Ben and Tom - Masters in Facade Engineering

Ben works as a Senior Design Engineer and has been with the business for five years. He’s an air tightness specialist with expertise in strategy, design, materials and onsite checking. Ben helps sites to set up for testing and can be present if needed on the day to help out and verify any issues around such factors as envelope areas, temporary sealing allowed etc.

Tom Burton is one of our Chief Engineers based in Manchester. During his 15 years with Sir Robert McAlpine he’s worked on Clippers Quay, Leeds Victoria Gate and multiple Manchester Metropolitan University projects. At various stages throughout his career Tom has gained site experience involving the design, procurement and installation of building envelopes, including No1 New York Street and the Chill Factor ‘E’ indoor ski slope. Completion of the MSc has allowed him to supplement his experience with the latest industry knowledge.

The MSc course at the University of the West of England is the only one to specialise in façade engineering and both Ben and Tom found the experience rewarding and worthwhile.

Run over two years, the course contains modules including: façade materials and components, weathertightness, structural integrity, thermal performance and procurement.

The pair both successfully completed their studies part time around their ‘day’ jobs, a challenge they feel others need to consider before taking on any form of part time study.

That said the pair were able to submit work from even the most remote of locations. Ben from a ski chalet in France and Tom while on honeymoon in St Lucia! (We decided not to ask how that went down).

Ben and Tom have achieved an outstanding result which will undoubtedly raise their personal and professional profile. I’m sure both will provide excellent support to projects, to the National Envelope Team and the entire business.
Simone Starnini, Head of Facade Engineering, Sir Robert McAlpine