A recent post on LinkedIn suggested that contractors should use their “common sense” and just get on with it, rather than referring back to the structural engineer when something on site doesn’t match the drawings. On the surface, it sounds practical. After all, contractors are on site every day, they know the building, and they […]
13
Aug
Aug
When thousands of UK buildings were found to contain a dangerous material, demolition was widely seen as the only answer, we believed there had to be a better solution. This year, Michael Aubrey Structural Engineers was named Berkshire’s Construction & Engineering Company of the Year 2025 at the UK Business Awards for Berkshire and also […]
05
Aug
Aug
If you’ve ever been told, “We don’t do temporary works,” by a structural engineer, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common pain points for contractors and developers. You’re trying to get a steel frame propped, a basement dug safely, or a wall retained mid-demolition and suddenly the structural engineer steps back. So, why […]
18
Jul
Jul
Why Architecture and Engineering Work Better Together: Supporting Create Home Design Behind the Scenes We don’t shout much about our residential work. Our primary focus is on commercial clients; developers, building owners, architects, and contractors. But behind the scenes, we also support a steady flow of domestic projects through our sister brand, Create Home Design. […]
15
Jul
Jul
Structural Engineers Can Help Save Trees in Subsidence Disputes In the wake of growing concern over the felling of protected trees due to subsidence claims, a question worth asking is: Are we exhausting all technical alternatives before reaching for the chainsaw? Across the UK, councils are being forced to choose between preserving mature trees and […]
03
Jul
Jul
Never Rely on Structural Assumptions Renovating existing buildings can be incredibly rewarding, but they come with a unique set of risks. The biggest trap? Making structural assumptions without proper investigation. We were recently called to a local private school to advise on a staircase removal as part of a renovation project. Because the school was […]
24
Jun
Jun
Not just a service, it’s how we think. Before we put pen to paper or open a REVIT file, we do something different: we investigate. The Structural Detective™ is our method, a calm, curious, forensic approach to understanding existing buildings before any design decisions are made. It’s not an add-on. It’s built into the way […]
17
Jun
Jun
Always Using The Same Structural Engineer If you’ve worked with the same structural engineer for years, chances are things run smoothly. They know your style. They understand what matters to you. And changing consultants can feel like more hassle than it’s worth. But staying in the same lane can also mean missing new ideas, especially […]
10
Jun
Jun
You’re reviewing the structural design package and your heart sinks. Massive beams Thick slabs Steel reinforcement that makes your QS twitch You find yourself asking: “Is all this really necessary, or is my engineer just playing it safe?” It’s a common frustration especially when the numbers don’t seem to add up with the rest of […]
02
Jun
Jun
This week, we’re proud to celebrate a milestone for Carly Barrow RIBA, who marks three years with Michael Aubrey Barrow! Carly leads our architectural brand , Create Home Design, with a perfect blend of empathy, creativity, and precision. Since joining us, she’s become a cornerstone of our integrated design approach, always focused on understanding our […]
28
May
May
Record Information: The Answers You Need Are Often Buried In The Building’s History Every building has a story. In commercial projects, whether it’s fitting out a new space, planning an extension, or repurposing an old site missing information can quickly turn into a major headache. Structural issues rarely appear out of nowhere. Cracks, sags, and […]
21
May
May
Scew Piles for Commercial Builds In commercial construction, foundations can become a bottleneck, especially when you’re dealing with tight deadlines, poor ground, or restricted access. Traditional methods involving excavation and concrete can be slow, messy, and disruptive. But there’s a smarter alternative gaining traction across our industry: screw piles. Screw piles are steel shafts with […]