Highlighting: Commercial
Commercial
With the transition of workspace design to accommodate agile & hybrid working, staff wellbeing, smart technology and steps towards Net Zero Carbon it is important for any new office design to be able to implement these changes.
At Wallace Whittle we have all the skills and experience to design sector leading Grade A commercial office spaces that include all of the above.
Our commercial clients including Barclays, Virgin Money, Morgan Stanley, Royal London, Dublin Airport Central & Scottish Power HQ, have all utilized our expertise when designing their new spaces with Wallace Whittle.
Our office spaces provide:
- Comfort and Functionality: via passive design and MEP engineering, including low energy HVAC systems, lighting and electrical installations.
- Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Delivering Net Zero Carbon in operation with increasing focus on embodied and whole life carbon, as well as renewable energy, circular economy and ESG.
- Safety & Security: Incorporating systems that ensure occupant and building protection.
- Technology: Providing connectivity to optimise communication, agile working, seamless movement, energy consumption, use of space, air quality and visible sustainability.
- Wellbeing: Designing human-centric spaces where people are stimulated, healthier, happier, and more productive as a result.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your next project or to learn more about our commercial expertise – [email protected]
Highlighting: Healthcare
Healthcare
Our experience in the Healthcare Sector spans over two decades, and is wide-ranging across new facilities as well as regeneration. We have worked on numerous projects to improve healthcare for the future, in some of the biggest facilities including; Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Monklands Replacement Hospital, Peterborough City Hospital, the new Balfour Hospital and more.
These are just some of the ways in which we have helped to shape the future of healthcare delivery:
- Hospital Design and Engineering: Including HVAC systems, electrical systems, water, drainage, and other essential infrastructure to ensure the efficient functioning of healthcare facilities.
- Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Incorporating renewable energy sources including Net Zero Carbon designs, optimising lighting systems, and implementing green building practices to reduce environmental impact.
- Medical Equipment Infrastructure: Designing spaces with the necessary electrical, mechanical, and technical requirements for medical equipment to operate effectively.
- Compliance and Safety: Designing spaces that comply with health and safety regulations to provide a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
- Infrastructure Upgrades and Renovations: Assessing existing buildings and providing recommendations for renovations and improvements.
- Emergency Preparedness: Designing systems and layouts that facilitate efficient emergency response and evacuation procedures.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your next project or to learn more about our healthcare expertise – [email protected]
Graduate Apprentice Design Engineer, Aberdeen
Job Description
Job Title: Graduate Apprentice Design Engineer
Directly reports to: Senior Engineer / Director
No of Direct Reports: 0
Location: Aberdeen
Position Summary:
The position will allow you to learn on the job whilst firstly attaining an HNC, followed by a degree by day release. Additional training will be provided via the Company’s WW:Academy initiative.
Responsibilities and authority:
- Assisting a team of engineers and technicians with the production of engineering drawings
- Assist in production of 3D or 2D drawings using computer software
- Assist in preparation of simple engineering calculations
- Initial checking of own work
- Contributing to providing solutions to design problems
- Meeting agreed deadlines
- Attending meetings and/or site visits/surveys with Senior Engineer/Director
- Attending and participating in company activities, presentations and workshops
- Keeping your training log up to date and attending training/Continuous Professional Development where appropriate
- Supporting the administration of projects
- Ensuring application and maintenance of all Quality System procedures
Education and Experience:
- Minimum of 5 passes at National 5 / Standard Grade Credit Level / Intermediate 2 (Grade A-C) including English, Maths and a science subject
- Preferred Minimum of 3 Highers including English, Maths and a science subject (preferably Physics or Technological Studies)
- Alternatively completed a recognised apprenticeship within the construction industry.
Specific skills, knowledge, competencies and training
Essential:
- All relevant training will be provided
- The desire to work in an engineering office environment
- Good numeracy, literacy and computing skills
- Ability to manage your own time and prioritise at busy times
- Awareness of the Building Services Engineering environment
- Ability to think in a methodical way
- Good communication skills within a team and externally
Desirable:
- Willingness to achieve professional qualification.
