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We are  pleased to announce our appointment on the upcoming CIP Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5, delivered in collaboration with Mace. Following a competitive process, Design Rationale has been awarded the glazing and metalwork package, recognising our expertise in delivering high-quality, technically complex architectural solutions within live aviation environments. The project has been designed by Chapman Taylor, whose vision sets a strong architectural benchmark for the new CIP Lounge experience. The CIP lounge is set to embody space expansion for British Airways . We look forward to working closely with the wider project team to help realise a refined, premium space that reflects the standards expected at one of the world’s busiest international terminals. This appointment represents another significant milestone for Design Rationale and reinforces our growing track record across high-profile transport and hospitality projects. Further updates will follow as the project progresses.

When Londoners ride an escalator on the Underground or the Elizabeth Line, they’re now greeted by vivid digital panels that transform travel time into a moving visual experience. Behind this upgrade is Design Rationale , working with the Global & Transport for London (TfL) partnership to engineer and install the bespoke frames for these striking screens. Our team delivered installations across some of the busiest stations in the capital: Crossrail : Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Bond Street, Liverpool Street, Whitechapel London Underground: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Euston, King’s Cross, Piccadilly Circus, London Bridge, Bank This city-wide rollout reaches millions of passengers every week. Installations challenges on the underground: Tight Overnight Windows – All work happened in short engineering shifts so stations stayed fully operational by morning. Complex Architecture – Each escalator shaft has its own angles and constraints, requiring custom-designed brackets and millimeter-perfect alignment. Harsh Conditions – Constant vibration, dust, and fluctuating temperatures demanded rugged materials and strict fire-safety compliance. Engineering Highlights Hidden Infrastructure: Kilometers of cabling and concealed fixings keep the focus on the sleek displays. Seamless Visuals: Screens line up so precisely that long escalator runs appear as a single, continuous digital ribbon. 24/7 Reliability: Designed for constant operation in one of the world’s busiest transport networks. Impact Today, these escalator screens are a signature feature of London’s transit system-informing, entertaining, and creating a premium platform for advertisers. For Design Rationale limited  this was not just an installation project-it was a chance to help redefine how millions of daily travelers experience the city.

At the end of 2025 , Design Rationale oversaw TN75 impact testing as part of the design development for a plant enclosure on a prestigious architectural project. The test was carried out to verify how the selected Rimex textured stainless-steel material would perform under both soft and hard body impacts-ensuring the enclosure meets the durability and safety standards expected for high-profile developments. The TN75 test is a widely recognised assessment used within the UK construction and façade industry. It measures a material’s ability to withstand real-world impact forces such as accidental bumps, contact from maintenance equipment, or heavier, energy-absorbing impacts that may occur in public or serviceable areas. The testing involves: Soft body impact  to simulate a person falling or leaning forcefully against the structure Hard body impact  to represent smaller, more concentrated strikes such as tools, trolleys, or wind-borne debris By carrying out this testing, we were able to confirm how the Rimex panel system reacts at specific distances and energies, giving the design team confidence in both the performance and resilience of the enclosure. This ensures that the final installation will not only deliver the high-quality aesthetic expected for the project, but also provide reliable protection for the plant equipment it houses. At Design Rationale, we pride ourselves on our ability to find practical, innovative solutions that meet the needs of each project and its specification, no matter how demanding. The successful completion of the TN75 test reflects our commitment to combining architectural craftsmanship with technical assurance-providing solutions that perform as well as they look.

We are proud to announce and congratulate Glenn Dorrington, our Quality Control Manager, on achieving certification in Quality in Construction. This accomplishment highlights both Glenn’s dedication and our wider commitment to maintaining the highest standards across our projects. As a bespoke architectural glass and metalwork subcontractor, precision and consistency are essential. By investing in the ongoing development of our team members, we ensure quality is embedded from design coordination through to installation and final handover. Being specialists  in delivering Bespoke products and services requires constant development to meet standards of all the diversity delivery. Being specialists  in delivering Bespoke products and services requires constant development to meet standards of all the diversity delivery. At Design Rationale, we actively support training and professional development because skilled, knowledgeable teams deliver better outcomes-for our clients, our partners. Congratulations, Glenn, on this well-deserved success.

