Developing in-house talent is key to future-proofing our operations. Our Wallace Whittle Academy focuses on four unique levels across our people, each distinctly targeting different areas of development.

At Level 2, our Academy provides a consistent base level of training for our junior members, who are generally newer to the industry. We offer them support and guidance through their development, providing a chance to enhance their skills and grow their knowledge, preparing them for their journey with Wallace Whittle.

The Academy not only covers University or College fees but also provides a comprehensive curriculum, including specialized training in various aspects of the construction industry. With degree apprenticeships, part-time university courses leading to professional qualifications, and an array of specialist training, our Academy ensures that young staff at Wallace Whittle have the tools they need for success.

Our juniors are not only provided with the technical training required to deliver project information but also how to deal with delivery to provide a quality service in a timely manner. This includes meeting with and hearing from some of our Main Contractor and MEP Contractor partners, Architects, Civil & Structural Engineers, Project Managers and Quantity Surveyors to give a wider understanding of our industry.

Paul Hargreaves, Academy Manager commented “We have an excellent enrollment of level 2 Academy members from multiple disciplines, who are keen to learn and eager to develop, we feel it’s our duty to give them the opportunity they deserve, all they have to do is take it. We are already seeing great progress and feel that future projects will be in safe hands”.

As the industry undergoes changes and incorporates new technologies, our junior staff contribute a fresh perspective that plays a crucial role in futureproofing our methods and operations. We’re growing the next generation of Wallace Whittle engineers and staff, and we know the future of the company is in safe hands.

In line with expected growth across the business and planned offices in new locations we are forecasting to bring in a further 30 new junior staff over the coming three years with plans already in place to employ 10 degree apprentices throughout 2024 across the UK in Aberdeen, Belfast, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Warrington and London.

If you want to be part of this exciting growth, there’s never been a better time to join our team. Visit:

Apprenticeships at Wallace Whittle

Careers at Wallace Whittle

Or get in touch to discuss your experience and let’s see how we can bring you on board, email [email protected]

At Wallace Whittle, we are committed to supporting our junior staff financially while looking to attract and retain the best new talent in the industry. Demonstrating our dedication to the future, we’ve undertaken a ‘levelling up’ exercise, paying an average of over 40% above the minimum wage for our WW:Academy Junior Level 2 staff across the business on top of College / University and ongoing training investments.

This financial investment is not just about providing opportunities but also recognising and rewarding the hard work of our junior staff. As we navigate industry changes and embrace new technologies, the fresh perspectives of our junior staff play a crucial role in futureproofing our operations. Wallace Whittle is taking the lead in growing the next generation of engineers and designers, ensuring the future of our company is in safe hands. 

In the recent period, we have taken significant strides in nurturing young talent by bringing on board over 30 new young staff since our MBO in 2021. As part of our commitment to driving this staff growth forward, we’ve introduced a unique initiative – a ‘buy one get two free’ offer. When a regional office hires a junior staff member, head office steps in to cover the costs for another two, encouraging the expansion of our junior team across the business with the company, covering the cost of their development years while providing additional training support via the Academy.

This initiative reflects our belief in the potential of new talent and our dedication to providing opportunities for growth. By doubling down on our commitment to junior staff, Wallace Whittle is ensuring a continuous influx of fresh ideas and perspectives that contribute to the dynamic evolution of our company. 

In line with expected growth across the business and planned offices in new locations we are forecasting to bring in a further 30 new junior staff over the coming three years with plans already in place to employ 10 degree apprentices throughout 2024 across the UK in Aberdeen, Belfast, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Warrington and London. 

If you want to be part of this exciting growth, there’s never been a better time to join our team. Visit:

Apprenticeships at Wallace Whittle

Careers at Wallace Whittle

Or get in touch to discuss your experience and let’s see how we can bring you on board, email [email protected]

Section 6 of the Scottish Building Standards Technical Handbooks is set to be updated from April 2024. The change is being named ‘The New Build Heat Standard’ (NBHS) and will affect the type of heating system that new build homes and buildings will be allowed to use. Any project where a building warrant is submitted from 1st April 2024 will be subject to the new regulations. So what does this mean for us, and what does it mean for you?

Heating Scotland’s homes and buildings is one of the biggest contributors of Scotland’s carbon emissions, with around 22%* of greenhouse gas emissions coming from our homes and workplaces, and the equivalent of 73.9% of Scotland’s total greenhouse gas emissions are associated with energy (i.e. the electricity, heat, transport and industry sectors)** The NBHS will help ensure new buildings will not contribute to emissions. Meaning people who buy new homes will know its future-proofed against the need to switch heating systems in the future. 