- An interest in using computers for design work, calculations, and testing designs
- A temperament that means you work well with other people
- Previous consulting engineer experience
- Knowledge and experience of Autocad or Revit software
- Knowledge of energy and thermal modelling software such as IES
Wallace Whittle appointed to NHS HPCCAS Framework Agreement
WWe are proud and privileged to have been appointed to the NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) Healthcare Planning, Construction Consultancy and Ancillary Services (HPCCAS) Framework Agreement (SBS101190).
Committed to being a force for good, NHS SBS is dedicated to acting responsibly and sustainably at organisational, team and individual level. Sharing common values and unity of purpose with the rest of the NHS family, its solutions are underpinned by cutting-edge technologies and the teams’ expertise, in-depth understanding of the NHS, and commitment to service excellence.
The national framework agreement is designed to ensure ease of access and offers a compliant route to market for NHS and public sector organisations. It covers construction consultancy services for any size of project; traditional, design & build, new build, and refurbishment projects.
We have secured a place on Lot 5 – Mechanical, Electrical & Public Health (MEP)
To discuss any aspects of the framework agreement and how it can assist you, please contact Paul Dean, Director, at [email protected]
We look forward to hearing about your next project.
Paul Dean
Director of Warrington
Business Support Co-Ordinator (Built Environment – Sustainability Focussed), Glasgow or Edinburgh
Job Description
Job Title: Business Support Co-Ordinator (Built Enviroment – Sustainability Focussed)
Directly reports to: Sustainability Director
No of Direct Reports: Glasgow (or Edinburgh)
Location: Competitive – dependent on experience
Position Summary:
As a Business Support coordinator in our Engineering Consultancy firm specializing in Sustainability in the Built Environment, you will play a crucial role in providing administrative, financial, and operational support to the company’s various service lines. Your responsibilities will span across financial reporting, staff and resource management, business development, and bid management. Your contributions will directly impact the firm’s success in delivering high-quality engineering projects and services to our clients.
Responsibilities and authority:
Financial Reporting:
- Collaborate with the finance team to gather financial data and prepare regular reports, including revenue, expenses, and budget analysis.
- Assist in financial forecasting and budgeting processes.
- Track project budgets and financial performance, providing insights to project managers and senior leadership.
Staff and Resource Management:
- Assist team with project management and task monitoring.
- Monitor staff utilization and availability, helping to optimize resource allocation for various projects.
- Support the performance appraisal process by gathering feedback and evaluations from project managers and team members.
Business Development:
- Conduct market research to identify potential clients, industry trends, and competitor analysis.
- Assist in the preparation of marketing materials, presentations, and proposals for business development opportunities.
- Collaborate with the business development team to maintain and update the client database and contact lists.
Bid Management:
- Provide general administrative support to the management team and project managers.
- Work closely with project managers and technical teams to prepare bid documents and responses to RFPs (Requests for Proposals).
- Coordinate bid schedules, ensuring timely submission of proposals.
- Keep track of bid outcomes and maintain a repository of past proposals and templates for future use.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Proven experience in administrative or business support roles within the engineering consultancy or construction industry is highly desirable.
- Strong financial acumen and familiarity with financial reporting processes.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Proficient in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and project management tools.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with various teams and clients effectively.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a proactive and problem-solving mindset.
Away Day 2023
This year, our company Away Days took us to the vibrant city of Manchester, bringing together staff from all six of our offices across the UK. These few days give everyone an opportunity to meet fellow staff in person, not through a screen, and take time to really relax and bond. We encouraged everyone to stow away their laptops and stay off their phones, enabling them to take a well-deserved break and fully immerse themselves in the experience.
