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Meet our Team Team Members At Shepherd Gilmour, our strength lies in the people behind the projects. We are a dedicated team of engineers, technicians and support staff who share a common goal, to deliver considered, practical and robust engineering solutions tailored to each client’s needs. Our culture is collaborative, quality-focused and commercially aware. From early concept design through to construction and inspection, our team brings a proactive and detail-oriented approach to every stage of the project lifecycle. With a strong mix of experience, technical capability and fresh thinking, we take pride in maintaining long-standing client relationships and a track record of successful delivery across a wide range of sectors. Andrew Waddington Managing Director MEng (Hons) Read More Giles Burton Senior Consultant BSc, CEng, FIStructE, FCS FConsE Read More James Leach Senior Engineer BEng (Hons) Read More Adam Hallinan Project Engineer MEng Read More Lucy Corrigan-Harper Executive Assistant BSc (Hons) Read More Joshua Cunliffe Graduate Engineer BSc, MScR, PhD (In Progress) Read More Alex Foster Graduate Engineer BEng, MEng Read More Denise Pacey Finance Director & HR Read More Piotr Maruszak Senior Associate MSc (Eng) Read More Oliver Stephenson Senior Engineer MEng (Hons) Read More Joe Sykes Project Engineer MEng Read More Amanda Gardner Accounts & Office Manager Read More Richard Tomlins Graduate Engineer BEng (Hons) Read More Ausama Abdullah Graduate Engineer BSc (Hons) Read More Charlie White Senior Consultant BSc (Hons), CEng MICE, FIStructE Read More Greg Cooper Senior Consultant BSc, CEng MIStructE Read More Daniel Pearson Senior Engineer BSc (Hons) Read More Georgios Katsonopoulos Project Engineer M-Eng Read More Simon Chappell Structural Technician Read More Ruth Shenton Executive Assistant Read More

< Back The Vicarage Structural design & remodelling of a historic residence situated in the heart of Yorkshire, including the removal of a large masonry stone chimney breast and the creation of a vaulted ceiling with ornate detailing. Location: Yorkshire Client: Private Client Services Provided: Drafting Plans, Engineering Design & Construction Supervision Role Under CDM 2015: Designer Project Overview Shepherd Gilmour was appointed to provide structural engineering services for the refurbishment of The Vicarage , a historic residential property. The brief was to create a more open and contemporary living space by removing a substantial internal stone chimney breast at second floor level and opening up two adjoining rooms into a single, larger room. The vision also included converting the existing timber roof structure into a vaulted ceiling to increase perceived space and natural light, all while maintaining the external architectural integrity of the original chimney. Additonal rooms at second floor level were also opened up into vaulted ceilings to further increase the feeling of space and light. The Vicarage Structural Design Solution The removal of the internal chimney breast presented a complex engineering challenge due to the need to retain the external portion of the chimney for conservation and planning purposes. Our approach involved: Installation of Primary Beams : Two 254 x 146 x 31 Universal Beams (UBs) were designed and installed to support the retained external chimney stack. Support for Chimney Walls and Flues : Three 152 x 152 x 23 Universal Columns (UCs) were used as trimmer beams to pick up the loads from the remaining chimney structure and distribute them appropriately. Roof Strengthening : The existing timber purlins were reinforced with two 230 x 90 x 32 Parallel Flange Channels (PFCs), installed in parallel to enhance their load-bearing capacity. Ornamental Structural Ties : To prevent the risk of roof splaying due to the new vaulted ceiling configuration, we designed and specified ornate twisted steel tie bars between the purlins. These served a dual purpose—providing the required lateral restraint while contributing to the architectural aesthetic of the vaulted space. Steelwork Installed to Support Masonry Stone Chimney Above Building Regulations & Construction Support Throughout the project, we provided clear and practical guidance to the client during both the design and construction phases, ensuring full compliance with UK Building Regulations . Our support included: Offering recommendations for improving insulation performance in the roof build-up, particularly where the new vaulted ceiling introduced challenges around continuity and cold bridging. Advising on appropriate ventilation strategies , ensuring that the removal of the ceiling void and changes to air pathways did not compromise the building's overall performance or comfort levels. Developing detailed A1 CAD drawings , including splice connection designs , to enable the safe installation of structural steelwork in a confined and sensitive setting. Providing temporary works guidance , a schedule of works , and a comprehensive Designer’s Risk Assessment in accordance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) . In line with our appointment, Shepherd Gilmour acted as the Designer under CDM 2015, collaborating closely with the Principal Contractor , who fulfilled the role of Principal Designer . Technical Drawing of Proposed Alterations Outcome The project was successfully completed, with our structural design enabling the creation of a dramatic and spacious vaulted ceiling while preserving the character of the historic building. By offering early-stage advice on insulation and ventilation, and ensuring regulatory compliance throughout, we delivered a robust and elegant solution aligned with both the client’s vision and statutory requirements. Valuted Ceiling Taking Shape Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back 21-23 Tingley Common A dormer loft conversion was designed and drafted by our in house team to maximise the potential of the roof space within our clients property, while ensuring an efficient and simple structural design which could be completed quickly during a good weather window. Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back 26 Pot House Lane Turn key design enabled our client to realise the full potential of the lower ground floor of their property. The result was a fantastic use of space, creating a light and airy room leading seamlessly into a level decked area of the garden via striking sliding glass doors, maximising the views of the local peak district landscape beyond. Project Overview Shepherd Gilmour were appointed to lead the structural and architectural reconfiguration of the lower ground floor at 26 Pot House Lane – a characterful stone-built Edwardian property, constructed circa 1920 during the industrial expansion of Stocksbridge. At that time, the town was emerging as a key industrial hub in South Yorkshire, closely tied to the local steelworks that fuelled regional economic growth. The property, situated on a steep north-facing hillside, was originally arranged over three storeys. The lower ground floor, aligned with external ground levels on the north elevation, had historically been used as a cold and uninviting basement space. Our brief was to reimagine this area into a functional and attractive living space, connecting the interior with the scenic views over the rural fringe of the Peak District. 26 Pot House Lane - South Elevation Existing Building Fabric The original dwelling featured traditional Edwardian construction, with approximately 450mm thick cavity walls comprising: Outer Leaf : Random coursed stonework Cavity : Fully infilled with Isothane Technitherm closed-cell insulation foam Inner Leaf : Solid masonry brickwork The structure followed the sloped topography of the site, with the following floor arrangement: Lower Ground Floor : Access to the garden on the north side Upper Ground Floor : Aligned with Pot House Lane to the south First Floor : Bedrooms and bathroom accommodation Scope of Works The project focused on transforming the underutilised lower ground floor through extensive remodelling and structural intervention. Shepherd Gilmour provided a full turnkey design solution encompassing: Architectural layout and concept development Structural engineering and detailing Temporary works and propping strategies CDM 2015 Designer duties Construction supervision Building Regulations compliance Technical Drawing of Proposed Alterations Key Interventions Garden Room Creation A major load-bearing masonry wall was removed to the side of the main staircase, opening up the space to create a generous new garden room . The design incorporated large Origin sliding glass doors, level with a new composite deck, providing direct access to the outdoors and framing views of the adjacent woodland and open fields. To support this transformation, a new insulated reinforced concrete floor slab was constructed on a reworked sub-base. Underfloor heating was installed to deliver comfort, and the slab also integrated perimeter drainage solutions: A French drain system was introduced behind existing retaining walls on the south side Localised land drainage connected into a central chamber to alleviate hydrostatic pressure Tanking measures were installed to floor and wall zones to provide protection from damp ingress While underpinning was not deemed necessary, we specified foundation strengthening works to enhance the resilience of existing masonry supports during the excavation phase. The completed cozy living space, complete with dark green walls opening up to the patio with a picturesque view of rolling hills behind Structural Enhancements to Adjoining Room The room opposite the staircase also underwent significant structural revision. A pre-existing steel beam, previously located below the upper ground floor joists, was repositioned within the floor zone. This eliminated the downstand, delivering increased headroom and improving visual comfort. Other enhancements included: Introduction of modern recessed downlights New windows to improve natural light levels Decorative finishes to complement the garden room aesthetic Additional Works SGL also undertook minor structural adjustments on the upper ground floor. These included the opening-up of two existing chimney breasts , requiring careful structural consideration and compliance with Building Regulations. Outcome The completed scheme achieved a striking transformation of the lower ground floor – from a dark, damp, and underused basement into a warm, vibrant living space with direct outdoor connectivity and improved daylighting. The integration of structural alterations with architectural sensitivity allowed the client’s vision to be realised, enhancing both functionality and enjoyment of the home. The completed cozy living space, complete with dark green walls opening up to the patio with a