NBHS is part of the Scottish Government’s wider Heat in Buildings Strategy, which aims for zero emissions buildings by 2045

The use of direct emission (or polluting) heating systems such as gas/oil boilers and biofuels will be banned, and alternative systems such as heat pumps and heat networks will be required instead. However, it is important to note the Build Heat Standard (NBHS) will not apply to emergency heating systems, or systems solely for frost protection. At Wallace Whittle we see this as a step in the right direction in terms of sustainability and a positive step forward industry wide. 

The Future Homes Building Standard has been created with the aim of decarbonising new residential buildings through enhancements in heating and hot water systems. This goal can be achieved by replacing current technologies with low-carbon alternatives.

Notably, the replacement of outdated and less efficient counterparts with high-quality building fabric and the adoption of low-carbon heating via heat pumps. The implementation of these changes, combined with supplementary regulations addressing existing homes, is expected to play a significant role in reducing the UK’s carbon emissions, contributing to the achievement of our 2050 net zero target. 

The landscape of sustainability is constantly evolving, and we see each challenge as an opportunity for growth and innovation. At Wallace Whittle we are used to navigating the complexities of change, but we take pride in actively shaping a future where our commitment to sustainability is not just a professional obligation but a shared ethos that drives positive impact. 

Sustainability is central to everything we do. We have been strongly advocating for these measures for years and we are delighted that the rest of the industry is moving in the right direction. We will continue to work with our clients to deliver the exemplary quality of service they have come to expect from us. We have a proven track record of delivering buildings which are best in class with respect to energy performance. Creating sustainable environments is crucial to our approach as a business. We know that we can only fulfill our purpose as designers if we can deliver sustainable and environmentally conscious buildings that support the wellbeing of all its occupants.  

At Wallace Whittle, we’re prepared for the New Build Heat Standard to come in in April in Scotland – We’d love to bring our expertise to your next project, get in touch with our Sustainability team today by emailing [email protected] or head to our LinkedIn to find out more about what we do. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainability within the built environment, operational energy plays a pivotal role. At Wallace Whittle, we take pride in our ability to provide comprehensive assessments and calculations to predict energy consumption. Our expertise empowers clients to make informed decisions, minimise energy consumption, reduce energy costs, and contribute to a greener future.

Understanding and predicting energy consumption is at the core of our approach. Our team employs sophisticated assessments and calculations to evaluate key energy end-uses, including heating, cooling, lighting, and other energy sources. By leveraging our multi-disciplinary backgrounds and sector-specific knowledge, we ensure a thorough analysis that sets the stage for a net-zero carbon design.

One of the distinguishing features of Wallace Whittle’s approach is our commitment to holistic design, we recognise that the success of any sustainable design hinges on two crucial components: the system/project design and the behaviour of the building occupants.

Our team collaborates closely with architects, MEP engineers, and our clients to integrate the system design seamlessly. Simultaneously, we engage in a conversation with clients to understand the details of building usage and occupant behaviour.

Our approach enables us to showcase the impact of proposed designs from the beginning. We empower our clients to make environmentally conscious decisions through education, by providing them with a clear understanding of operating costs, utilities expenditure, and potential areas for improvement. We find that transparency fosters a collaborative environment where clients can actively participate in the journey towards sustainable and energy efficient buildings.

We actively engage with clients to gain insights into occupant behaviour, ensuring that our assessments are grounded in real-world scenarios. By basing our calculations on factors such as daily usage patterns, we create designs that align seamlessly with the needs and behaviours of the end users.

With our operational energy expertise, we aim to help clients beyond reducing their energy costs but also to decrease their overall carbon footprint. Through meticulous assessments, we identify opportunities to enhance energy efficiency, minimise waste and optimise overall performance. This proactive approach positions our clients to not only meet but exceed their sustainability goals.

Operational energy considerations are more critical now than ever. At Wallace Whittle, we take pride in our ability to merge cutting-edge assessments, holistic design principles, and client collaboration to create buildings that not only meet but exceed sustainability benchmarks. By prioritising both system design and occupant behaviour, we pave the way for a greener, more efficient future—one sustainable design at a time.

We’d love to bring our expertise to your next project, get in touch with our Sustainability team today by emailing [email protected] or head to our LinkedIn to find out more about what we do.

Wallace Whittle is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Dunn as a Director. Formerly a Partner at Troup Bywaters + Anders, Steven brings a wealth of experience and market knowledge to our existing team of Directors in Scotland.

In his previous role, Steven played a crucial role in delivering projects across various sectors, from commercial office refurbishments to developments in retail, hotels, data centers, and education, which fits seamlessly in with key sectors covered by Wallace Whittle in Scotland. At WW, Steven will join the existing team of Directors in our Scottish region consisting of Glasgow Director, Barry McKeane, Edinburgh Director, Stephen Osborne and Aberdeen Director, Andy Forbes. His focus will be developing the Central Belt in line with our strategic plans and commitment to assembling a team of industry leaders, to drive innovation and success in the region.

