Check our directory of key services to find out fast how we can help. For more information on any of these services or details of other specialist skills, contact us at buildings@mottmac.com

3D modelling
We extensively use 3D modelling techniques for a number of applications. We undertake studies and designs in natural ventilation, thermal modelling, day lighting analysis, energy analysis, artificial lighting analysis, fire and smoke movement analysis, evacuation analysis, lifts and elevator analysis. We also have contacts within the Group for 3D visualisations - one of our assets relates to experience with interpretability or translation between various 3D software packages.

Acoustics
Ground borne vibration and air borne noise (acoustics) can result in damage to structures and cause nuisance and blight to the occupiers of buildings or those who live close to the noise/vibration source. We can assist on a range of problems, for example, damage to residential properties from construction traffic, ground borne vibration analysis, pedestrian induced floor vibrations in multi-storey buildings, the evaluation of the effect of piling on adjacent underground structures and noise assessment of roads, rail lines and stations.

Air-conditioning
We have wide experience of the design and application of all types of air conditioning systems ranging from fan coil systems through to chilled beams and raised floor based systems. We are skilled in the analysis of the effects of solar gain, equipment gain, user activity and user comfort on air conditioning system choice.

Architectural structures
We offer a world-class expertise backed with highly experienced staff with the technical necessary to cover all aspects of highly visual organic and high tech exposed structures, from simple canopies, through to the highly engineered long span roofs of major stadia.

Asset management
Our proactive approach to asset management has resulted in Mott MacDonald being involved in asset management projects for a range of clients. Services include structural integrity, durability surveys and repair strategy proposals based on evaluations of life cycle costs.

Audio visual systems
We are familiar with the design and integration of audio-visual systems for the corporate boardroom and seminar rooms to university lecture theatres. Mott MacDonald can provide both design and management for MATV, audio reinforcement, video conferencing and display.

BREEAM & EcoHomes
With a team of experienced registered BREEAM and EcoHomes assessors throughout the UK we are able to offer services for the assessment of just about any building project, and even assessments using the NHS NEAT and MOD DREAM systems. Our service not only covers the assessment itself, but also detailed involvement from the earliest opportunity to help maximise the BREEAM score and achieve the highest ratings. Our work has also included strategic sustainability guidance to major Clients for multiple building projects and general procurement strategy, and covers much more than the areas detailed in BREEAM.

In addition to the assessments themselves our team of designers incorporates specialists in every facet of sustainable building development, from building services and structures to transportation advisers and ecologists, all of whom are conversant with the key areas of assessment and inherent design challenges. With in-house expertise and knowledge we are able to offer a full multi-discipline design team, or specialists who can work with other design teams, who can help maximise ratings.

Building management systems
Building and energy management systems are essential to the successful management and operation of buildings in the 21st century. We have extensive experience in the implementation of building system control strategies through the use of appropriate hardware and software technologies.

Cable stayed structures
Cable stayed structures provide an elegant solution to many long span, lightweight roofs but particularly in stadia design. We have a proven track record on the successful engineering of many complex and iconic structures. We also understand the importance of interaction with the contractors' erection engineer and are able to provide a high level of support in this respect.

Cladding design
We can offer design and engineering for all forms of modern external cladding systems, including pre-cast concrete, aluminium curtain walling, metal rainscreen cladding and timber systems. We are able to offer a bespoke, cost-effective design and specification service. Due diligence surveys, expert witness work and on-site trouble shooting services are also available. We can undertake modelling of cladding components for structural glass elements using STRAND and for thermal performance using a combination of WIS and THERM. We can offer Part L calculation assistance for cladding elements.

Computational fluid dynamics
We use sophisticated computational fluid dynamics techniques in determining fluid and heat transfer flow through different types of domains. It is used extensively to analyse thermal conditions within buildings – heating, ventilation and air conditioning system performance, fire and smoke movement including concentration and temperature analysis.

Condition assessment
We have many years of experience in the condition and structural investigations of canal structures, harbour and port facilities, tunnels and recommending cost effective management options.

Curtain walling
Our extensive experience extends to all forms of curtain wall design: unitised, stick systems hybrid, specialists in house design, specification writing service, assembly and installation review. Test witnessing review services and on-site monitoring are also offered through our dedicated teams.