At our first stop of the trip, Brooklands Sports Club, we welcomed our staff with lunch while unveiling the exciting itinerary for the next two days. To kick off the festivities, we organised a game of rounders, forming teams that combined individuals from different disciplines and locations. In the evening, we mixed groups up once again, treating our staff to dinner and an evening filled with fun over at our second stop of the trip, Sale Rugby Club. The drinks were flowing, games were played and the dance-off got heated – who knew engineers could break dance?
The second day commenced with a focus on staff development and business sessions. Our Managing Director, Allan McGill, took the stage to share insights into the company’s vision, growth and future plans and answered everyone’s burning questions. We followed this up with a seriously competitive quiz on Quality & Standardisation from our Academy Manager, Paul Hargreaves and our Quality & Standardisation Manager, Raymond Kelly. Congrats to the winning teams on the day – you must have had the fewest sore heads on your tables!
Photos: Away Day 2023
We ended the day with an old-school Sports Day in the beautiful Sale sunshine. Lathered in suncream and clutching ice lollies, the teams go-karted, bungee-ran and sack-raced. Not only was it a fun nostalgic experience, but it tested everyone’s communication and teamwork skills. Congratulations to the Purple Team for winning the final tug of war and taking the title of Away Day Champions 2023.
Feedback from the event has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming the value of this time away from our desks to relax and build relationships across offices and departments. At Wallace Whittle, we are committed to being market-leading, which includes investing in our employee’s well-being and fostering their professional growth. Our initiatives include opportunities for learning and continuing professional development through our Academy, access to healthcare and well-being support services, an annual allowance for branded clothing and accessories and support for hybrid working.
A big thank you to Brooklands Sports Club and Sale Rugby Club for hosting us.
Check out our highlight video below!
WWe can’t wait for next year's Away Day already! 🎉
Call Challenge – WWe Are Ready to Respond
As of 1st of July 2023, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will no longer attend automatic fire alarm call outs to non-high-risk premises.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have undertaken extensive research into Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) which has identified up to 98% of automated fire alarm calls are false alarms. Following consultation, they have taken the decision to implement a new response model which in simple terms requires a confirmed fire before they send a response.
In addition to the time wasted in sending an Appliance to false alarms, there is also the increased road safety risk when Appliances attend under blue lights. Each false alarm has been estimated to cause 27 minutes of business disruption. This would seem to be a modest estimation of the disruption and many large buildings will incur significantly higher disruption costs as well as other issues such as loss of reputation or loss of customers. SFRS are also likely to charge for calls to repeated false alarms.
This article is in relation to the SFRS requirements in Scotland, however it is likely that other Fire & Rescue services across the UK may employ a similar approach, either currently or in the future.
Our staff are being briefed on these changes, considerations on operational impact and how they will affect designs and processes.
There has been an SFRS campaign to raise awareness, but it is not clear that there has been significant penetration with building owners, building operators, duty holders, or the wider fire alarm industry. There are no “ready-made” design solutions although there are some products that are better than others in avoiding unwanted alarms. We are readying ourselves to provide solutions.
So what happens when an alarm goes off?
SFRS will “Call Challenge” any calls received from Alarm Receiving Centres (ARC) or from direct calls. This means that they will ask if it is a confirmed sign of fire, which will then determine the SFRS response.
Premises which are exempt from the Call Challenge are those considered high risk. This can be simplified as premises which include a sleeping risk, including:
- Residential / Nursing / Care homes
- Sheltered housing
- Residential (Generally)
- Hospitals (Only in sleeping areas, such as wards)
- Hotels
Therefore, if the building is not exempt it will be Call Challenged. This includes offices, retail, education, industrial etc. and at all times of the day. It also includes areas of non-sleeping risk in large sites such as hospitals or retail premises on the ground floor of residential buildings.
Although some small premises may use a conventional fire alarm system, in general most will make use of an addressable fire alarm system. This will allow identification of a particular device, its type and location. SFRS will not consider a single smoke detector going into alarm as a confirmed fire.