“2024 sees us entering our fourth year of business since our MBO and we move forward with a clear plan to take our company to the next level, being market-leading in everything we do. Enhancing our management team across the UK and Ireland is key to this plan, so with Steven working hand in hand with existing Directors and office teams, we’re able to strongly deliver on these objectives.”

“Having the opportunity to join such a well-known brand as Wallace Whittle, that has evolved significantly since their MBO was a fantastic opportunity I could not pass up. Their plans for further growth and their unwavering drive for quality of product and service just struck a chord that I know will in turn, be key to my own network and beyond.”

With Steven’s appointment in Scotland, Wallace Whittle is poised to drive further expansion in our England offices, intensifying our presence in the region. This strategic initiative involves establishing new offices throughout England and expanding existing locations in Warrington and London. Wallace Whittle is committed to enhancing our footprint and impact across the UK and Ireland market. We have a strong track record of supporting and developing new offices from zero to £1-2m in just a couple of years -if you are looking for a new challenge, like Steven, get in touch in confidence with our Managing Director, Allan McGill – [email protected]

Get in touch with us at [email protected]

The heating solution for the Monklands Replacement Hospital project, of which we are providing M&E design and Sustainability consultancy, is using air source heat pumps (ASHP) located on the roof of the energy centre for the development.

To get a little technical, the ASHP are generating circa 16MW of heat, which we understand to be the largest array of units currently being designed in the UK. With the discharge air from the ASHP being around 7°C below the ambient temperature, we had concerns with regard to the micro-climate that would be generated around the ASHP and the possibility of re-circulation across the heat pumps which reduces the efficiency of the installation.

We commissioned a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study, working in collaboration with JG Consulting, to test design to achieve the optimum layout based on varying ambient temperatures, wind speeds from various directions as well as taking account of the impact of the adjacent buildings.

The study is ongoing but the initial findings are being honed to create the optimum configuration.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your next Healthcare project – [email protected]

Commissioning is an important part of completing any project but in a critical environment such as a data centre it is even more important that each item is first commissioned and then tested in conjunction with all other systems to prove the interaction in a number of failure modes. This is known as Integrated System Testing (IST). It’s a complex process of predictive response and recording that ensures reliability when it matters most.

DataVita’s new DV2 facility saw Vertiv’s first deployment of Lithium-Ion batteries in Scotland. A lot of consideration went into the specification of both the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and the battery as energy efficiency, space efficiency and safety were paramount. The UPS can operate at 97% efficiency on double conversion or 99% on dynamic online mode. Coupled with the energy efficiency of the battery arrangement, this will significantly reduce the operating efficiently and drive down the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE).

Addressing concerns surrounding the fire risk associated with Lithium-Ion batteries, the specification called for additional safety measures. A robust battery management system prevents overcharging, deep discharge, and overheating to protect the batteries. Complemented by advanced fire detection and suppression mechanisms, these measures ensure not only the reliability of the facility but also the safety of personnel.

As part of commissioning, we load bank tested the Vertiv UPS – a task that presented unique challenges, especially considering the facility’s basement location.

The successful commissioning of the UPS allowed the facility to then move into full IST.

As the data centre landscape evolves, DataVita’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and safety measures sets a new standard for the industry. At Wallace Whittle, we’re experienced and ready to deliver robust data centre design.

Get in touch with us at [email protected]

WWe spend more than 90% of our time indoors and we know that the quality of our environment impacts our health and how we feel. In turn, our health and wellbeing impact our productivity, so we understand how important it is to create a quality space to live and work.

At Wallace Whittle we adopt and adapt technology to provide the finest environmental engineering solutions and user experience. We are focused on people; our clients, their staff and those who occupy and use the buildings we help to design.

Office spaces have been at the forefront of hybrid working conversations, with employees expecting and deserving a space to thrive. We have wide-ranging experience across fit-outs, whether that be Cat A, Cat B or refurbishment. For many projects, carbon accounting is high on the agenda so sympathetic refurbishment or retrofitting can give tired spaces a new lease of life.

One of our most recent projects, Barclays Glasgow Campus, scooped up two awards at the British Council Office Awards – Corporate Workplace, and going on to win Best of the Best! That’s on top of the regional BCO awards for Corporate Workplace, Innovation and ESG.

Recent fit-out projects include:

• Royal London, 80 Fenchurch Street

• Barclays Glasgow Campus

• Burges Salmon, Edinburgh Office Extension

• Rathbones, Edinburgh

• Virgin Money, Glasgow

• OVO @ Cadworks Glasgow

And of course, our very own WW office upgrades in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your next project or to learn more about our fit-out expertise – [email protected]