About Us
Define Engineers is a London based practice of structural and facade engineers founded in 2017. Our core experience is with clients who seek our assistance in bringing their complex briefs to life. Our specialist skills allow us to bridge between the early concept stages and detailed fabrication for buildability. As a result, we have a balanced portfolio of work with architects and with contractors, both pre- and post- tender. This bridging role gives us the opportunity to innovate with new materials, technologies, and fabrication techniques.
First principle thinking combined with rigorous analytical approach lie at the heart of our firm and filters through everything we do.
Climate change is the greatest threat to our planet with construction being one of the most significant contributors. As engineers, we have responsibility to mitigate its effects by changing the way we design and construct. We are committed to delivering the most efficient and appropriate solution, this requires a paradigm shift in our behaviour as an industry.
Our core experience is with clients who seek our assistance in bringing their complex briefs to life.
Our Vision
Through powerful computers and purpose-built software, we utilise cutting edge technology for the engineering of buildings.
We believe the integrated analysis and interaction of data that comes with Industry 4.0 will be the most important driver for wealth creation. Thanks to parametric and generative design, we enhance traditional engineering to deliver inspiring and resource efficient archtecture.
Define Engineers’ close relationships with the leaders in the industry and outstanding research organisations means we can design, engineer, specify and test with confidence.
We believe that the best designs involve seamless integration of all disciplines involved. We complement our building engineering experience with industrial design to remain as attentive to the detail at concept level as during fabrication and installation.
Our core values are:
Passion for Innovation
Meticulous attention to Detail
Uncompromising technical Rigour
Our DNA
Agile decision making at all stages of design can only be possible by harvesting the power of computational design, advanced analysis, contemporary materials, and modern manufacturing processes.
At the core of our approach is Designing for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) blended with ad-hoc engineering analysis within both facades and structures.
We endeavour to integrate into the design process through fostering collaborations and by employing the latest technology and research. Parametric Design as well as Design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) and Building Information Management (BIM) are applied throughout our processes as we see these a key step changes not only for efficient design and waste reduction, but also for increased transparency in cost and architectural decision making at all stages. By embedding DfMA and BIM in our workflow we can also quantify and benchmark against carbon targets, informing the design process and enabling lower embodied energy in the decision making iterations.
Our team
Vlad Marinov
Founder & Director | MSc DIC CEng MIStructE
Vlad is a specialist structural engineer and founding director of Define Engineers. He has a strong analytical background and over 20 years of broad experience in traditional construction, complex structures and innovative materials. Vlad is an international figure in the field of special structures involving geometry, glass and advanced materials. He has designed and delivered many landmark and award-winning projects world-wide. Vlad is directly involved in all of the practice’s projects and enjoys collaborating on highly challenging briefs which involve first principle thinking combined with rigorous analytical approach.
Originally from Bulgaria, but educated and operating out of London, Vlad has worked for a number of household names in the building engineering industry. Prior to forming Define, he was the leader of a specialist engineering team at multi-national consultancy firm Arup at their headquarters in London. Vlad is a Visiting Design Fellow at Imperial College London where he teaches geometry and programming to Civil Engineering students. He believes in research as a key driver for success and is closely involved at all levels of academic research at Imperial College.
Geoffrey Kessel
Associate | Facade Team Lead | BSc
Geoff has worked with both Façade contractors and consultants over the past 15+ years in the industry, giving a balanced approach to his work. He has extensive experience with key façade systems and developing bespoke solutions to meet with client needs. He approaches each project as a fresh challenge and enjoys collaborating with clients, architects and suppliers to devolve a cohesive design that marries both aesthetic and engineering considerations.
Geoff has worked both in the UK and Dubai, with a multinational project portfolio.
Geoff looks after all facade engineering projects globally and is involved personally in every decision along the way. He is supported by a small team of facade designers, structural and BEP specialists within Define.
Ivo Ivanov
Structural Team Lead | MEng (Civil) CEID
Ivo is a chartered structural engineer with more than 20 years of experience in traditional and high-end structural engineering. He has a varied experience at any scale, from single dwellings through to complex multi-storey and space frames. Ivo can operate at any level of the engineering process, often carrying out the calculations and drawings himself and other times leading a team of engineers on larger projects. At Define, Ivo is responsible for the delivrey of all structural engineering projects with a small team of structural engineers and BIM experts.
His solid experience in delivering comprehensive design and engineering packages from concept to construction stage is a key asset to our structural engineering practice.
Team Sofia
In order to support our cutting edge work in London and increase our efficiency, Define Engineers has formed an experienced team of professionals based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Led by architect Alexander Marinov, BA (Arch) MSc (Arch) TU Wien, the team consists of highly technical structural and facade engineers as well as BIM specialists.
Join Define Engineers
The nature of the work at Define Engineers demands only the highest calibre professionals. Our people range from experienced structural engineers to architects with facade design skills and ex-contractor staff. We carefully resource our projects to maximise the value generated for our clients and to foster enduring relationships with our collaborators.
We are always keen to hear from motivated professionals who are keen to work in a dynamic and highly technical environment. Please send your CV and a portoflio of work to [email protected]
