MEng CEng MICE
DIRECTOR, UK

He explains, “I try to facilitate the architects’ dreams … without stepping on their toes! After all, projects have to fit the brief for efficiency and economy, but engineering is not all about numbers and figures. ”

Since graduating with a combined structural engineering and architecture masters’ degree in 2006, Tuan has built up a portfolio of high-end commercial, residential, retail and complex refurbishment projects in the UK. He specialises in working around severe site constraints, becoming an authority on projects constructed over/adjoining rail lines, tunnels or viaducts. In typically modest fashion he describes his career trajectory as “a happy accident of falling into things.”

Improving the sustainability of projects — particularly refurbishments — is a something Tuan finds empowering. In his words, “Most buildings are not sustainable but we don’t have to accept that – we can improve them step by step. We make a difference by standardising, we increase longevity through flexibility, and we help clients understand the carbon footprint of different options.”

He views collaboration and teamwork as crucial to project success. He works closely with our other Directors, examining and optimising strategies for all the project teams. He also runs his own team of associates and engineers, understanding the importance of matching people with tasks to find the right fit for the job, fostering creativity and respect. He relishes coordinating with all stakeholders and exploring the details — transforming architectural concepts into structural reality, sketching out ideas, ensuring briefs are correct and liaising effectively with clients. And in turn, clients like to do repeat business with him.

Tuan describes his role at Whitby Wood as project upkeep and delivery, bringing in a steady flow of work through fee proposals, bid interviews and framework agreements. He manages our recruitment strategy too, leading the summer placement and graduate intake, and scrutinising the selection/interview process for unbiased diversity, equality and inclusion. He enjoys working alongside our current graduates in developing future talent, and watching the new recruits growing in confidence and ability.

Plant Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK
refurbishment of a unique post-war Grade II listed office building
Cornerstone, 45 Beech Street, Barbican, London, UK
complex refurbishment and adaption of offices into residential
Yardhouse, Wood Lane, Hammersmith, London, UK
women’s housing residential scheme on a constrained site
Lower Riverside, Greenwich Peninsula, London, UK
high rise development of a brownfield site
Wandsworth gasholder site, London, UK
redevelopment of former Southern Gas storage site
Daedalus Waterfront masterplan, Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, UK
major regeneration project on a heritage airbase