Innovative Engineering: Preloading Steel Beams in Existing Buildings

At DRM Consulting Engineers, we’re often asked to help modify older buildings to suit modern needs — whether that’s opening up layouts, repurposing rooms, or replacing tired structures with more functional spaces.

One recent case involved just that: converting a day room in a 1970s sheltered housing block into an open-plan, accessible area. The challenge? Removing two internal concrete columns that supported the floors above — without compromising the structure, reducing headroom, or displacing the residents

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Retrospective Certification: A Case Study in Edinburgh

At DRM, we’re often asked to step in when retrospective certification is required — typically during property sales where alterations were made without a completion certificate being issued at the time of construction.

In this recent case, we were instructed by the homeowner to carry out an inspection of his Edinburgh property. The aim was to assess whether a new SER Certificate of Design could be issued, enabling City of Edinburgh Council to accept a completion certificate for alteration works completed nearly two decades earlier.

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When History Cracks: A Closer Look at Pencheck Stair Failures

We were recently instructed to inspect a collapsed section of a historic communal staircase in a tenement building in Edinburgh. The staircase, over 150 years old, is a helical “pencheck” stair — a clever structural form where each cast stone tread interlocks with those above and below, transferring load and torsion into the supporting wall.

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Ten Years Strong – Still ISO Certified Across the Board

We’re proud to announce that we have successfully maintained our ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications for the 10th consecutive year.For a full decade, we've consistently met and exceeded the rigorous international standards for Quality Management (9001), Environmental Management (14001), and Occupational Health & Safety (45001).
These are the backbone of how we deliver safe, sustainable, and high-quality solutions every day.

This achievement reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and supporting engineering professionals