The demands on structural designers are myriad, including the need to drive for more efficient and predictable outcomes for their clients, manage rising material and personnel costs, and secure value for money through productivity.
Designing for construction productivity helps structural engineers to square the circle: deliver to the client’s brief, while reducing errors, improve safety, and facilitate the efficiency of construction. This all helps to deliver more sustainable solutions and provide competitive advantage through reduced project costs and timescales.
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Starting the conversation how productivity can deliver low carbon, lower cost and minimal waste.
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Practical methods for driving improvements to productivity.
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Utilising standardised design for faster, more effecient construction in schools.
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Expert insights: Hear from leading experts on the latest strategies to improve construction productivity.
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Practical learning: Benefit from detailed discussions on standardising designs and optimising construction processes, ensuring your projects not only meet but exceed efficiency and safety standards.
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Case studies: Discover real-world examples of advanced techniques in projects ranging from school buildings to large infrastructure.
Principal, SOM
Phil leads SOM's Technical Design Group in London, overseeing the design and delivery of landmark projects globally. For two decades, he has promoted sustainable urban living innovations in projects like Manhattan Loft Gardens and Nine Elms Square. He heads the firm's London research group, advancing net zero carbon goals and regularly speaks on composite timber, modular fabrication, and fire safety. Phil actively contributes to the industry, serving on the RIBA Practice and Policy Board and the Housing Expert Advisory Group, influencing housing policy. He co-authored the LETI guide for decarbonising construction and is a key figure in the UK's Construction Productivity Task Force Group, aiming to boost construction productivity through better design.
Director, WSP (UK)
Dan is a Structural Engineer and director in the property & buildings team of WSP. He is the property & building’s head of modern methods of construction (MMC) and timber structures. He is an active member of TRADA, Structural Timber Association and is an NHBC timber frame certifier. He is part of the CTBUH Steel-Timber Composite Research Steering Committee. He is currently assisting clients and developers in realising the potential of utilising MMC and timber construction in their developments.
Technical Director for Structures, Laing O’Rourke
Suria is the Technical Director for Structures at Laing O’Rourke, where she has full organisational accountability for the structural technical outcomes within the company, encompassing pre-construction, delivery and development of MMC products. She has over 20 years’ experience in the construction industry, previously working as a Structures Design Manager at Lendlease, where she held technical oversight across Lendlease’s European portfolio for both development and construction projects, drawing on her experiences as a structural engineering consultant. She was previously a Director at Ramboll, and worked for 7 years at Arup prior to that. She has experience in structural engineering on a wide range of projects: large scale transport projects such as Crossrail and Abu Dhabi International Airport; high rise buildings, including the 300m tall Gazprom headquarters in Minsk; and residential buildings such as The Robinson at Wembley Park.
Technical Director, AKS Ward
Sara has worked on numerous education projects with the Department for Education and within the private sector. Whilst working as a technical director at AKS Ward she has worked with Wates to review and implement the use of standardised components and framing systems to develop faster and more efficient design and construction systems.