picturesque view of rolling hills behind Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back BIM & Technical Drawings Rate £62/hr Contact Us Now Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a modern process of providing computer files in typically proprietary formats containing data relating to the physical properties of a design. It is used as a tool in the design of projects, buildings and infrastructure in order to portray the vision and intent before ever commencing construction. SGL employ a suite of BIM software which includes but is not limited to Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD, Tekla Structural Designer, Trimble Connect and eDrawings. By employing the use of this software via our qualified and experienced employees, we are able to integrate drawings, models and data into master data registers and master model files combining structural design information with that of the architect or M&E contractor etc. By being able to integrate our designs with those of other disciplines, we are able to provide a better visual experience to detect clash checks & allow coherent coordination between parties. Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Structural Monitoring Rate £72/hr Contact Us Now Structural Monitoring is provided in order to monitor a suspected defect within a property or structure to determine whether or not the defect is static or progressive. An example of monitoring would be where cracking has been found in a property which is believed to be due to subsidence of the foundations. Subsidence is the movement of soil beneath a foundation which causes the structure above to move unexpectedly; subsidence can occur for a number of reasons and can often be very serious although this is not always the case. For the engineer to determine whether or not subsidence is ongoing and therefore likely to be more of a serious problem, monitoring can be used. It is useful to know whether subsidence is likely historic or ongoing as it can have serious implications on the scope of any remedial works which may be necessary to stabilise a property. Similarly, monitoring can be used to assess the crack propagation in concrete or steel when subject to dynamic or fatigue loading conditions. This may be useful particularly on older structures where the material grades and susceptibility to defects are not known with certainty. Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Structural Fire Design Rate £72/hr Contact Us Now Fire design of structures ensures their safe predictable performance in the event of a foreseeable fire scenario. The level of fire design depends upon a number of factors and is often determined by carrying out a fire risk assessment. Typically, requirements are set out according to Eurocode with respect to time. Based on the requirements, a structural engineers first job is to determine the most suitable material and appropriate methods of fire protection to critical elements. The design is then undertaken according to the relevant parts of either EC2, 6 or 9. In the past, fire design was not always considered and this has resulted in terrible consequences such as the great fire of London in 1666 which resulted in the avoidable destruction of over 132,000 homes. More recently, examples of how serious the threat of fire can be to a building and its occupants are the Bradford City Stadium fire of 1985, the collapse of The World Trade Center Twin Towers in 2001 and Grenfell Tower in 2017. Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Earth Retaining Structures Rate £72/hr Contact Us Now Earth retaining structures are engineered to retain soil & rock. They are typically used to accommodate changes in grade as well as to provide access or throughways and to buttress the toe of slopes. Many older walls may be constructed with the intention to retain earth, but without proper design these will almost always result in failure given enough time. Often, failure of an inadequately designed retaining wall will happen abruptly and sometimes with little warning which is why it is crucial to ensure a proper design is established. Retaining structures can take many forms depending on their intended purpose and finish required. Where a vertical drop is required to maximise space available on the lower level, a reinforced concrete retaining wall may be the best option. Conversely, where a slope is to form part of a wider landscape and may be visible, often gabion baskets or a geogrid structure may be preferable as these can often have a more natural visual appearance as well as being cheaper and potentially more sustainable. At SGL we are experienced in the design of all types of earth retaining structures and we would gladly provide our expert guidance in helping you determine which might be the best option for you. Project Gallery Out of gallery Previous Next

