally sound. Yet at the same time, you want it to meet expectations in terms of functionality, efficiency, and user experience. Structural design and engineering specialists work closely with architects and other disciplines including MEP, building physics & acoustics and fire safety, helping bring architectural vision to reality through detailed technical plans.

Our input can have a significant impact on the setup, layout and design of a building.

Integrated approach to building projects

Your building might be an office, public building, residential or commercial space (or a combination of all of these). Or have process as its primary function such as light or heavy industry or house a mission critical service such as a data centre. We can guide you through regulatory requirements, balancing structural design with user experience, cost efficiency and operational needs. Our understanding of building safety and resilience extends to extreme forces such as earthquake, vibration, wind or blast so we also work closely with colleagues responsible for Advanced Technology & Research. Operating alongside our colleagues delivers a seamless experience but naturally we also work with third party project teams and have tried and tested approaches to ensure you benefit from fully integrated working practices however your project team is made up.

Digital design for better buildings

Whether your project is a refurbishment or repurpose of an existing building or is a new building entirely, we use BIM and advanced parametric design tools to explore different options and arrive at an optimised solution.

These parameters might be structural features such as the arrangement of load-bearing columns or the dimensions of floor spans. Modelling also supports our analysis and assessment of costs, materials and sustainability features. It helps us understand and explain how these factors might impact the overall design, functionality and aesthetic of the building. And it allows us to refine final designs and technical plans alongside architects or advanced technology specialists. Virtual walk throughs and 3D digital visualisations help us bring the project to life and support collaboration in optimised user experience or building functionality.

Sustainable structures

As the efficiency and sustainability credentials of building services such as heating, cooling, and lighting systems has improved, the emphasis on achieving net zero has shifted towards the design and construction of the buildings themselves. Structural designers can have a significant impact on building emissions.
In new buildings, this focuses on the specification of type and volume of materials selected. The way internal structures are designed can lead to a reduction in material use and, where possible we explore the potential for more sustainable choices such as timber, green steel or concrete.

For refurbishment projects, we undertake an extensive assessment of existing structures identifying potential for modification, expansion, or the reuse or repurposing of materials or fittings.

We support you in efforts to meet your sustainability goals, no matter how ambitious, and help you understand and navigate the rapidly changing regulatory requirements. Sustainable building techniques or material choices can have implications for project financing and the build process, we work with you to find the right solution for you. We also take a circular approach to our project designs, considering future reuse or repurpose.

Got a building challenge?

Whether it's structural engineering advice, a renovation project or a fully integrated project team we can help get your next scheme out of the ground. Get in touch.