Wow, can you believe it? We’ve hit the big 3-0!

Thirty years of Michael Aubrey doing what we do best – blending engineering and architecture with a unique twist. Today is all about celebrating our journey and the amazing team that’s made it all possible!

To mark this special occasion, we hosted a 30-year-themed “Bake Off” which brought out our team’s creativity and sense of fun!

The Bake Off showcased an impressive variety of savoury and sweet entries, judged on appearance and taste… including the Eiffel tower and a christmas tree!




First prize went to Liv with her 30 delicious reindeer cakes!


A close second went to Fabio (and Karina) with their 30th cake!



Liv’s outstanding creation earned the top prize, with Fabio’s excellent effort coming in second – both valuable members of our REVIT team.

Congratulations to Liv and Fabio for their great work!




Teamwork

During the celebration, our Managing Director, John Staves, reflected on our 30-year journey and expressed his appreciation for everyone’s contributions.

Teamwork has been our greatest strength. By tackling complex challenges together, we’ve proven that collaboration is the key to success.

Whether you’re a structural engineer, architect, BIM technician, or part of our support team, your efforts have been invaluable. Our culture thrives because every idea matters—and that’s something we can all take pride in.

Innovation

Innovation is at the core of who we are.

From early adoption of BIM to enhance client communication and pioneering solutions like screw piles and CFRP, we’ve consistently pushed boundaries. We’re always exploring new frontiers, ensuring we remain ahead of the curve.

Key Milestones

A huge shoutout to every member of the Michael Aubrey team. Your hard work, passion, and dedication are the driving force behind our success.

Special recognition goes to Andy, who’s been on this journey for 25 of these 30 years, and Gail, who’s supported us through all the ups and downs from the start. Carly also deserves a special mention for bringing architecture fully in-house, strengthening what we offer our clients.

Prioritising Sustainability and Reuse

Looking ahead, the future is bright. We’re excited to continue bridging the gap between engineering and architecture while prioritising sustainability and reuse in our designs. With a focus on improving response times and achieving our financial goals, we know we’ll reach new heights together.

Here’s to 30 years of Michael Aubrey – and to many more years of success, innovation, and collaboration. Let’s celebrate this milestone with pride and enthusiasm – cheers to the journey ahead!


It’s not every day that a smaller job showcases the incredible value of having an experienced structural engineer on your side.

Last week, we proved exactly that when we visited a property with a seemingly serious roof problem. What could have been a costly repair turned into a simple fix—saving our client over £12,000!

Here’s how we did it.

The Problem: A Sagging Roof

Our client had recently purchased a property and, as part of the conveyancing process, obtained a homebuyer’s report. The report flagged a structural issue with the roof—evidence of sagging—and recommended further investigation. Concerned about the potential costs and safety, they called us in to assess the situation.


When we arrived on-site, it didn’t take long to spot the problem.

Up in the roof, we discovered the root cause:

  • Trusses were positioned at quarter points in the roof
  • The purlin was deflecting, causing the roof to sag
  • A short beam was cantilevered past the truss to pick up the next beam
  • A critical joint had been cut the wrong way up!

The incorrect joint orientation had compromised the structural integrity, leading to the deflection of the purlin.


The Misguided Advice

Before calling us, the client had sought advice from another structural engineer.

Their solution? Install several steel supports to prop up the purlin. While this approach might have worked, it was overly complex, invasive, and—most importantly—unnecessary.

The estimated cost for this solution was a staggering £12,000+.


sagging roof

The half joint was created the wrong way – it should have been constructed like this …

Our Solution: Simplicity and Expertise

After carefully evaluating the situation, we proposed a far simpler and more effective solution

“G” Clamp

Instead of introducing expensive steel supports, we recommended strapping the beams together using a “G” clamp or similar.

This method cost approximately £200—a fraction of the original estimate!


G clamp


Why did this work?

By properly securing the beams, we eliminated the deflection issue caused by the poorly oriented joint, restoring support to the roof without the need for substantial structural elements.

The Lesson: A Good Engineer Saves You Money

This case highlights the importance of hiring an experienced structural engineer.

While it’s easy to overengineer a solution, expertise allows us to pinpoint the true cause of a problem and resolve it efficiently. For our client, this meant avoiding unnecessary costs while still ensuring their property was safe and sound.

When dealing with structural concerns, remember: the right expertise can save you thousands. If you’re facing a similar issue or want a second opinion, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.

Have a structural issue?

Get in touch today to see how we can save you money without compromising on quality!

Call us 0118 962 9666.

