Build November_2016

Build Magazine 25 Design Applied Engineering Design (AED) is a small firm of structural engineers, providing high quality design consultancy whilst working with some of the best construction teams in the country to create properly considered, fully detailed structural solutions for buildings, general structures and the wider built environment. Adopting a thorough and client-focussed approach to their work has led to high levels of customer satisfaction, a key position at the forefront of BIM implementation and a nomination for Structural Engineer of the Year in the Timber Awards 2015. ounded in 2008 by Tim Hetherington, who still runs the company today with help from Craig MacLaren, AED’s varied experience and cooperative style has put them in a position to serve their clients in an unique way. AED speaks language their diverse clients understand, and this creates productive relationships. This versatility is all the more impressive considering the relatively small size of the firm – with ten staff in total, the ability to provide wide-ranging services in such a responsive manner is a more intense, but far more rewarding, experience for Tim. “Our goal,” the company founder states, “is simply to be better; we aim to achieve more progressive designs, more practical solutions, more cost-effective buildings, and to make better use of appropriate design and construction technologies.” “Furthermore, we work with a wide range of architects and contractors, all with different specialisations; this range that gives us an advantage over our competitors.” Indeed, AED’s portfolio boasts a significant range of specialisms: off-site construction; lightweight and demountable structures; structural timber; and engineering for installation art, among others. “Unlike many other practices today, we still undertake the majority of detailed design and coordination work in-house. These include secondary structural packages such as staircases, structural glass, and specialist connection design for steel, concrete and timber frames.” From their established offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow, AED have a firm grasp over Scottish markets, making the absolute most of being located in the midst of thriving communities of built environment professionals. These surroundings, Tim believes, help to contribute to an ongoing sense of excitement within AED about their work as engineers. This esprit de corps manifests itself in a number of ways, but most notable among them is a burgeoning desire to expand AED’s reach. As Tim explains, “We want to expand southwards; we have a project office in Bath right now and have a projected plan in On the Frontline of Change F place for an office in Leeds, Manchester or London. Additionally, we have received calls to work in mainland Europe, and we hope to make headway with that as soon as possible, with Rotterdam as a possible base for a permanent presence.” In addition, Tim hopes that the near future will lead to establishing a new network of connections among property managers, which will enable AED to expand their client face, whilst remaining diligent in delivering upon clients’ high expectations, on time and within budget. This has been a core objective of AED since Day One, and as the company continues to gather momentum after its first eight years, it shows no signs of lulling or becoming complacent. Tim again: “We do not promote one kind of building technology over another. We prefer a pragmatic approach, where each form and material is employed for the natural advantages it offers. As a result, our work tends to naturally lead to elegantly optimised hybrid structures.” Company: Applied Engineering Design Name: Tim Hetherington / Craig MacLaren Email: [email protected] / [email protected] ng Web Address: www.aed.consulting Address: 6 Darnaway Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6BG / 62 Albion Street, Glagow, G1 1NY Telephone: 0131 564 1310 / 0141 255 0390