Deep basement design
Mott MacDonald is considered to be one of the world leaders in basement, especially deep basement, design. One such current project is Terminal 5. The vast baggage handling hall is subterranean and the Tracked-Transit-System is housed in tunnels. The satellite terminal and satellite buildings have three levels of basements up to 18m below ground.

Drainage
An example of Mott MacDonald’s role within drainage work involves detailed design and coordination of underground infrastructure, drainage and foundations, together with the detailed conceptual design of superstructures.

Due diligence surveys
We regularly carry out technical due diligence reporting for a range of financial institutions and are able to call on the necessary in house materials experts to provide the full spectrum of services necessary for this type of commission.

Durability engineering
Since 1985, we've been active as providers of expertise in durability assessment, residual life prediction and design of cost-effective solutions to ensure that power utilities structures of all kinds have an extended service life and operational disturbances are kept at a minimum.

Energy audits
We are skilled in the prediction of energy use in complex buildings and systems and we are familiar with the process of auditing through the design process to meet specific energy targets.

Environmental management
At Mott MacDonald we believe in a holistic approach to our projects where environmental, social and development needs and measures are addressed and integrated from day one. We provide the full spectrum of environmental services from environmental policy, legislation and reporting› to environmental management›, planning› and engineering›.

We employ over 200 environmental specialists including leading authorities in areas ranging from air and water quality, soil remediation and waste management to brownfield and contaminated land reclamation and green building design. Recognising that environmental responsibility and awareness do not stop at project hand-over, we provide our customers with every service they need to continue achieving the highest possible standards of environmental management throughout the whole project life cycle.

Reinforcing this is our commitment to improving our own environmental performance. To this end we’ve introduced an ISO 14001 environmental management system covering our internal business practices as well as our responsibilities to our customers for project development.

Evacuation modelling
We have developed and now widely use “STEPS”, the Mott MacDonald proprietary software package for analysing the movement of people in either pedestrian or evacuation modes. The software also allows integrated lift or vertical transportation analysis.

Expert witness
Mott MacDonald has for many years provided an independent technical support service to both the legal and insurance professions. We offer access to a “one-stop” technical resource through our network of experts within the Group. This allows truly multidisciplinary tasks to be undertaken. In particular we have an established track record in areas concerned with structural and/or material performance and reliability problems.

Exposed structures
We have specialists in exposed façade cladding structures and all forms of architectural metalwork - both sculptural and practical - plus experts in all forms of common cladding materials including aluminium, stainless steel, copper and copper alloys, zinc, titanium and glass.

Façade engineering
Our dedicated teams have significant experience in the design and specification of cladding systems, from standard low-budget stick system installations to high value bespoke environmental wall installations. We advise on all types of systems from lightweight glass wall construction and metal cladding systems which we design, specify, help develop and monitor installation.

Fire detection and protection
We have a dedicated fire engineering team. Our fire and smoke simulation techniques allow us to operate at the cutting edge of technology within the industry. We can provide fire safety engineering expertise in a number of different areas following construction or development.

We offer a number of key points of differentiation between ourselves and our competitors: all of our engineers have post-graduate qualifications in the field and we utilise an advanced suite of integrated modelling tools. Not only does this mean that the latest possible technology is used, the unique integration of these tools also significantly lowers the cost to the client.

Forensic engineering
We are skilled in all matters of contact and construction dispute in relation to building projects. Our service delivery ranges from non contention contract drafting and selection of procurement routes through to management of disputes in adjudication, arbitration litigation support and all methods of alternative disputer resolution.

Foundations and geotechnics
The design of building foundations and associated works, together with the management of ground risk, is one of Mott MacDonald’s areas of acknowledged global expertise and experience. Whether the site is green or brownfield, we have the in-house expertise to provide a value for money solution for small developments through to large complex facilities of all types throughout the world.

Glass analysis
Our exposed structures group has extensive experience in the design and detailing of glass assemblies. We provide the full range of services, which includes the concept, analysis, design and construction supervision of glazed structures. During inspections we are able to determine on-site glass thickness. We use state of the art software to model complex glass design and determine stress concentrations.

