Digital Design
Our digital and parametric design capabilities use advanced tools and methodologies to address sustainability, regulatory compliance, and the increasing complexity of modern construction. Our growing digital toolbox enables us to tackle these industry challenges, achieving better efficiency, transparency, and collaboration on projects.
We're committed to investing in emerging technologies, embedding the latest processes and tools throughout the whole project lifecycle. This strategic approach merges creative thinking and technical expertise, to reveal hidden opportunities on a project.
Specialisms
We use parametric workflows across all project stages—from initial concept design to fabrication-ready models—revealing new opportunities in structural design.
Parametric design enables our engineers to create complex geometries and adaptive models that respond to real-world constraints and evolving project requirements.
Our ability to create computational tools bespoke to projects means we can quickly explore structural options with the whole design team. We can advise, in real-time, the impact of design decisions on key metrics such as material use, embodied carbon and overall performance.
Automation streamlines repetitive tasks in the design process, allowing engineers to focus on creative problem-solving and pushing the boundaries of design.
By developing custom scripts, algorithms, and digital workflows, we accelerate structural analysis, documentation, and coordination. This approach reduces errors, enhances project efficiency, enables faster decision-making, and fosters greater integration between design disciplines.
By embracing automation, we are not only optimising resource utilisation but elevating the quality and precision of engineering design.
Using computational analysis and machine learning models, we can study various scenarios to identify the best solutions to design challenges. This approach allows us to iterate designs and generate more efficient solutions for our clients.
Using these technologies, we can minimise embodied carbon, optimise structural layouts, and refine material usage. Our methods enable us to uncover previously unseen opportunities, ensuring that each project is not only efficient but also sustainable and innovative.
The Art of Parametric Design
Our collaborations with NEON, an award-winning design practice, shows the shared creative potential of engineering and art in finding new and innovative ways to improve our spaces and places.
Ihana, completed in 2024, is a sculpture designed for a roundabout in Siilinjärvi. We utilised complex geometries to refine the structure and showcase the twists, curves and turns of the installation.
Due to the artwork's asymmetrical shape and colours, its appearance changes dramatically as you move around it. We used parametric workflows to generate an accurate finite element model that reflected the complex 3D geometry.
We also optimised material use by using computational tools to test multiple steel plate thicknesses throughout the height of the sculpture. By incorporating digital tools early in the design process, we refined structures for buildability and resilience, ensuring seamless collaboration between architects, artists, and engineers.
Digital Design
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Digital design empowers us to analyse complex geometries, leverage machine learning to optimise designs, and streamline workflows—freeing engineers from repetitive tasks so they can focus on creativity.
Automating & Optimising Desk Studies
To enhance decision-making in feasibility studies, we have developed a tool that rapidly compiles key site data—including historic maps, geological conditions, floor risks, underground assets, and listed buildings.
This automation significantly reduces the time requires for site assessments, enabling us to promptly provide clients with informed advice on potential site risks.
Data Driven Decision Making
We have developed a tool to address the challenge of extending existing buildings in refurbishment projects. The tool automates the assessment of adding stories to structures, assisting engineers in evaluating feasibility and risk.
Intended for use at early stages, when limited information is available about the structure, the tool provides insights into how modifications—such as load adjustments or façade changes—can improve viability. By automating this analysis, we enable faster, data-driven decisions, helping clients unlock development potentials and manage structural constraints.
Related Services
Structural Engineering
With the right materials, techniques and construction methods we can realise the vision of an architect and provide adaptable, long-life buildings. Furthermore, we challenge ourselves to find solutions that will last and make a positive Impact upon the planet, through a commitment to repurpose and retain landmark existing structures as much as possible – or by building with innovative, low-carbon approaches.
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