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We’re proud to congratulate Trevor Parkhouse  on receiving a Quality Award from  Mace for his exceptional work at Heathrow Terminal 4. As a Site manager at Design Rationale , Trevor plays a key role in the successful installation of bespoke security glass and metalwork . His attention to detail and commitment to quality were instrumental in delivering a first-class result on this high-quality project. Well done, Trevor, a well-deserved recognition for your outstanding work!

Notably, the claddings At Gass Hall Exhibition Birmingham museum  were sketched by hand by Simon Rivers-Bland ,  who is renowned for his iconic work on the Art Visitor Centre at Land Rover Solihull, the Guinness Storehouse, the Heart of the Crystal Siemens exhibition, and many more. Working in close collaboration with Robin Heap, Jim Morgan, and Jason Brown, Simon brought together a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives that shaped the project’s distinctive identity. At a time when digital design tools were not yet an industry standard, his dedication to meticulous, hand-drawn detailing set a high standard for precision and design excellence. While times have changed and advanced 3D modelling and digital design technologies now shape much of our workflow, Simon has maintained his passion for sketching by hand, believing it remains one of the purest ways to explore ideas and unlock creative solutions. This blend of traditional artistry and modern technology continues to define the way we work. For over 33 years, Design Rationale has maintained an unwavering commitment to creativity and innovation. We have established ourselves as trusted specialists in security architectural glass and metalwork, delivering bespoke yet elegant solutions for railway stations, airports, and some of the UK’s most iconic public and private buildings. Discreet but Robust we have evolved and adapted, embracing cutting edge tools and digital innovations to complement the designer’s eye and the maker’s skill ensuring that every project stands the test of time.

At Design Rationale HQ we brought a spirited twist to team wellness with a competitive darts challenge. Colleagues stepped up to the oche for an afternoon of precision, laughter, and friendly rivalry. The event, filled with high scores and near misses, kept energy high and spirits even higher At the end of the day, one skilled winner walked away with a well-earned prize-but the real reward was the shared experience and camaraderie. Initiatives like this reflect our belief that team-building and wellness go hand in hand, fostering both connection and focus in the workplace.

At Design Rationale, Wellness is more than a buzzword, it’s part of our culture. In June, our team took a break from the screens and hit the sand for a spirited beach volleyball event. The day was all about movement, connection, and recharging together outside the office. We believe that supporting mental and physical wellbeing leads to stronger collaboration, creativity, and overall performance. Events like these reflect our ongoing commitment to a healthy, balanced workplace.

In May 2025, the Design Rationale team traded desks for the driver’s seat with a full day of Go-kart racing. The event brought everyone together for some friendly competition, high-speed fun, and a fresh way to recharge outside the office. Team Rady To Race! Challenge winners We continue to prioritize wellness by creating opportunities that strengthen team spirit and support a balanced, energized workplace.

Introducing the Well and Boot at London’s Iconic Waterloo Station When you step onto the balcony above Platform 1, you’ll notice more than just a great place to relax you’ll see the result of innovative design, engineering, and craftsmanship working seamlessly together. At Design Rationale, we are proud to have designed, made, and installed the bomb blast bespoke glass and metalwork façade that now frames the Well and Boot bar and restaurant London’s safest place to grab a drink. Working in close collaboration with Lyndon Goode Architects , we took their striking concept for a retail façade, spiral staircase, and roof terrace and turned it into reality. The result is a space that adds both visual impact and practical retail opportunities to one of London’s busiest stations. The newly completed fit-out of the Well and Boot perfectly complements our robust glass and metalwork . Now, travellers can wait for their connection or meet friends in a stylish, calm oasis overlooking the station’s iconic four-faced clock a serene spot floating above the rush of the concourse below. We’d like to extend our thanks to Joe Bailey and Simon Grist for leading the design of this project, and to everyone whose expertise and dedication made this possible. We’re delighted with the finished product secure, stylish, and functional offering Londoners and visitors alike a safe haven in the heart of the city. Next time you’re passing through, why not pause for a moment of calm? Visit: wellandboot.co.uk

