WWe’ve moved up 15 places in this year’s Building Top 150 Consultants
WWe’ve moved up 15 places in this year’s Building Top 150 Consultants
Since our management buyout in April 2021, we’ve been very well received and welcomed back by the market, design teams and clients. This reception has empowered us to drive the business post-MBO, as we relentlessly pursue the highest standards of product and service quality. We are also driving standardisation throughout the organisation, a crucial need within our industry and a demand echoed by the market as a whole. We have moved from 88th to 73rd place, with a 54% increase in fee income.
Our Managing Director, Allan McGill, said “Over the past two and a half years, we have not only expanded our order books but have also upgraded three out of our six offices to premium facilities. We successfully launched the initial phases of our Training Academy at all levels, introduced our staff Benefits portal, and much more. These achievements have positioned us for continued growth across various regions, while we simultaneously focus on internal development to elevate our levels of quality and standardisation.”
Read the full article and see the list at Building.co.uk
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Collaborating for a Greener Future
Collaborating for a Greener Future: Insights from jmarchitects and Wallace Whittle's Net Zero Carbon CPD
In a world where environmental sustainability is at the forefront of our concerns, jmarchitects and Wallace Whittle took a step towards a greener future by co-hosting a Net Zero Carbon (NZC) event, aiming to bring a 360° perspective to the discussion. Held in the Storytelling Centre on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, this event brought together experts, thought leaders, and professionals from various fields to examine the pivotal issue of achieving net zero carbon emissions.
Our chair, Robin Blacklock, Managing Director at Dowbrae, led a fruitful discussion and pushed our panel with thought-provoking questions, steering the conversation to the challenges and opportunities tied to the Net Zero Carbon journey through lessons learned and current practice.
The panel of speakers included:
- David Spiteri, Director & Head of Sustainability at Wallace Whittle
- Steven Anderson, Associate Director, Scottish Futures Trust
- Daniel Lockwood, Regional Sustainability Lead, AtkinsRéalis
- Magdalena Blazusiak, Senior Architectural Technologist, jmarchitects
- Adelle Jess, Senior Architect, jmarchitects
These experts, each bringing their unique perspectives, shared their insights on what it takes to create truly net zero carbon buildings and we thank them again for their valuable time.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Net Zero Carbon
Achieving net zero carbon emissions in the built environment has become a race against time, demanding a swift response from the construction sector. In light of this challenge, our Head of Sustainability, David Spiteri’s presentation highlighted crucial components of NZC design. It explored design trends and focused on understanding the definition of NZC in buildings. David outlined necessary approaches to achieve this, highlighting key design implications crucial for meeting these targets, sharing valuable lessons learned from past initiatives.
A truly net zero carbon building must not only reduce its carbon emissions but also be efficient in its energy use. This efficiency is not only an environmental goal but also an economic one, as energy-efficient buildings can significantly lower operating costs over their lifetime.
Functionality, too, is key. A building must serve its intended purpose effectively while also reducing its carbon footprint. This can include designing spaces that allow for natural lighting and ventilation, implementing energy-efficient HVAC systems, and using sustainable building materials.
Location plays a vital role as well. A building should be in a location that minimizes its impact on the environment, with access to public transportation and amenities that reduce the need for long commutes and energy consumption.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration and engagement at all levels to create sustainable places. Achieving net zero carbon emissions is a collective effort, requiring cooperation between architects, engineers, developers, policymakers, and the community.
By working together, we can create sustainable places that not only reduce carbon emissions but also support our communities. Sustainable buildings have the potential to create new opportunities, improve the quality of life for residents, and positively affect the environment directly or indirectly.
The breakfast seminar was a comprehensive exploration of the concept of achieving net zero carbon emissions. It showcased the commitment of jmarchitects and Wallace Whittle to making a positive impact on our environment. The event highlighted that the road to a sustainable future may be challenging, but with collaboration and innovative solutions, we can make a real difference.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your next project or to learn more about our education expertise – [email protected]
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Highlighting: Education
Education
Our experience in the Education sector is wide-ranging and long-standing. Working with local Hubs and councils, we have the experience to provide our current and future student generations with the best environments to increase comfort and support new methods of teaching, learning and research. We design to enhance wellness and minimise environmental impact as the world works towards Net Zero Carbon.