John Staves, our Managing Director, had recently accepted a position as Chair of the Civil, Structural and Environmental Department External Advisory Board at Brunel University.

In this role, John provides strategic leadership and oversight, ensuring the board effectively supports the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and industry engagement in these key engineering disciplines.

John staves


As Chair, John leads the advisory board meetings, setting the agenda and fostering a collaborative environment among members, who include professionals from industry,  academia, and other stakeholders.

He plays a vital role in providing strategic guidance, ensuring that the university’s curriculum remains innovative, aligned with industry trends, and meets professional accreditation standards.


John brings his extensive industry expertise to the role, offering valuable insights into technological advancements, employment trends, and evolving societal needs.

He helps bridge the gap between academia and the professional world by facilitating partnerships, promoting student opportunities such as internships, and supporting graduate employability.

In addition to advocating for the university’s programs to external stakeholders, John oversees the evaluation of academic offerings, ensuring they meet high-quality standards and are fit for purpose. He is also committed to enhancing the student and staff experience, supporting initiatives that promote professional growth, diversity, and inclusion within the department.

John’s leadership as Chair is instrumental in shaping Brunel University’s impact in civil, structural, and environmental engineering, ensuring its programs remain forward-thinking and relevant to the demands of the modern world.

Work anniversaries are an opportunity to celebrate the dedication and contributions of team members who have been integral to our success.

This month, we are proud to recognise two valued team members of our team for their significant contributions and years of committed service.

Leigh-Ann, Office Manager (9 Years)

Leigh-Ann’s nine years with us have been marked by her exceptional organisational skills and dedication.


As the backbone of our operations, Leigh-Ann ensures everything runs smoothly, enabling our team to focus on delivering great work.

Her proactive approach and unwavering support have been instrumental in fostering a collaborative and efficient workplace.


Fabio, REVIT Technician (10 Years)

Fabio has been a cornerstone of our design team for a decade.

Fabio’s expertise in REVIT has been pivotal in delivering precise and innovative designs, ensuring seamless project execution.

Fabio’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technology has elevated our workflows and set a benchmark for excellence.



Fabio and Leigh-Ann have been integral to our team, consistently demonstrating dedication, teamwork, and expertise. Their years of service have made a lasting impact, and we deeply appreciate their contributions.

Refurbishing existing buildings presents developers with a unique mix of challenges and opportunities.

As structural engineers and architects, our expertise is in turning those challenges into transformative opportunities, creating value for developers while prioritising sustainability and efficiency.

The Challenge of Retrofitting

Older buildings often come with inherent complexities: aging structural components, outdated layouts, or materials that are no longer in use.

Engineering Solutions for Developers

These can pose obstacles when trying to meet modern building standards or align with contemporary design aesthetics. However, each challenge is an opportunity to think creatively, reimagining these spaces while retaining their core value.

Embracing Adaptive Reuse

One of our most effective strategies is adaptive reuse—utilising as much of the existing structure as possible to reduce waste and enhance cost efficiency.

For example, instead of demolishing and replacing the structural framework, we assess how existing components can be integrated into the new design. In one instance, we extended the columns vertically to raise the roof height.

This method conserves resources and shortens project timelines.

Smart Structural Interventions

A common challenge in refurbishment projects is upgrading the building’s structural integrity without compromising its original framework.

Through advanced structural analysis and creative problem-solving, we can reinforce key components like beams, columns, and foundations, enabling them to support modern loads or accommodate additional floors. This ensures safety and functionality while preserving the existing structure.

Engineering Solutions for Developers


Engineering Solutions for Developers

structural calculations

Sustainable Design as a Value Driver

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s a value driver for developers.

By focusing on energy-efficient designs and material reuse, we help reduce operational costs and improve long-term building performance.

For example, retaining and repurposing steel or concrete elements reduces both waste and embodied carbon, aligning your project with environmental standards that are increasingly critical in today’s market.

Collaborative Solutions

Successful refurbishments depend on collaboration between architects, engineers, and developers. Our integrated approach ensures that every design choice is informed by technical expertise, aesthetic vision, and economic viability. This synergy allows us to anticipate potential hurdles and resolve them proactively, whether they involve structural limitations, zoning requirements, or material availability.

Transforming Challenges into Success Stories

Every building tells a story, and refurbishment projects offer the chance to add new chapters without erasing the past. With the right engineering and architectural solutions, the challenges developers face can be turned into opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and increased market value.

Ready to unlock the potential of your next project?

Let’s collaborate to transform your building challenges into lasting success.

Book a call today.

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