We are thrilled to announce that Slaven Stoyanov has been awarded a Quality Award for his outstanding contributions to the works currently being carried out by Design Rationale at Heathrow Terminal 4. This award recognises not only Slaven’s dedication and expertise but also the collaborative ethos that drives our team to deliver exceptional results on every project. Our work at Heathrow Terminal 4 involves complex architectural glass and metalwork installations in high-security areas where precision, safety, and durability are non-negotiable. Through close collaboration with trusted manufacturers, we ensure that every blast-proof solution meets the strictest performance standards. From design through to installation, our team’s attention to detail and passion for quality are second to none. Well done, Slaven and here’s to many more milestones ahead!

We are delighted to welcome Hugo Howe to the Design Rationale team as our new Projects Manager. Hugo brings a wealth of experience and a proactive approach to project delivery that aligns perfectly with our values and vision. We’re thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the energy, insight, and leadership he’ll bring to our projects. Welcome to the team, Hugo!

By Design Rationale, Led by Jason Brown Timeline: A 1996 Landmark That Still Stands Strong The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery’s Gas Hall  was once the location where local residents paid their gas bills. Originally a Victorian building occupied by the city’s main gas company, the name “Gas Hall” reflects its past as a payment office for gas services. This rich heritage laid the foundation for its transformation into a celebrated cultural venue. Architectural Solutions Design Rationale delivered a tailored package of cladding detailing, seamlessly integrating modern architectural features into the classic structure. The result was a sophisticated blend of old and new - a timeless design that still looks striking today. Discreet but Robust At Design Rationale , we have consistently maintained high quality and delivered outstanding outcomes on our completed projects - specialising in solutions designed for accessibility, security, and openness.  These goals are achieved through our ability to integrate innovative systems into both new and existing structures. Given that Gas Hall is a public space, this balance of form and function  has always been a Design Rationale hallmark - offering elegant, high-performance solutions in even the most sensitive environments. A Legacy of Excellence Revisiting the Gas Hall Museum  reminds us just how far we’ve come since 1996 - archiving greatness through innovative solutions and enduring quality. We’re proud that this project continues to serve and welcome the public every day. These quality renovations were delivered by DR’s most capable hands and minds: Jason Brown  – Lead Construction Manager (now Senior Construction Manager) Robin Heap  – Founding Partner Jim Morgan  – Founding Partner (now retired)

Project Manager: Hugo Howe Maximising Load Compliance, Embracing Innovation, and Ensuring Safety At Design Rationale , we deliver high-performance glass and metalwork solutions tailored to some of the most demanding architectural settings. A notable example of our ingenuity in action can be found at Heathrow Terminal 3 , where we were tasked with installing a structurally robust glass balustrade - without the option of fixing into the slab due to the presence of asbestos. The Challenge: Fixing Without Drilling into the Slab Roughly five years ago, our team was commissioned to install a continuous run of glass balustrading within Heathrow Terminal 3. However, an unexpected obstacle emerged: the floor slab contained asbestos , ruling out conventional fixing methods such as mechanical anchors or resin systems. This constraint demanded a fresh, innovative approach - one that would deliver both structural integrity and full safety compliance, without disturbing the substrate. The Solution: Adhesive-Based Engineering Working in close collaboration with Crossley’s , we developed a bespoke solution using only structural mastic  and specialist bonding tape  to secure the balustrade baseplates directly to the floor surface. This method required no drilling, no anchoring - just precision bonding , engineered to withstand all anticipated loading conditions. The project was led by Hugo Howe , whose expertise and problem-solving acumen were instrumental in the successful delivery of this unconventional fix. Under Hugo’s direction, we conducted extensive on-site testing  to validate the system’s performance, confirming that it met the required load-bearing standards for impacted areas. A Standout Achievement in Engineering and Collaboration This project marked a significant departure from traditional methods - and it proved highly effective. Not only did the solution fully comply with safety regulations , but it also showcased Design Rationale’s dedication to: Innovative thinking High-quality artisanship Adaptive collaboration under restrictive site conditions Our ability to pivot under pressure and deliver lasting, safe, and aesthetically integrated results is what sets Design Rationale apart in challenging environments.

