Engineering Insight, Guidance & Updates

Welcome to the Shepherd Gilmour blog, where we share practical engineering advice, project insights, regulatory guidance, and industry commentary. Whether you're a developer, architect, fabricator or homeowner, our articles aim to clarify complex topics, highlight key considerations, and support better decision-making across projects large and small.

Project Delivery & Innovation

Articles on workflows, BIM, digital tools, quality assurance, and process-driven insight.

Photorealistic image of a modern high-rise covered with greenery and trees on balconies, overlaid with a red cross to highlight the hidden structural and carbon costs of vertical forest architecture.

Innovations in Sustainable Construction Design with Shepherd Gilmour

Discover how innovations in sustainable construction design are transforming the built environment. From modular construction and low-carbon materials to genuine design optimisation, Shepherd Gilmour explains how to achieve real, measurable sustainability, avoiding greenwashing and embracing practical, future-proof engineering solutions for both domestic and commercial projects.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN & NET ZERO

Oct 155 min read

A laptop with a padlock and 4 key password with asterisks and a hand pointing at it

From Cyber Essentials to Cyber Essentials Plus: Shepherd Gilmour Raises the Bar on Digital Security

Shepherd Gilmour has achieved Cyber Essentials Plus, the UK’s highest government-backed cyber security certification. This milestone demonstrates our commitment to protecting client data, ensuring compliance, and reducing risk across both domestic and commercial projects. Discover how our enhanced digital defences provide trust, resilience, and a safer future for your projects.

DIGITAL ENGINEERING

Sep 234 min read

Three modern buildings at London City Island (LCI) with blue, white, and yellow facades against a clear blue sky. The buildings have numerous windows and balconies.

Engineering Ambition into Reality: Architectural Metalwork at London City Island

Discover how Shepherd Gilmour’s specialist structural design for architectural metalwork helped shape the award-winning London City Island. From cantilevered balconies to frameless glass balustrades, this case study explores how engineering excellence delivered bold architectural intent, safely and efficiently. A must-read for developers, architects, and fabricators.

FAÇADE ENGINEERING & MATERIALS

Jul 295 min read

Aerial view of modern cityscape in Leeds, UK of Whitehall Riverside Development, with tall buildings in varied colors, greenery, a river, and a small bridge. Busy urban setting, vibrant mood.

Project Spotlight: Whitehall Riverside, Leeds

A transformative £280m riverside development in Leeds, Whitehall Riverside features Build-to-Rent towers, Grade A offices, a hotel, and public realm spaces. Shepherd Gilmour provided structural design for bespoke aluminium balustrades and a striking steel feature stair—delivering precision detailing that supports the architectural vision.

FAÇADE ENGINEERING & MATERIALS

Jul 33 min read

Three project staff gathered around a laptop value engineering a project

The Hidden Cost of Design-Led Value Engineering: Why ‘Saving’ Early Can Cost You Later

Discover how design-led value engineering can reduce costs without compromising quality. Learn why involving structural engineers early helps avoid costly rework, delays, and design flaws. Shepherd Gilmour shares insight into smarter project delivery through collaborative, performance-driven design decisions.

PROJECT DELIVERY & INNOVATION

Jun 254 min read