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 we work.

We start by asking:

What’s going on here? What’s this building trying to tell us?

Whether it’s a visible crack, a planned change of use, or a complex refurbishment, we look beneath the surface. We question assumptions, trace the building’s history, and gather evidence that reveals how the structure really works and why it might not be.

Why Our Method Matters

Too often, structural advice is based on guesswork, outdated drawings, or quick site visits.

That’s not how we work.

By taking the time to properly investigate your building, we can:

  • Spot issues early before they become expensive mistakes
  • Design smarter solutions that fit the reality on site
  • Give you advice you can trust based on evidence, not assumptions

What Being The Structural Detective™ Means

Every building has a backstory.
Before we make any structural recommendation, we aim to understand:

  • How it was built
  • How it’s changed over time
  • What it’s telling us through signs like cracks, movement, or materials

Our investigations might include:

  • Reviewing old drawings or records
  • Visual inspections and monitoring
  • Careful intrusive works to expose foundations, wall build-ups, or hidden defects

Once we’ve built the full picture, then we recommend action

Who We Help

  • Building Owners – Understand the true condition of your property before committing to costly works
  • Developers – De-risk projects by uncovering structural constraints early
  • Property Managers – Maintain safe, compliant buildings with informed planning

Experience You Can Trust

Being a Structural Detective takes more than a toolbox it takes experience, technical judgement, and a sharp eye for detail.

  • Our engineers are qualified, experienced, and specialised in existing buildings
  • We’ve carried out thousands of investigations across schools, offices, homes, and heritage sites
  • We bring confidence, clarity, and credibility from day one

Services We Offer

  • Structural Investigations
  • Defect Diagnosis (cracks, movement, subsidence)
  • Maintenance & Refurbishment Advice
  • Foundation & Load Assessments

Start with Understanding

If you’re working with an existing building, don’t jump straight to solutions.

Start with understanding.

That’s what The Structural Detective™ is all about.

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 unexpected quirks usually have roots buried in the building’s history.

That’s why record information is so important. Drawings, surveys, repair records, planning applications, they’re not just paperwork. They’re the clues that help us understand what’s really going on behind the walls and beneath the floors.

When those clues are missing or incomplete, we’re left to guess. And guessing in commercial projects can be risky and expensive.

no record information

Starting with the Facts

That’s why we always start by investigating what’s already there. If the record information is complete and up to date, we can design with confidence. But if the information isn’t available, or if it’s clearly incomplete we’ll suggest doing some intrusive investigations:

  • Opening up walls to check if there’s hidden steelwork
  • Drilling through floors to confirm slab thickness
  • Digging around foundations to see what’s really supporting the building

These investigations aren’t cheap, but they’re a lot cheaper than dealing with surprises halfway through construction.

Managing Risk

Some clients are understandably reluctant to pay for these extra investigations. After all, no one likes the idea of extra work or added cost. But it all comes down to risk.

We can design based on assumptions if needed, but that approach can end up costing a lot more in the long run.

For example, one office conversion ran into huge costs when it turned out the lightweight concrete floors couldn’t support the HVAC system. In another case, a warehouse extension had to be underpinned mid-build when shallow foundations were discovered too late.

Honesty About Priorities

We always ask clients what matters most: is it time, money, or certainty? Because knowing that helps us tailor our approach and give best advice.

Some clients want to get on site as soon as possible and don’t mind taking a calculated risk. Others would rather pay for thorough investigations up front to avoid nasty surprises later.

Whatever the answer, it’s always about managing risk. The more we know about the building before work begins, the smoother the project will be and the better we can protect your budget, timeline, and reputation.

So before you build, let’s find out what’s really there. Because the better we understand your building’s story, the more efficient the design can be, there’ll be fewer surprises and the project will be more successful.

For clients, selecting the right Structural Engineer can make or break a project. But with the market flooded by individuals with varying levels of qualifications and experience, how can you tell the difference between an expert and someone unqualified to make critical structural decisions?

  • The hidden costs of errors

The truth is, a lack of expertise may not be evident—until it’s too late. Poorly designed structures can lead to increased construction costs, delays, or even safety risks.

