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 received the Award of Excellence for Structural Engineering Services.
The recognition reflects not only our technical expertise but also our commitment to solving the UK’s toughest structural challenges in ways that protect people, places, and budgets.
One of the key reasons for our recognition is our Structural Detective™ methodology a proactive, approach to uncovering hidden structural issues before they become critical.
This means spotting:
- Movement or subsidence
- Historical alterations that weaken a structure
- Environmental damage
- Material degradation
By combining site investigation, diagnostics, and decades of engineering judgment, we give asset managers, developers, and public bodies the clarity they need to protect buildings and lives long before disaster strikes.
“We don’t just respond to failure we help clients understand the warning signs and avoid future risk,” says
John Staves CEng FIStructE, Managing Director
The Problem That Needed a New Solution
Our approach to problem-solving was put to the test with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) a material now known to pose serious safety risks in thousands of UK schools, hospitals, housing blocks, and public buildings.
While the usual fix has been demolition and costly rebuilds, we believed there had to be a better way.
John led the engineering design of the UK’s first in-situ structural repair solution for RAAC.
Instead of tearing down essential buildings, we engineered a solution to strengthen RAAC planks
This repair is:
- Non-intrusive – no need to close or demolish the building
- Cost-effective – saving millions in public money
- Proven – independently verified, structurally certified, and already in use
As John explains:
“At a time when the UK is facing major infrastructure challenges, we’re proud to be delivering practical, innovative, and permanent solutions that protect both people and places.”
A Visit from Clive Jones MP
Our RAAC work has also caught the attention of local leaders.
Image credit: Wokingham Today
Recently, we welcomed Clive Jones MP to our offices, where we shared our award-winning repair solution.
Clive was particularly interested in how our in-situ CFRP method avoids demolition, keeps essential buildings in use, and saves millions in public funds, all while ensuring safety.
He asked thoughtful questions about the technical process, the scale of the RAAC issue across the UK, and how innovation like this can support government priorities on infrastructure and sustainability.
We were encouraged by his offer to help raise awareness of our approach within government, showing that practical, cost-effective solutions to RAAC are not only possible but already here.
Why This Matters for the UK’s Built Environment
With over 30 years in the industry, we’ve learned three guiding principles:
- Preserve wherever possible
- Engineer with clarity
- Deliver with integrity
Whether it’s RAAC remediation, structural assessments, or advanced investigations, our approach is always about innovation without disruption.
As the UK’s infrastructure continues to age, we’re proving that engineering can be both technically brilliant and people-focused solving problems in ways that create safety, sustainability, and value for the long term.
About Michael Aubrey Structural Engineers
Founded over 30 years ago, Michael Aubrey Structural Engineers is a UK-based consultancy specialising in complex structural challenges. We work with commercial clients, developers, education trusts, public bodies, and asset managers across the UK, delivering solutions with integrity, clarity, and innovation.
Need structural advice? Call us on 0118 962 9666
