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 […]
20
May
May
When a property owner notices cracks in their walls or feels their foundation shifting, the worry is real. The uncertainty can keep them up at night, wondering if their property is safe. As structural engineers, we design the underpinning solutions that bring peace of mind. We don’t just solve the problem, we ensure property owner […]
16
May
May
An Inspiring Evening with the IStructE President Last night I had the privilege of meeting the President of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) at an event hosted by the IStructE Thames Valley region. It was a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from Mohamad Khodr Al-Dah, the 104th President of the IStructE, who shared his […]
12
May
May
What if the biggest threat to your building isn’t what you can see, but what you can’t? You walk through the property. The walls are straight No cracks Floors feel solid All looks well. So you tick the mental box “Structure, fine.” But here’s the uncomfortable truth ….. Many structural failures don’t begin with visible […]
09
May
May
RAAC Doesn’t Mean Demolition! For months, the headlines have said the same thing: “RAAC is Dangerous – Demolish Now” Schools, offices, and public buildings have been shut down. Emergency funds are being thrown at rebuilds. Entire communities are being displaced. But here’s what’s not being said loudly enough: RAAC Doesn’t Automatically Mean Demolition RAAC Fix […]
07
May
May
Training the Next Generation – What’s The Plan? Training the next generation of professionals whether in engineering, architecture, or construction is about more than completing a checklist or ticking off competencies. In high-stakes industries like ours, success isn’t just about what you know it’s about how you apply that knowledge under real-world conditions. That’s especially […]