Expedition Engineering

A London-based engineering practice founded in 1999, owned by an employee benefit trust, that designs structures and infrastructure and works on sustainability.

About Expedition Engineering

Expedition Engineering is a London engineering practice. Its own page says it focuses on regenerative design and engineering that tackles planetary and social challenges. Its services fall into four areas: infrastructure performance consulting, structural engineering, civil engineering and utilities infrastructure, and sustainability masterplanning. Projects include the London Velodrome for the 2012 Olympics, the Infinity Bridge in Stockton-on-Tees and the Emirates Air Line cable car in London. It twice won the Institution of Structural Engineers' Supreme Award, for the Infinity Bridge in 2009 and the Velodrome in 2011.

The firm was founded in 1999 by Chris Wise, known for the Millennium Bridge, and Sean Walsh, both of whom had worked at Arup. In 2008 ownership passed to an employee benefit trust, the Useful Simple Trust, which also owns related companies in sustainable communication design, engineering education, sustainability consulting and architecture. Its mission, as described on its site, is to build teams of multidisciplinary, creative thinkers who can respond to each project's challenges and to wider environmental needs. A founders' article on the trust describes it as an alternative to profit-focused models.

Expedition's office is at Temple Chambers, 3-7 Temple Avenue, in central London. We did not find evidence of other UK offices. The practice has a mix of engineers, sustainability consultants and support staff, from graduates to the chief executive, according to its team page. The firm is small compared with the global groups in this list, which may suit people who want to be involved in the whole of a project.

Its trust ethos article, from June 2022, sets out principles: employees are encouraged to take responsibility for their contribution and are kept informed of major decisions; the trust aims to provide a stimulating workplace where people grow; it pursues diversity; staff are encouraged to keep learning and to help teach the next generation; and pay aims to be "fair and sustainable". Expedition also takes part in education projects such as Constructionarium and an online teaching resource called Expedition Workshed. It holds Investors in People Gold accreditation, which is a claim on its site.

Roles include structural and civil engineers, sustainability consultants, infrastructure performance specialists and support staff. It suits someone who likes the creative side of engineering, such as bridges and landmark structures, and who wants a small, design-focused practice with an interest in teaching and sustainability.

What they do

• {'desc': 'Design of bridges, stadiums and buildings.', 'title': 'Structural engineering'}
• {'desc': 'Engineering for networks, drainage and site infrastructure.', 'title': 'Civil engineering and utilities infrastructure'}
• {'desc': 'Consulting on how infrastructure performs and planning for environmental benefit.', 'title': 'Infrastructure performance and sustainability masterplanning'}

Key facts

• Founded in 1999 in London by Chris Wise and Sean Walsh
• Owned by the Useful Simple Trust, an employee benefit trust, since 2008
• Won the IStructE Supreme Award twice (2009 and 2011)
• Office at Temple Avenue in central London; Investors in People Gold (company claim)

Website: expedition.uk.com