Search this site

We are proud to announce that we’ve been awarded a Health & Safety Award by Mace, for our outstanding performance on the Heathrow Terminal 5 project. As a bespoke architectural glass and metalwork subcontractor, safety is at the heart of everything we do from design and fabrication to installation. This recognition highlights our team’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and wellbeing on site. The award reflects the dedication and professionalism of our workforce, whose attention to detail ensures not only exceptional workmanship but also a safe working environment for everyone involved. We thank Mace for this acknowledgment and extend our appreciation to our team and project partners for their continued support and collaboration.

At Design Rationale, our pursuit of excellence in bespoke architectural glass and metalwork is underpinned by the strength of our long-standing partnerships. One of our most valued and enduring collaborators is LS Fabrications, based in Welwyn Garden City. We recently had the pleasure of revisiting their facilities a site that has become a cornerstone in the realisation of many of our most ambitious projects. Our partnership with LS spans over three decades, during which time they have been instrumental in the delivery of a vast number of our projects. Currently, LS Fabrications are working with us to deliver the support bracketry and cladding for a glazed wall system at Heathrow Airports Terminal 3, 4 & 5. Renowned for their technical finesse and unwavering attention to detail, LS Fabrications consistently uphold the highest standards in precision engineering and bespoke metalwork solutions. Their contribution has been vital to the successful execution of some of our most complex and distinguished architectural designs. More than just a supplier, LS Fabrications are a trusted extension of our team - a relationship built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to design integrity. As we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of architectural form, we look forward to many more years of collaborative excellence.

U pholding Our Pledge to Sustainability, Safety, and Exemplary Construction Standards At Design Rationale, we hold steadfast to the belief that exceptional design must be intrinsically linked with environmental stewardship and the safeguarding of human well-being. It is with great pride and a sense of earnest responsibility that we announce our attainment of the ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety) certifications-internationally esteemed benchmarks that underscore our unwavering commitment to conscientious construction and the welfare of our people, patrons, and the wider community. Why These Certifications Matter Securing ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 marks a pivotal milestone in our journey towards operational excellence. These certifications are not mere accolades; they are guiding principles that shape our ethos: For our clients : Assurance that every project is executed with the utmost regard for environmental integrity and safety. For our team : A workplace culture that prioritizes health, growth, and mutual respect. For our communities : A tangible contribution to cleaner, safer, and more sustainable living environments.   The Path to Certification This achievement was not realised overnight. It demanded diligence, collaboration, and a collective commitment to continuous improvement. Under the astute assistance of Harry, Callan, and Glenn, our team refined environmental protocols, fortified safety measures, and fostered a culture rooted in care and conscientiousness. From waste reduction schemes to performance monitoring and iterative enhancements, we have woven sustainability and safety into the very fabric of our operations. This journey reaffirms our purpose: to be a paragon of responsible and visionary construction. At Design Rationale, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence. By harmonizing innovative design with ethical practices and a culture of care, we continue to build not just structures-but a brighter, safer, and more sustainable future.

💚 World Mental Health Day 2025 💚 Today, on World Mental Health Day, We are  reminded that looking after our mental wellbeing is just as important as staying physically safe -especially in the construction industry, where long hours, tight deadlines, and high-pressure environments can sometimes take their toll. At Design Rationale, we believe that creating a safe workplace means supporting both the body and  the mind. Stress, anxiety, and low mood can affect anyone, and it is vital that we continue to build a culture where it’s okay to talk, to listen, and to reach out for help. We are proud to have trained Mental Health First Aiders within our team, ready to offer empathetic confidential  support to anyone in need. As quite often a simple conversation can be the first step towards recovery and resilience that make a difference. Let’s keep looking out for one another - not just today, but every day.

At Design Rationale Ltd, our commitment to excellence extends beyond the realm of architectural glass and metalwork - it encompasses the communities that surround and support us. This week, our dedicated team stepped away from the working stations  and into the heart of Hatfield for a spirited community clean-up initiative. Armed with litter pickers, gloves, and an abundance of enthusiasm, we traversed a local route, collecting numerous bags of waste and leaving the streets visibly Cleaner. The day was more than just a tidy-up but it a powerful demonstration of unity and purpose. Witnessing our colleagues collaborate in an entirely different setting, driven by a shared desire to enhance the local environment, was truly inspiring. The experience not only made a difference to the area but also reinforced the camaraderie and collective pride that define our team. We believe that contributing to the wellbeing of our community is as vital as the services we deliver to our clients. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and helped make Hatfield a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant.

