In memory of our wonderful Denise Lawson, a talented and loved member of the team who sadly passed away in May 2026.
Denise began her career at Yorkshire Water after graduating from Heriot-Watt University working in the small works department providing feasibility studies and designs for schemes up to £3M for clean water supply systems.
She then moved on to Kingspan designing structural products including truss systems and arching profiles over a wide range of new build and refurbishment projects including an extension to the NEC, asbestos strip and removal projects for London Underground and renovation of many mid-20th century buildings for which the original building envelope was no longer fit for purpose. This was then followed by a period at a fabricator working on design and build projects for a wide range of end users to provide manufacturing and/or warehousing within the pharmaceutical and food production sector.
A 12 year period working within consultancy followed, specialising in steel frame design and refurbishment of existing manufacturing facilities for pharmaceutical and food production companies working closely with clients and contractors ensuring minimal interruption to production throughout the projects. This work also included the assessment of structures damaged by blast, fire or impact as well as structural surveys to refinery structures and the recommendation of remedial works where required.
Upon returning to working within the steelwork sector, Denise continued to design a variety of structures including the development of portal frame systems and low rise residential structures utilising cold formed steel, and the design of large warehouses with associated robot floors for Ocado and Amazon.
Denise achieved Chartered Engineer status with the Institution of Structural Engineers in 2003 and has supervised many graduate engineers who have gone on to achieve Chartered Engineer Status. The range of experience working for both consultants and contractors has given Denise a wide breadth of knowledge in many fields including feasibility, refurbishment and demolition works.
Away from the office Denise enjoyed riding her motorbike and mountain bike, walking her two dogs, various exercise classes, trying out unusual cooking recipes and was always planning her next motorhome adventure with her husband.