Design Rationale Recognised for Quality at Heathrow Terminal 3 We’re proud to announce that Kostadin Terziyski , Site Manager at Design Rationale, has been awarded a Quality Award by Mace  for outstanding performance on our work at Heathrow Terminal 3 . This recognition highlights not only our team’s technical excellence in architectural glass and metalworks, but also the precision, attention to detail, and uncompromising safety standards that define every DRL project. Kostadin’s leadership has been instrumental in delivering high-quality finishes under the rigorous demands of a live airport environment. His management style - marked by meticulous planning, clear communication, and a relentless focus on safety - has ensured our work not only meets but consistently exceeds expectations. Working closely with Mace, we’re proud to contribute to the transformation of Heathrow Terminal 3 - bringing together sustainability, safety, craftsmanship, and care at one of the UK’s most vital transport hubs. Congratulations to Kostadin and the wider team for setting the standard in quality and safety.

June 2025: A Milestone for Design Rationale This June marks a significant chapter in the story of Design Rationale: 33 years of transforming bold architectural visions into striking reality.  Since 1992, we’ve been proud to deliver exceptional architectural glass and metalwork solutions for some of the UK’s most important public and private spaces. From intricate bespoke systems to high-performance, security-driven installations, DRL has built a reputation on three enduring pillars: innovation, craftsmanship, and collaboration. Who We Are Founded in 1992, Design Rationale started as a small, specialist firm with a passion for architectural excellence. Over the decades, we’ve grown into a trusted name among architects, developers, contractors, and engineers across the UK. Our strength lies in delivering bespoke glass and metalwork solutions that balance aesthetic ambition with structural integrity. What sets DRL apart is our ability to solve complex design challenges and support our clients from concept to completion. Every project we take on is tailored, thoughtful, and driven by a team of experts who are as committed to the process as they are to the final product. A Meaningful Milestone Turning 33 is more than just a number - it’s a testament to the people, partnerships, and projects that have shaped our journey.  Through three decades of industry shifts and technological advancements, one thing has remained constant: our belief that great architecture is built on strong relationships and attention to detail. We’ve worked alongside leading architects, major contractors, and public institutions, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with glass and metal. Whether it's a major infrastructure upgrade or a high-security civic space, we approach every job with precision, professionalism, and pride. Our Legacy in Projects Our portfolio tells a powerful story - one of collaborative innovation and engineered beauty. Just a few highlights from our journey include: Tottenham Court Road & Crossrail Stations London Blackfriars Bridge Moorgate and Finsbury Park Stations Gatwick South Terminal & Heathrow Baggage Hall Refurbishment Kings Cross & Liverpool Street Shopfronts Oxford Circus Refurbishment Security Glazing at a Grade A-Listed Parliament House Ballistic and Blast-Resistant Installations across Airports From iconic public transport hubs to ASIAD-compliant, ballistic-engineered solutions for sensitive infrastructure, our work continues to support function, form, and safety  in equal measure. Our People: The Foundation of Our Success Every success story begins with great people. At DRL, we’re proud to celebrate a team of engineers, project managers, manufacturers, designers, admin staff, and site operatives who bring their expertise and dedication to every task, every day. Whether on-site or in the office, their combined effort has made 33 years of excellence possible. Their passion fuels our momentum and inspires every future project we pursue. Looking Ahead While we pause to reflect on this milestone, we remain firmly focused on what’s next. The architecture and construction landscape continues to evolve - and so do we. From embracing sustainable practices to leveraging new materials and technology, DRL remains committed to delivering innovative, secure, and beautiful architectural solutions  for decades to come. With the lowest ROSPA rate in our category  and a growing legacy of ASIAD-compliant, high-security installations , we’re more prepared than ever to face the future.