At Design Rationale, we believe wellbeing is central to creating safe, productive and inclusive workplaces. In collaboration with Fit For Work, we recently delivered a wellbeing event at Wates’ Norman Shaw North works project, focusing on the theme of financial wellbeing. The session took place in the Wellbeing Cabin II, designed as a dedicated space where employees can access support and resources. The event combined practical advice with interactive engagement, including: Financial-specific wellbeing resources to help individuals plan and manage challenges. A “Financial Stress” pulse survey to identify key areas where additional support may be needed. An interactive game and friendly competition, with snacks provided to encourage participation. A follow-up Financial Wellbeing Insights Report, offering targeted recommendations based on survey findings. By combining fun, open conversation with meaningful data, the event not only supported individuals on the day but also laid the groundwork for ongoing wellbeing initiatives. We’re proud to work with partners like Fit For Work and Wates, ensuring that wellbeing is embedded into every stage of workplace culture-helping people feel supported both at work and beyond.

Design Rationale, we are experts in bespoke architectural glass and metal solutions, and our recent project at Principal Place , London showcased exactly that. Tasked with cladding three large architectural columns in precision-finished metal, we faced the challenge of creating exceptionally tight, seamless corners to match the client’s modern design intent. To achieve this, we employed the specialist technique of V Grooving, which allows sheet metal to be folded with sharp, clean lines for a flawless appearance. Because V-Grooving requires rare expertise and advanced machinery, we partnered with John Desmond Ltd , the only UK company capable of delivering this process at the required scale. Working alongside our client, SJ Eastern Carpentry , we ensured every detail met the highest standards and showcased our precision mastery. This project reflects our core strength: delivering custom glass and metal solutions  that merge technical innovation with striking architectural aesthetics. Learn more about the V-grooving process at John Desmond’s website. https://www.johndesmond.com

This September, the Design Rationale team gathered for a spirited Table Tennis Challenge. Colleagues were divided into two groups, with players randomly matched and winners advancing through lively rounds of play. Cheers filled the air as the competition intensified, culminating in a thrilling final where Joe claimed the champion’s title with style and composure. Between matches, everyone enjoyed delicious food and refreshments, making the event as much a social celebration as a contest. More than a tournament, it was a chance to relax, share laughter, and strengthen our team spirit. Congratulations to Joe and to all who made the day a smashing success!

In 2013 we were engaged to clad the Helical Staircases at Finsbury Park Station, a key element of the TFL Wells Terrace regeneration completed in 2019. These striking stairways rise from the platform to the National Rail entrances, forming an integral part of the expanded exit routes. Serving over 33 million passengers annually, Finsbury Park is the third-busiest Underground station beyond Zone 1, presenting both scale and complexity. Design Rationale’s remit was to create elegantly curved cladding panels finished in vitreous enamel, a lasting , glass-like surface known  for its exceptional resistance to heat, chemicals and abrasion. This finish, widely employed across the London Underground network, delivers aesthetic refinement with durability. Our team devised a bespoke support system and, using state-of-the-art 3D modelling, achieved precise installation of all cladding panels, handrails,  access doors, display units and stainless-steel ceiling panels with integrated drainage. More than a decade later, the staircases remain pristine, a testament to meticulous design, superior materials and exemplary Creativity.

At Design Rationale Ltd, we believe wellness should be as fun as it is beneficial and this month’s challenge proved just that! For August, our wellness spotlight was on rowing , a fantastic full-body workout that builds strength, stamina, and team spirit. The rules were simple: You have one minute . Row as far as you can. The longest distance wins! Challenge Prize Winner ! It might sound straightforward, but when the timer starts ticking, every pull counts - and those 60 seconds feel a lot  shorter than you think. Colleagues cheered each other on, the room filled with friendly competition (and maybe a little bit of heavy breathing), and the energy was electric. Rowing isn’t just a physical challenge - it’s also a great stress-buster. With each stroke, you can almost feel the tension melt away, replaced with the satisfaction of pushing your own limits. A huge congratulations to Hugo our winner, rowing distance of 262 meters in just 1 minute -and well done to everyone who took part! Showing incredible effort, proving that wellness is not only just about competition but about connection, motivation, and having fun together.

We would like to take a moment to congratulate Louie Tigwell and Jason Brown of Design Rationale on delivering an excellent presentation to the Mace Heathrow project team. Their talk focused on the critical subject of moving and handling materials on site, highlighting the many risks it can pose if not managed correctly. With clarity and expertise, they explored practical approaches to reducing dangers, protecting workers, and ensuring safe, efficient operations. This important conversation helps raise awareness of everyday challenges in construction and infrastructure projects, while underlining our shared responsibility to keep safety at the heart of everything we do. Materials Secure During Transportation to Site Well done Louie and Jason on such a professional and impactful contribution!

At Design Rationale, Quality and Compliance secures our strength in the market. At Design Rationale, we ensure that every piece of our security metalwork and glazing is more than just functional but built to exceed expectations. Some of our products undergo intensive and certified testing, designed to maximize blast load resistance and ensure structural integrity under the most demanding conditions. We don’t cut corners; instead, we build with purpose, precision, and accountability At Design Rationale, we don’t believe in temporary fixes. Our goal is to provide long-lasting, high-standard solutions that stand the test of time-both in terms of performance and design integrity.