In fact, many of our education projects have gone on to be shortlisted and win awards, from Scottish Design Awards to Learning Places Scotland Awards!
WWe have worked on various schools including SEN schools across the UK and Ireland. Including:
- Charlton Park Academy, Greenwhich
- Adrossan Community Campus, Ayr
- Big Creative Academy, Walthamstow
- Harris Academy, Dundee
- Inverurie Community Campus, Aberdeen (SEN)
- Maybole Community Campus, Ayr
And more…
We are built to provide MEP & Sustainability consultancy and design across many different features such as:
- 3G pitches, multi-use games areas and external play areas
- Six-lane swimming pools, hydrotherapy pools, warm water pools and sports halls
- Community cafes
- Top-tier energy efficient SFT model targets for core facilities
Get in touch with us today to discuss your next project or to learn more about our education expertise – [email protected]
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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]
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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]
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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
Wallace Whittle & Xeretec - A Technical Relationship
Xeretec Ltd, our IT tech providers, recently filmed a case study in our Glasgow Head Office.
They spoke with Raymond Kelly, our Quality & Standardisation Manager, about how our high-spec HP kit allows us to deliver on our goals of quality & standardisation, as well as hearing from Paul Cooper, Director, on how it makes the working lives of our team even more efficient.
The Wallace Whittle Way is all about Quality of Product, Quality of Service and Standardisation. Xeretec have helped us upgrade and standardise our tech across all our offices which enables the team to deliver quality. In particular within the offices, our large curved screens allow multiple window working and have streamlined productivity. Our laptops are also recycled by Xeretec after three years, allowing us to ensure we’re up to date with technology without impacting the environment.
You can read their full case study, which includes a video chat with our IT Manager, Sukhpreet Kaur, about the benefits of the tech and our ongoing relationship.
If you’d like to discuss further, we’re happy to chat – email [email protected]
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! 🎉
Aberdeen Office Relocates to Marischal Square
In late 2022, we moved our Glasgow and Edinburgh offices to new, high-spec premises, upgrading facilities and working environments for our staff and placing us right in the heart of the cities. Aberdeen was next to make the move, relocating to a fully re-fitted space in prestigious Marischal Square.
We are currently reviewing new office options for Belfast, aiming to move by Spring 2024, with new re-locations in Warrington and then London by Spring 2025. These moves would see all existing offices relocated within the first four years of buying our business back in 2021, something we’re proud to be working towards.
Aberdeen
L-R Andy Forbes – Location Director, Steve Bruce – Director & Derek Andrew – Director
Photos: Brian Doyle Photography
Allan McGill, Managing Director commented:
“With our Aberdeen office being the third of our six current offices to be relocated to city centre locations in the last 12 months, after Glasgow and Edinburgh, it was key for us to select the right location, environment and building to mirror our other offices.
In Marischal Square we really do feel we have achieved our ideal outcome and are delighted to have such prestigious neighbours, and in turn look forward to growing from a well-established base and location over the next ten years.”
Location Director, Andy Forbes, enters his 35th year with Wallace Whittle and leads a team with a wealth of experience and technical ability, covering all elements of MEP and Sustainability design.
The new 1500sqft office space will allow up to 24 staff to work collaboratively due to hybrid working across 12 fixed workstations and 24 soft collaboration seats, in an inspiring environment with everything they need to deliver quality – and of course a fancy barista-style coffee machine. Our new neighbours include CBRE, Faithful Gould, Aberdeen Journals, KPMG, All Bar One and Marriott International.