High-rise structures
Mott MacDonald have particular expertise delivering in all engineering aspects of high-rise building design and construction. We call on our global resource to bring international current thinking and experience to this highly demanding area of engineering. Our dedicated teams are very experienced in delivering economic and buildable solutions for these special buildings.

HV design
We provide workable power system designs exhibiting high reliability in our installations for sensitive applications such as data centres and stadia.

Inspection
We are skilled at structural surveys and the preparation of reports all within the guidance of the ISE.

Large scale cooling
Mott MacDonald have designed a number of large scale cooling schemes and are now considered leaders in such design. These predominate in the Gulf region - the largest current scheme is sized at 60mw. The great advantage of district cooling schemes is the higher efficiencies in use due to increased co-efficiency of performance (COP) making use of maximum diversity. Even in very hot climates system COP’s of 6:1 can be achieved and the use of site wide diversities can result in huge capital savings on cooking and pumping equipment.

Lighting - Visualisation and Understanding
At Mott MacDonald, our approach to lighting design is to capture and communicate the visual intent with illumination. Together with advance 3D modelling tools and an in-depth knowledge of the latest lighting technologies, we are able to provide preliminary renderings, animation and analysis of lighting schemes to allow a visual understanding of the design solutions at an early stage. Mott MacDonald offers a complete range of lighting design services including commercial, architectural/feature, exhibition and other bespoke lighting capabilities.

Lighting - Control Systems
Lighting can consume over 40% of a building’s total electrical energy consumption. With the introduction of new Part L regulations, we can make use of modern lighting control systems to reduce energy consumption by responding to a building’s attributes and occupant requirements.

Lighting - Daylighting, Sun Cast/Path and Shading studies
Studies have shown that a person’s workplace productivity is directly related to their sense of well-being. A ‘view out’ can provide a tremendous influence into a person’s mental state and well being. To avoid disability or discomfort glare, optimised site layout and window design is essential in the design of modern buildings. We have the capability to track the sun’s path and analyse daylight penetration into enclosed environments. We can analyse the effects of solar glare and identify the most appropriate shading requirements where required.

Lightweight structures
We are experienced in the design of lightweight structures and their application in stadia design and other architecturally expressed structures such as canopies or façade support structures. Our designs recognise at an early stage the necessity of the construction process where we integrate our experience of erection methods and methodology into our designs.

Non-destructive testing
We employ extensive non destructive testing techniques in the assessment of existing buildings and structures. We also employ ground penetrating impulse radar to collect substructure and geological data.

Planning supervisor services
We provide planning supervisor services across all sectors. Our commissions include the full spectrum of buildings especially in the commercial, industrial and education sectors.

Power Quality
We are experienced in power quality issues such as harmonics, spiking, non linear loads and power factor correction, and recognise these in our design and installations.

Seismic design
Within Mott MacDonald we have a global network of structural engineers with a wealth of experience in earthquake engineering around the world. Our past experience includes numerous high rise buildings - offices and residential, retail and leisure facilities, hotels, stations and airports, as well more unorthodox structures such as statues. Through this experience, and by actively maintaining and sharing our knowledge within the Seismic Skills Group forum, we can provide a safe, innovative and economical seismic design solution tailored to suit any individual requirements.

Structural surveys
Mott MacDonald has wide ranging experience in undertaking structural assessments, inspections and surveys of a large variety of buildings from stadia to offices and Grade I listed buildings. A selection of our projects include undertaking assessments of the SYPTE office building in Sheffield to ascertain whether it can support an additional floor; the annual structural and safety inspection of the RFU’s Twickenham Stadium; survey and restoration work on the Grade I listed Thorsbey Hall in Nottinghamshire as well as a variety of smaller structural inspections of buildings our clients are proposing to purchase.

Transport planning
We are considered world leaders in transportation planning and provide a full service in the planning, design, supervision and overall management of transport systems. We like to be involved from the earliest feasibility and pre-investment stages up to final commissioning. We also provide specialist traffic modelling and traffic management expertise to support planning applications, including environmental and transportation assessments. This skill is particularly valuable as it has in the past unlocked sites for development that normally would not have been viable.