Aberdeen-headquartered engineering consultancy Optimus has strengthened its structural team with the addition of in-house architectural expertise.
The firm has taken on chartered architect Stuart McMullan to build this capability, which is seen as a complement to its engineering strengths. The belief is that this will help boost its competitiveness in the structural field.
Optimus’ structural division was established in March 2009 with one dedicated employee. Since then, it has added 14 engineers.
Following the addition of McMullan, the 16-strong team apparently now represents one of the largest structural engineering departments in Aberdeen.
Alan Smith, Optimus director and structural team lead, said the addition of an in-house chartered architect would provide clients with the benefit of an independent perspective on its designs.
“As a chartered architect, Stuart brings the ability to deliver innovative solutions to an industry that is increasingly seeking creative answers to brownfield modifications,” said Smith.
“Bringing independent architectural expertise into the FEED (front-end engineering design) stage ensures a higher level of definition at a much earlier stage and will help to guard against delays and alterations at the later fabrication and construction phases, ultimately saving our clients time and money over the course of a project.”
The team has worked on green and brownfield projects, including platform jackets, risers, caissons, topsides, process decks and accommodation modules.
“Our clients are often under pressure to improve and increase the facilities on ageing platforms,” said Smith. “We like a challenge and have forged a reputation for innovative use of offshore space on ageing platforms.”
The company, which provides oil and gas engineering, as well as safety and project management services, now directly employs 107 people, 86 of whom are based at its Aberdeen headquarters.
It also has offices in Inverness and Bangkok, Thailand, and indirectly employs another 22 people in Varna, Bulgaria, where it undertakes detailed engineering and process skid fabrication.
Recommended for you