Design Rationale is proud to share that our Terminal 5 project team has received a Health & Safety Award from Mace, recognising outstanding performance on the Heathrow Terminal 5 project. Working within a live airport environment demands absolute discipline, clear planning and a safety-first mindset. The T5 team has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to safe systems of work, proactive risk management and full compliance with site procedures. This recognition reflects their professionalism and their determination to ensure everyone goes home safe, every day. As a bespoke architectural glass and metalwork subcontractor, quality and safety are inseparable ,Our work involves complex installations and high-spec finishes, making punctilious preparation, training and collaboration essential. By embedding health and safety into every stage of our delivery, we are able to achieve the highest standards of craftsmanship without compromise. We would like to thank Mace for the recognition and continued support, and to congratulate our T5 team for setting an excellent example on site.

We are pleased to share that Vidas Peciukonis has been recognised by Mace with a Health & Safety Award for his contribution to the Heathrow Terminal 5 Security Transformation Project. Working under the guidance of our Project Manager Luke Carter, Vidas has shown a consistent commitment to safe working practices and a conscientious approach on site. His attention to detail during installation ensures that the work carried out is not only high-quality, but also aligned with the strict health and safety standards required on a live aviation project. As a subcontractor specialising in architectural glass and metalwork, we recognise that safe installation is critical to the success of every project. Vidas’s actions reflect the values we uphold across the business-prioritising wellbeing, minimising risk, and maintaining a secure environment for all teams on site while delivering high quality standards. We thank Mace for recognising Vidas efforts, and we extend our appreciation to our wider team and project partners for their ongoing collaboration and support.

As part of our Wellbeing November activities, we kicked off a fun and energetic Press-Up Challenge that brought out everyone's competitive spirit. The mission was simple: complete as many press-ups as possible in one minute , Our team definitely rose to the occasion! The challenge was incredibly close, with several participants pushing themselves right to the final second. But one standout lifted the trophy: Jacob Cooper, who powered through an impressive 67 press-ups in under a minute ! His determination, speed, and technique set the bar high. Beyond the friendly competition, the event reminded us of the importance of movement, motivation, and laughter as part of wellbeing. Thanks to everyone who took part - whether you hit 10 or 60, the energy and support made it a fantastic moment for all. Here’s to more wellbeing fun and celebrating each other’s wins!

We are proud to announce that Design Rationale Ltd  has been named Contractor of the Month  by Mace this  November recognising our outstanding performance in quality, health & safety, and project management for the Heathrow Terminals 5  projects .This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of every member of our team, and our continued commitment to delivering excellence across every package we deliver. The celebrations don’t stop there, On the Heathrow Terminals 3 project, Mace has also awarded Lazar Lazarov the Quality Award for T3 CSA Main Works. Lazar’s passion for teamwork and precision stands as a perfect example of our culture and values. We’re incredibly proud to see his work recognised at project level. As specialists in bespoke architectural glass and metalwork we consistently demonstrate a deep understanding of complex design intent, interface challenges and high-spec finishing. Our ability to collaborate, problem-solve and deliver high-precision solutions is what sets us apart and these awards are a testament to that. An immense thank you to Mace for the recognition, and congratulations to our incredible team as we continue raising the bar for current and future collaborations.

At Design Rationale, quality is not just a promise, it’s a process. Every project we undertake is backed by rigorous inspection and uncompromising standards to ensure that the materials installed meet the highest level of performance and aesthetics. Take a recent project of ours supplying Architectural Metalwork Cladding as an example. During our recent visit to Rimex Metals UK, we inspected the Mill Finish Stainless Steel panels prior to Shot blasting to ensure that there were no blemishes, oil mark’s or feathering in the manufacturing process. We always ensure to record Pre and Post-blasting photographs and inspection reports to maintain transparency with our clients, allowing them to make informed decisions. Why we are the Best at Bespoke Solutions? Our strength lies in precision and accountability. From architectural metalwork to glazing, we combine technical expertise with meticulous quality control. Every inspection, every decision, and every collaboration with trusted suppliers like Rimex Metals reflects our commitment to delivering bespoke solutions that stand the test of time. When you choose Design Rationale, you choose a partner who prioritizes quality over quantity, upholds integrity in every decision, and embraces innovation-because excellence is never negotiable.