However, they will consider some automatic devices as sufficiently low risk of false alarm to be considered as an indication that there is a confirmed fire.
The simplest form of confirming a fire condition is by human intervention, however that could have obvious safety risks. It may also introduce a delay if the fire condition occurs when the building is not staffed. Using technology to confirm a fire condition is possible but requires careful consideration in conjunction with other aspects of the fire safety plan.
There is a balance to be had between the disruption and cost of unwanted alarms, against the delay in attending to real fires. The implications of a delayed response could be significant hence the need to define the strategy considering all aspects.
At Wallace Whittle, we ensure our Engineers are ready to tackle change. If you would like to discuss the Call Challenge further, please get in touch with our Director of Engineering, Stephen Phimister – [email protected]
Stephen Phimister, Glasgow
London Office Growth
WW London Office
Our London Office, led by Matt Graves, has seen significant growth in recent years, which has led to the overall team supporting our London projects expanding to 20 plus and the recent promotion of several key staff members.
Since its inception, the London Office has demonstrated a strong track record of success in delivering high quality projects across a range of sectors and has continually exceeded expectation when competing with larger competitors inclusive of residential / mixed use, leisure, retail, commercial office, commercial hotels and healthcare. The Residential and Mixed-Use sector has evolved recently with both modular based construction processes and standardisation established to enable best value.
Staff take a pro-active role in driving the company in a collective manner, allowing for sector diversity whilst continuing to maintain quality of service and quality of product.
Support from our internal Sustainability, CAD, BIM and Revit departments, has been key to the continued growth and given the office a wide range of experience across projects completed for Developers, Contractors and end-user alike.
One of the London’s recent notable projects is Elephant Park, with Wallace Whittle playing an integral part since inception. Having been involved for 10 years, we have seen a significant evolution of Elephant and Castle as a result of this development where it has transformed the area with fantastic residential, retail and commercial accommodation.
We are nearing the final phases of the project with several further residential towers currently either in early construction stage or due to commence with a view to full completion around 2025. This is a testament to the continued quality maintained through such an established period, cementing our reputation throughout London on sizable projects.
The success and growth have been driven in large part by the talented and dedicated staff members and our in-house development programmes through our Academy. As a result of this growth, several key staff members have recently been promoted.
Austen Beischer and Ross Beischer have recently been promoted to Principal Engineers. These promotions reflect their exceptional contributions to the office and their ability to both lead as well as deliver complex projects time and time again. These promotions highlight our commitment to recognizing and rewarding the hard work and talent of our staff members.
Austen Beischer & Ross Beischer – London
“We are like a football team and only ever as good at the eleven players on the field. We are only ever as good as our staff and given our continued growth, our high percentage of repeat work, continuing to be supplemented with new projects, speak volumes for the quality of our staff and the contribution which they continue to make. We duly recognise this with continued review, reward and promotion, all of which is well deserved.”
– Matt Graves, London Location Director
With its strong track record of success and its talented and experienced team, our London Office is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the coming years. As the demand for innovative and sustainable engineering solutions continues to rise, the office is poised to lead the way in delivering world-class engineering services to clients across London and beyond.
Get in touch with the team at [email protected]
Matt Graves
London Director
Electrical Associate, Aberdeen
Job Description
Job Title: Electrical Associate
Directly reports to: Director
No of Direct Reports: 0
Location: Aberdeen
Position Summary:
Proficient and self-motivated engineer, with excellent communication and good time management skills, and a track record for consistent project delivery – with strong technical knowledge and competence discipline to ensure excellent service to clients within the boundaries of our professional and commercial capabilities. Works well with minimal supervision.
