Toby Maclean, who established Allt environmental structural engineers in 2020
Q -What project have you worked on that you are most proud of and why?
A -Casa Kike – a pair of residential pavilions in a contemporary vernacular for a writer in Costa Rica, entirely constructed from timber including timber piled foundations and using very simple technology for buildings with simple overall geometry but complex structural geometry. Moreover, the project was built while, almost literally, not harming a blade of grass on site. About as close to zero impact as I have ever got.
Q -What is one past entry you have seen that has really impressed you?
A -Rwanda Cricket Pavilion
A striking example of what structural design can achieve despite constraints.
A series of 3 vaulted shells from cement and soil, air-dried tiles with a geogrid seismic reinforcement. The effort here in the conception and execution of the design removes the need for heroics in construction to achieve a superb building.
Nick Russell, Director at Perega and Past President of the Institution
Q -What is one past entry you have seen that has really impressed you?
A -Harper Bridge in 2019. A great example of how less is more. The consultant thoroughly researched the construction of the existing bridge and with minimal modification devised a scheme that ensured that the bridge would have a long and useful life.
Q -What advice would you give to a smaller consultancy or SME that is worried about competing against the large multinational consultancies?
A -Be proud of what you have achieved. Concentrate on what’s good and why it ticks all the judging criteria. You will be surprised to learn that history shows that the large multi-nationals are not necessarily the best. Less is often more.
Michelle McDowell MBE, Principal, and Chair of Civil & Structural Engineering at BDP
Q -What advice would you give to a smaller consultancy or SME that is worried about competing against the large multinational consultancies?
A -Do not be shy about sharing and celebrating your work, the joy is in the ideas and creativity, not the scale.
Q -Any last words of wisdom for people thinking about entering?
A -The changes to the awards format this year give a real chance to showcase your work – have a look and enter your best projects!