< Back Seismic Engineering Rate £82/hr Contact Us Now Seismic Engineering is not often thought of as immediately relevant within the UK construction industry. However, Britain typically sees an earthquake of magnitude 4 or above which is considered significant on the Richter Scale approximately once every four years or less. As such, structures of high importance and sensitivity may be required to meet the design requirements of Eurocode 8 “Design of Structures for Earthquake Resistance. General Rules, Seismic Actions and Rules for Buildings”. Such structures may include nuclear facilities, tunnels, bridges and sky scrapers to name a few. Seismic acceleration may be defined as the acceleration of the ground due to seismic activity, whereby the ground its self moves and accelerates. This movement can occur both laterally and vertically. The effects of bidirectional acceleration may also be additive as well as destructive. The effects of seismic acceleration can have devastating consequences to a structure which is not adequately designed to mitigate this. It can ultimately lead to complete collapse as was seen during the catastrophic events of the Christchurch Earthquake in 2011. Various methods exist to mitigate the risk of damage from a seismic event and it is the engineers responsibility to determine the most suitable system in combination with the clients requirements. Some examples are: Tuned Mass Dampers, Foundation Isolators, Plastic Hinges and Chevron Bracing as well as Hydraulic Dampers. Each one of these methods aims to mitigate the effects of seismic movement by nullifying the response of the structure, either via energy absorption through damping or altering the frequency response of the structure although these two methods are not mutually exclusive and are often used in combination to provide the most effective cost efficient solution. At SGL we are experienced in seismic design of structures both within and outside the UK. Our team are experienced designing on and offshore structures subject to seismic design loads. In addition to structures, SGL are also experienced in the seismic design of none structural items such as ME&P service support systems to ensure their safe and consistent operation during and following a seismic event in accordance with Section 4.3.5 of BS EN 1998-1:2004 +A1:2013. Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Design Calculations Rate £72/hr Contact Us Now Structural Design Calculations by Experienced Engineers At Shepherd Gilmour , structural design calculations form the foundation of our consultancy services. From domestic extensions to complex multi-storey developments , our engineers provide precise, code-compliant structural design tailored to each project’s requirements, programme and budget. Whether you need a single beam calculation for a wall removal or full design support for a school , hospital , residential development , industrial facility , or infrastructure project , we can assist. Our team is experienced in delivering calculations for: Steel, concrete, timber and masonry structures Foundations and retaining walls Frame stability, lateral load paths and disproportionate collapse Alterations, refurbishments and change-of-use projects Temporary works and demolition sequencing Load assessments, strengthening, and structural verifications All designs comply with relevant Eurocodes, British Standards, and Building Regulations . Where required, we also incorporate industry best practice guidance such as TRADA , NHBC standards , SCI publications , and sector-specific requirements. Flexible, Scalable Design Expertise As a firm with both breadth and depth of experience, Shepherd Gilmour is uniquely positioned to support a wide range of projects: For homeowners , architects and builders, we provide fast, reliable support on domestic projects such as loft conversions , extensions , removal of loadbearing walls , and new builds . For commercial clients , developers, and contractors, we offer full structural design packages for larger or more technically complex projects. For specialist sectors , our team’s background includes design work in offshore engineering , nuclear facilities , energy infrastructure , and civil works such as roads and bridges . Our size and structure allow us to provide a highly responsive service while maintaining close personal relationships with clients. Whether a project spans days or years, we offer consistency, technical accuracy and commitment throughout. Typical Projects We Support New build dwellings and apartment blocks School, college and university developments Healthcare facilities including NHS and private hospitals Industrial warehouses and manufacturing sites Bridges, gantries and access platforms Basement and retaining wall designs Steelwork connection design for fabricators Refurbishment and structural alterations CDP elements for Design & Build contractors We are comfortable working as lead structural designer, or in a sub-consultant or delegated design role under CDM 2015 & The Building Safety Act 2022. Clear, Approved Calculations for Building Control & Tender All of our structural design calculations are: Clearly presented with sketches or marked-up drawings for ease of review Reviewed and checked internally to meet our ISO 9001 quality assurance procedures Issued in PDF format , suitable for submission to Building Control , design teams or contractors Supported with general arrangement drawings , connection details and, where required, finite element modelling or 3D analysis We also maintain good working relationships with a number of local authorities and Approved Inspectors, helping to streamline Building Regulation approvals. Speak to an Engineer To discuss your structural design requirements, please contact us via our Contact Us page. Alternatively, please call or E-Mail us directly via the details found at the bottom of this page. We’ll be happy to review your plans and advise on the level of design input required. Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Construction Supervision Rate £88/hr Contact Us Now Construction Supervision services are provided to clients both large and small, whether they are domestic or commercial. We work with a number of commercial clients on multiple projects, acting as their subcontracted structural engineering expert to provide on site assistance to contractors during their works on a daily or weekly basis. Our aim is to directly assist with issues which arise during the prestart and construction phases so that these may be quickly and safely resolved with expert guidance to mitigate the risk of errors, project delays and associated unexpected costs. We are able to provide ad-hoc support in person on site or remotely via telephone, conference call or email. Typically we would complete a project from start to finish with an appointed Project Engineer. The appointed Project Engineer would also have access to an experienced team of in house design engineers to assist with any calculations, drawings or reports which may need to be generated. Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Structural Surveys Rate £123/hr Contact Us Now Structural Surveys by Chartered Structural Engineers Shepherd Gilmour is a trusted structural engineering consultancy with a long-standing reputation for delivering detailed, high-quality Structural Surveys across the UK. Whether you're purchasing a property, investigating visible cracks, or responding to an insurance query, our experienced engineers provide clear, impartial advice to help you make informed decisions. We offer domestic and commercial structural surveys , with each report prepared and reviewed by a qualified structural engineer. Several of our senior team members are Chartered Structural Engineers (CEng) with IStructE , ensuring the advice you receive is grounded in technical rigour and professional competence. Assessing Out of True of an External Wall Why Choose Shepherd Gilmour for Your Structural Survey? Qualified Structural Engineers All surveys are carried out by qualified and experienced engineers, never sub-contractors or automated tools. Tailored, Written Reports Every report is written specifically for your property by the engineer who visits, with no generic checklists or computer-generated outputs. Clear, Practical Recommendations We aim to explain defects in plain English and provide actionable advice to guide next steps. ISO 9001 Accredited & Constructionline Gold Members You can rest assured our processes and procedures follow industry best practice. We are externally audited annually to ensure we remain compliant in providing the quality our clients have come to expect. Client Support We routinely support homeowners, property buyers, insurers, loss adjusters, developers and landlords, and are happy to liaise with your conveyancer or insurer if required. Structural Cracking - BRE Digest 251 Damage Category Assessment Domestic Structural Surveys Our residential structural surveys are commonly instructed for: Home purchases and mortgage approvals Investigation of structural cracks or signs of movement Subsidence or settlement-related concerns Insurance claims and pre-works assessments General peace of mind for property owners Our engineers are trained to identify structural issues with clarity and objectivity. Using the BRE 251 damage categories , defects are classified in terms of severity, enabling clients to make informed decisions about repair, monitoring, or further investigation. We frequently liaise with conveyancers, insurers, architects and contractors to help clients navigate the next steps following a survey. Our Approach to Structural Surveying Initial Appointment Once instructed, our office will arrange a convenient time for one of our engineers to visit the property. Site Inspection The engineer will conduct a visual inspection of accessible areas, externally and internally. Observations will be made regarding the structure’s form, material condition, and any visible signs of structural distress. Verbal Feedback Where appropriate, the engineer will discuss preliminary findings with the client at the time of visit and provide an indication of potential next steps. Technical Report A detailed structural report will be issued. This will describe the structure, identify any defects, classify damage in accordance with BRE Digest 251 , and provide practical, proportionate recommendations. Where necessary, we may advise further investigation or outline potential remedial works. All reports are produced following the principles set out in the IStructE’s Appraisal of Existing Structures , ensuring consistency, clarity, and professional rigour. Commercial Structural Inspections We also provide structural inspections for commercial clients , including developers, managing agents, housing associations, insurance companies and institutions. These may relate to: Structural due diligence Dilapidation or reinstatement assessments Impact damage or fire damage investigations Change-of-use, extensions or refurbishment projects Fire Damage Survey We are happy to tailor our scope and deliverables to suit your specific requirements or project brief. Request a Survey To speak with a member of our team about a structural survey, or to request a fee proposal, please visit our Contact Us page. Alternatively, please call or E-Mail us directly via the details found at the bottom of this page. Project Gallery Previous Next