Location Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK. About the Business Design Rationale are delivering high-quality architectural metalwork and glazing solutions on complex projects. We combine solid engineering with architectural detail, working on everything from bespoke steel and aluminium fabrications to high-performance glazing systems. Projects are taken from early design and budgeting right through to manufacture and installation. The team is stable, professional and collaborative, with a clear growth plan to significantly increase turnover over the next few years. This is a role where an experienced estimator can add real value, bring ideas, and help shape how the function develops. The Role You’ll take ownership of the estimating process on a range of metalwork and glazing packages, including: Measuring, pricing and producing detailed take-offs and bills of quantities Reviewing and interpreting technical drawings, specifications and tender documents Preparing competitive and compliant tenders, budgets and cost plans Liaising with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain and assess quotations Visiting sites for surveys, clarifications and pre-contract reviews Supporting value-engineering exercises and alternative proposals Working closely with the pre-construction, design and contracts teams to ensure a smooth handover For the right person, there is scope to mentor less experienced estimators and contribute to improving systems, procedures and pricing tools. About You Experience in architectural metalwork and/or glazing is essential Background in Design, Estimating, Quantity Surveying, Design or Construction within a relevant trade Comfortable working autonomously, managing your own workload and deadlines Confident in reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications Able to produce accurate take-offs, BoQs and cost breakdowns Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail Clear communicator, able to build effective relationships with colleagues, suppliers, subcontractors and clients Practical mindset – happy to visit site to better understand scope and risks If you do not yet have direct metalwork or architectural glazing experience but have strong estimating skills in a related discipline, we would still like to hear from you. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or any other protected characteristic. Option on how to apply for this role. Through our website on : https://www.designrationale.co.uk/careers Send your CV to: Rispa@designrationale.co.uk All applicants must have a right to work in the UK.

At Design Rationale , we’re proud to join the industry in celebrating Quality Week -a time to reflect on the importance of quality in everything we do, particularly within the construction sector. Quality isn’t just a target for us; it’s a culture that drives how we design, collaborate, and deliver. In recent months, we’ve seen an encouraging increase in factory visits and inspections carried out by our Quality Managers and Project Managers . This hands-on approach is already proving highly beneficial-enhancing communication, ensuring standards are consistently met, and allowing us to identify opportunities for continuous improvement directly on the ground. Our dedication to quality is also reflected in our ongoing investment in professional development. Next week, our Quality Manager Glenn Dorrington will be attending Quality in Construction training , further strengthening our in-house expertise. We’re also excited to announce that Glenn will be signing up as a member of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) , reinforcing Design Rationale’s commitment to recognized industry standards and best practices. At Design Rationale, we believe quality is everyone’s responsibility. By working collaboratively, inspecting thoroughly, and investing in our people, we continue to deliver projects that meet and exceed expectations. Here’s to Quality Week -and to building better, together

At Design Rationale, we believe wellbeing thrives when teamwork, creativity, and a touch of fun come together. For Octobers event,  our team swapped working stations for a new kind of challenge , An Escape Room adventure designed to boost wellbeing, collaboration, and connection. Teams came together to crack codes, solve riddles, and uncover hidden clues - all while racing against the clock. The room was filled with laughter, teamwork, and plenty of “aha!” moments as colleagues worked side by side to beat the puzzles and escape in time. Beyond the excitement, the event highlighted how collaboration and communication strengthen our performance. It offered a fresh opportunity for team members to connect, think creatively, and problem-solve in a relaxed, light-hearted yet racing against the clock setting. This wellbeing event is part of Design Rationale’s ongoing commitment to nurturing a positive, inclusive, and engaging work environment. By stepping away from our usual routines and embracing shared experiences, we continue to support both mental wellbeing and a sense of belonging across our team. We may have escaped the room - but we carried the spirit of teamwork and laughter back to our working posts.