  • Lower fees seem appealing

On paper, less experienced engineers may seem appealing due to lower fees, but the hidden costs of errors, redesigns, or failed inspections can far outweigh any initial savings.

  • Anticipate challenges before they arise

Chartered Structural Engineers bring invaluable benefits to your project; 

  • Years of training
  • accreditation
  • hands-on experience and
  • ensure designs that are not only compliant with building regulations but also optimised for cost-efficiency and long-term durability.

Qualified structural engineers anticipate challenges before they arise, offering innovative solutions that will save you time and money.

What qualifications should you look for?

When appointing a structural engineer, you should look for the following qualifications and attributes to ensure you hire a competent and trustworthy professional:

Formal Education and Accreditation

Professional Certifications

  • Look for Chartered status, such as CEng MIStructE (member of the Institution of Structural Engineers or CEng FIStructE (fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers)  which demonstrates advanced qualifications and experience way beyond Masters Graduate.

Relevant Experience

  • Experience with similar projects, whether it’s residential, commercial, or industrial structures.
  • Expertise in addressing the specific challenges of your project (e.g., structural assessments, or defect diagnosis.

Knowledge of Building Regulations / Building Safety Act

  • Familiarity with building regulations and compliance requirements to ensure safety and legal adherence.
  • The Building Safety Act requires Clients to appoint competent designers

Communication and Collaboration Skills

  • A good structural engineer should be able to clearly explain technical concepts and work effectively with property owners, architects and contractors

Reputation and References

  • Positive reviews, recommendations, or case studies from previous clients.
  • Examples of completed projects that align with your needs.

Professional Insurance

  • Ensure the engineer carries Professional Indemnity Insurance, which protects you in case of errors or omissions in their work. What level of indemnity is provided? Is the cover adequate for your project?

Working with experienced professionals ensures confidence in your project’s success. Clients can rely on solutions that are both structurally sound and financially sustainable.

Don’t gamble on one of the biggest investments you’ll make; choose a structural engineer who can deliver expertise, precision, and reliability.

Feedback

Have you hired a structural engineer before? What was your experience like? Did you feel you received good value, or did the service leave you disappointed?

We’d love to hear about your experience …

December 2019 marks a milestone for Michael Aubrey Partnership as we celebrate 25 years of delivering innovative design solutions to our Customers.

BIM cake


Celebrating this achievement Managing Director, John Staves said,

“We’re so proud that Michael Aubrey Partnership has reached this milestone 25th year anniversary!  We count local, regional, and national businesses among our client base, including commercial businesses and homeowners.

 From our humble beginnings working from a back bedroom, to renting small office spaces, to finally in 2015 purchasing our Head Office building in Finchampstead.”


“Over the years our business has evolved into three distinct streams. 

  • Structural Engineering within commercial projects; full range of services for Clients, and Contractors working with other professionals as members of the team delivering residential, mixed use, industrial, residential care home and educational buildings. 
  • Services for homeowners; new build and alterations to homes as well as defect diagnosis. 
  • Wireless Sites; from design to managing sites and following Ofcom recently granting Code Powers, the first steps in development of our own portfolio of sites.

All of these areas are underpinned by our professional team and our early adoption of Building Information Modelling. 

I am proud that we have supported three graduate engineers through to Chartered membership of the Institution of Structural Engineers over recent years, and this year employed our first degree apprentice.

But of all the changes and growth over the years, I am very pleased that our ethos of putting quality before quantity has prevailed.”

“We wouldn’t still be here if it wasn’t for our brilliant team, most of whom have been with us since the early days. Our first employee, Andrew Campbell is still with us!  so, I’d like to say a big thank you to him and the rest of our team.”

 Also thank you to everyone who has been part of our success, we truly appreciate your support and we very much look forward to another successful twenty-five years.”




25 Years

Thank you to all our customers who have supported us along the way and to Sharni Smith for making our cake!


Our Way of Saying “Thank You”

During our 25th year, we are giving existing customers the opportunity to “refer a friend” and receive a

£25 M&S voucher*


*£25 voucher is claimable once the new customer places an order with us