Nestled in the heart of Aberdeen’s city centre, Marischal Square is an award-winning development, with a vibrant blend of offices, restaurants, coffee shops and a hotel. As we continue to roll out our office upgrades, we focus on ensuring we deliver spaces that provide a flexible, welcoming and collaborative environment for our staff and visiting clients. These new spaces also provide us with a visible ‘shopfront’ within our services design for the space.
Maximising the fabric whilst utilising low energy, highly efficient equipment, mechanical ventilation and air quality monitoring systems, all linked to an interactive front end which allows us to review the ongoing performance of the office in accordance with our route map to Net Zero Carbon. Active travel is also encouraged by the provision of shower, changing, bike and locker facilities.
Quality and Standardisation echo throughout our new office spaces. Our fantastic lead designer, Form Design, really understood the consistency brief and thanks to FES, our ever-reliable fitout contractor who brought that to life.
The personality of the individual cities come through in our fantastic murals we have in each office from The Edinburgh Sketcher, showcasing local landmarks selected by the Aberdeen staff, including Union Street, Marischal College, The Port of Aberdeen Harbour & Pittodrie Stadium.
Finally, special thanks to Form Design, our fantastic lead designer, and to FES our fit-out contractor. They really have delivered on quality and our very precise vision fully, time after time.
If you’d like to pop in for a visit and a coffee, get in touch with Andy Forbes, Aberdeen Director [email protected]
Photos: Brian Doyle Photography
BIM Stage 2 Re-Verification
BIM Stage 2 Re-Verification
At Wallace Whittle, we pride ourselves on Quality of Product and Quality of Service.
Our Building Information Modelling (BIM) verification, is just one of the many ways we re-assure our clients that we have the in-house expertise to deliver BIM Stage 2 projects, in compliance with the RIBA stages and industry standards.
We have had another successful BIM Stage 2 Verification Audit, conducted by BSI (British Standards Institution). The audit, which took place on May 15th, 2023, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to quality assurance, standardisation and the implementation of BIM processes.
This audit is a crucial evaluation of an organisation’s ability to adhere to industry standards and deliver high-quality products and services through the virtual construction process. The audit covered multiple projects within Wallace Whittle, ensuring compliance with BIM processes and the effectiveness of our BIM Standards.
Our experienced digital engineers utilise BIM from the early concept stages of projects, to visualise design intentions and make informed decisions. We use an in-house suite of standards, in conjunction with powerful BIM authoring software, to build our design within a 3D environment which we are then able to share with our design partners to provide the process with an efficient means of communicating information.
Our ability to work in this manner allows our design to be passed on to the construction phase adding value & support to such things as offsite project management, reducing abortive time on site and avoiding re-design resulting in waste materials.
Our experience integrating data into our models at the design phase provides our clients with the option to develop progressive operational data which assists with future aspects of the project, providing a full audit trail which lays the foundations for digital building asset management.
The auditor’s attention to detail was thorough and throughout the audit evidence was reviewed to verify the implementation of BIM processes across various projects. The feedback received regarding our BIM Standards was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the dedication and hard work put in by the team.
Paul Hargreaves, Associate Director, Paul Underhill, Associate BIM Technician and Andrew Masson, Senior BIM Technician, played crucial roles during the audit, which was overseen by our Quality and Standardisation Manager, Raymond Kelly. Their expertise in navigating through our systems and processes, and ease of guiding the auditor to the required evidence were instrumental in the successful outcome.
As a result of the audit, Wallace Whittle has achieved re-verification of its BIM Stage 2 for another year.
This achievement is a testament of everyone within the Wallace Whittle team, It demonstrates our dedication to maintaining high standards, delivering quality products and services, and a consistent approach to applying BIM processes.
Receiving this verification with no non-conformities for the 7th year running, demonstrates the maturity of our capability and expertise of our team. We are committed to ongoing excellence and will continue to push the boundaries of quality in the construction industry. The upcoming year will bring new challenges, but with the same level of dedication and adherence to standards, we are confident in our ability to excel.
If you want to chat with us further about BIM, drop us an email to [email protected]