Responsibilities and authority:
- Liaise with and provide project focal point for clients and lead and/or support consultants to ensure that client interests are most effectively fulfilled
- Maximise staff effectiveness and improve efficiency by enhancing client relationships, improving internal systems and developing staff skills
- Interlink and work effectively with all others affecting or affected by your work
- Adopt a responsible attitude to project manage and actively undertake training and development of subordinate staff
- Effectively distribute project workload and liaise with technical and other support staff to ensure acceptable product delivery
- Ensure application and maintenance of all Quality System procedures
- Ensure documentation issued from Wallace Whittle in respect of a project has been processed in accordance with all relevant procedures
- Manage multiple projects including organisation of trainee staff and project delivery to time and cost requirements
- Carry out all personal management duties including weekly recording of man-hour commitments to individual projects and reporting on a monthly basis particular project fee input information
- Comply with all security procedures and commercial in-confidence restrictions associated with work duties
- Contribute to the maintenance of the highest possible standards of design by maintaining a good working knowledge of proved building services systems and new developments in the Building Services Industry
- Carry out the responsibilities of an Associate including: Preparation and/or development of client brief; development of project cost plans; assist where necessary in the estimation of project in-house resource requirement; assist in the development of project pre and post tender programmes; carry out surveys of existing facilities and prepare survey reports; prepare design calculations in accordance with all relevant standards and legislation adopting all necessary standard formats and procedures; prepare sketch design drawings in sufficient detail to enable draughtspersons to produce satisfactory detail drawings as required for tender, construction or other purposes; prepare particular project specifications and schedules adapting standard specification information where possible; prepare bills of quantities in accordance with current Standard Method of Measurement documents; assist client in the selection of appropriate methods of contracting works; technically vet tenders and provide advice to client on acceptance; carry out site supervision duties as necessary to ensure works are installed in accordance with contract documentation and good engineering practice; assist in the financial valuations; prepare feasibility studies and any specialist studies as required by the project brief; justify systems selection by means of investment appraisal techniques; if required by project brief; prepare presentation material and carry out presentations to client
- Undertake all other duties as may be required to assist in the fulfilment of the primary objectives of the Directors
- To manage the workload of junior staff resource ensuring all deadlines and project requirements are met
- To contribute to ensuring operations are conducted in accordance with the relevant ISO and national legislation
- To ensure contract compliance with the IMS, by supporting the administration of the Internal Audit programme, corrective action and customer feedback registers
Education and Experience:
- BEng (Hons) degree in Building Services Engineering/Electrical Engineering
- Chartered Engineer or work towards Chartered status in the near future
- Relevant industry experience appropriate to Associate level
- Competent in use of Autocad, design software and knowledge of Revit
Specific skills, knowledge, competencies and training
Essential:
- Customer care
- Technically competent
- Project management
- Excellent communication skills within a team environment
- Good numeracy, literacy and computing skills
- Ability to manage your own time and prioritise at busy times
- Ability to produce neat and accurate technical drawings
- Ability to think in a methodical way to design, plan and organise projects
- Ability to present and explain the thought process behind your own design work
- Competent in the use of Autocad Software and knowledge of Revit Software
- Competent in the use of Word and Excel
- Ambitious self-motivated individual with good team ethic, looking to excel and aspire
- AMTECH / HEVACOMP/Mepworx proficient
- DIALUX / RELUX proficient
- Online collaboration tool knowledge
- Works well with minimal supervision
Principal Electrical Engineer, Aberdeen
Job Description
Job Title: Principal Electrical Engineer
Directly reports to: Director
No of Direct Reports: 0
Location: Aberdeen
Position Summary:
Technically competent engineer, with excellent communication and time management skills and a track record for consistent project delivery, with strong technical knowledge. Good team ethic approach and the ability to financially control and project manage.
