Rakesh is heading up the Civil & Structural Engineering team of our new Nottingham office and has shared insights about his role, the challenges and achievements of his team, and his vision for the future.
Hi Rakesh! Can you tell us about your role as a Chartered Associate Structural Engineer? What are some key responsibilities and challenges you handle on a day-to-day basis?
As a Chartered Associate Structural Engineer, I oversee the structural design and analysis for a wide variety of projects. My key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with design codes, integrating health and safety considerations into every aspect of our work, and coordinating with architects and contractors to solve engineering challenges.
Managing tight project deadlines, optimising material efficiency, and upholding high construction standards are some of the ongoing challenges that require constant attention.
What recent project or achievement are you most proud of, and how did it positively impact the team or the project outcome?
I’m particularly proud of my work on the £55m mixed-use development in Leicester city centre. This project, which included a 12-storey block of serviced apartments, a hotel, and various amenities, played a key role in the regeneration of the area. I was responsible for designing the high-rise hotel, creating a modern concrete frame, and integrating a flat slab and transfer structure. This project had a very tight timeline, so working closely with the contractor, architects, and client was crucial to meeting deadlines while addressing challenges like interference with existing foundations and party wall concerns.
At the University of Dundee, I also helped develop framing solutions, including the use of precast columns (preferred by the contractor), post-tensioned slabs, and reinforced cores to reduce the project duration and costs. This required careful coordination with contractors and subcontractors to ensure everything fit together perfectly.
Additionally, I worked with insurance underwriters offering building and structural warranties, including HDI, and was involved in latent defect inspections and design reviews to identify any potential structural issues. A key example of this is the Chapter London Bridge project, a 39-storey building with 905 student accommodation units. I have also contributed to the refurbishment and extension of high-profile buildings like the IBM Building and Millennium Bridge House.
As well as my work on refurbishing high-profile buildings like the IBM Building and Millennium Bridge House, I also I was also recently the Lead Engineer for Nottingham’s Broadmarsh developments across Sussex Street, Middle Hill, and Carrington Street. This included designing and building steps, amphitheatre steps, retaining walls, planting bays, and lighting columns. By working closely with contractors and Nottingham City Council, I played a key role in ensuring these developments were completed successfully and on time.
Civil and Structural Engineering projects often require a lot of coordination and planning. How does your team approach collaboration and problem-solving across disciplines?
Collaboration is key in our field, and we prioritise clear communication across all stakeholders. We regularly work closely with architects, contractors, and other design team members, such as mechanical, electrical and geotechnical engineers, ensuring clear communication and alignment on design ideas.
We use digital tools like BIM (Building Information Modelling) to streamline coordination, track progress, and solve problems quickly. Regular meetings, site visits, and ongoing communication ensure that everyone is on the same page. Ultimately, we focus on safety, quality, design standards, and budget to ensure that each project runs smoothly and is completed on time and within budget.
What innovations or emerging trends in civil and structural engineering excite you the most, and how do you see them shaping the future of infrastructure?
The rise of sustainable materials and advanced digital tools is reshaping the way we approach projects.
Materials like self-compacting concrete, carbon-reducing composites, and hybrid material approaches are creating buildings that are both stronger and more environmentally friendly. For example, on the AHDP (prison programme), I worked closely with contractors, precast manufacturers, and concrete mix suppliers to meet the client’s carbon reduction targets. These kinds of innovations will continue to shape the future of infrastructure by helping us create more sustainable, resilient buildings that have a smaller environmental footprint.
What do you believe sets Waldeck apart as a partner of choice for civil and structural engineering projects, and how does the team work to deliver exceptional value to clients?
Waldeck stands out for its technical expertise, innovation, and the strong relationships we maintain with clients. We are known for being a trusted partner and work closely with both public and private clients, delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each project.
The use of advanced tools like 3D modelling, BIM, and sustainable practices ensures that projects are delivered efficiently, on time, and within budget. By continuously prioritising client needs and adapting to challenges, we build trust, allowing clients to return to us for future projects.
Outside of work, what interests or hobbies help you recharge and bring a fresh perspective to your role?
Outside of work, I enjoy learning new skills, watching cricket, and going for walks. I’ve also had the pleasure of conducting professional reviews for chartered candidates on behalf of the IStructE East Midlands branch, and I look forward to doing more in the future. Contributing to the development of future engineers brings a fresh perspective to my work and allows me to give back to the profession.
What’s next for Waldeck’s Civil & Structural Engineering team in Nottingham?
Moving forward, the Civil & Structural Engineering team in Nottingham will focus on expanding our engineering capabilities and tackling more challenging projects. We’re excited to build stronger relationships with local clients and continuously refine our project delivery approach. With an ever-growing team and a commitment to innovation, we’re looking forward to achieving even greater success in the future.
Find out more about Waldeck’s Civil & Structural Engineering services here >