Responsibilities and authority:
- Liaise with and provide project focal point for clients and lead and/or support consultants to ensure that client interests are most effectively fulfilled
- Interlink and work effectively with all others affecting or affected by your work
- Adopt a responsible attitude to project manage and actively undertake training and development of subordinate staff
- Ensure application and maintenance of all Quality System procedures
- Ensure documentation issued from Wallace Whittle in respect of a project has been processed in accordance with all relevant procedures
- Manage multiple projects including organisation of trainee staff and project delivery to time and cost requirements
- Carry out all personal management duties including weekly recording of man-hour commitments to individual projects and reporting on a monthly basis particular project fee input information
- Comply with all security procedures and commercial in-confidence restrictions associated with work duties
- Contribute to the maintenance of the highest possible standards of design by maintaining a good working knowledge of proved building services systems and new developments in the Building Services Industry
- Preparation and/or development of client brief
- Development of project cost plans
- Assist where necessary in the estimation of project in-house resource requirements
- Assist in the development of project pre and post tender programmes
- Carry out surveys of existing facilities and prepare survey reports
- Prepare design calculations in accordance with all relevant standards and legislation adopting all necessary standard formats and procedures
- Prepare sketch drawings in sufficient detail to enable draughtspersons to produce satisfactory detail drawings as required for tender, construction or other purposes
- Prepare particular project specifications and schedules adapting standard specification information where possible
- Prepare bills of quantities in accordance with current Standard Method of Measurement documents
- Assist clients in the selection of appropriate methods of contracting works
- Technically vet tenders and provide advice to clients on acceptance
- Carry out site supervision duties as necessary to ensure works are installed in accordance with contract documentation and good engineering practice
- Assist in the financial control of contracts including the preparation of interim and final project valuations
- Prepare feasibility studies and any specialist studies as required by the project brief
- Justify systems selection by means of investment appraisal techniques
- If required by the project brief, prepare presentation material and carry out presentations to client
- Liaise with other design team members, internal and external, and represent the business at meetings
- Collaborate and work effectively with all others affecting or affected by your work
- Regularly review personal and subordinates forward programme workload; develop and frequently review priority lists of programmed tasks
- Check adequacy and accuracy of information and documentation produced by others
- Ensure application and maintenance of all Quality System procedures
- Carry out all personal management duties including weekly recording of man-hour commitments to individual projects and reporting on a monthly basis particular project fee input information
- Manage projects including organisation of subordinate staff and project delivery to time and cost requirements
- Comply with all security procedures and commercial in-confidence restrictions associated with work duties
- Contribute to the maintenance of the highest possible standards of design by maintaining a good working knowledge of proven building services systems and new developments in the Building Services Industry
- Undertake project risk assessments to ensure safe installation and operation and comply with CDM legislation
- Undertake all other duties as may be required to assist in the fulfilment of the primary objectives of the Directors
- To contribute to ensuring operations are conducted in accordance with the relevant ISO and national legislation
- Preferably BEng (Hons) Degree in Building Services Engineering / Mechanical Engineering.
- Chartered or working towards chartership with IMECHE/CIBSE.
- Minimum engineering HNC/HND or equivalent qualification.
- Competent in AutoCad and knowledge of Revit
Education and Experience:
- Preferably BEng (Hons) Degree in Building Services Engineering / Electrical Engineering
- Chartered or working towards chartership with IET/CIBSE
- Relevant industry experience appropriate to Principal Engineer level
- Competent in AutoCad, Electrical design software and knowledge of Revit
Specific skills, knowledge, competencies and training
Essential:
- Technically Competent
- Project management
- Good numeracy, literacy and computing skills
- Ability to manage your own time and prioritise at busy times
- Ability to produce neat and accurate technical drawings
- Ability to think in a methodical way to design, plan and organise projects
- Excellent communication skills within a team environment
- Ability to present and explain the thought process behind your own design work
- Competent in the use of Autocad Software and knowledge of Revit Software
- Competent in the use of Word and Excel
- Ambitious self-motivated individual with good team ethic, looking to excel and aspire
- AMTECH / HEVACOMP/Mepworx proficient
- DIALUX / RELUX proficient
- Online collaboration tool knowledge
- Works well with minimal supervision
Desirable:
- Understanding of mechanical building services, energy and thermal modelling