Business Details
17 Years
experience
Expert Engineering Consultants in Glasgow
Established in 2009, SVM Glasgow is an independent engineering consultancy with deep roots in the industry, tracing its heritage back to 1933 through its association with the globally respected Steensen Varming Mulcahy group. Our team of 11 specialists delivers tailored mechanical and electrical engineering solutions for diverse projects, including luxury residences, railway infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and historic buildings. With RISQS accreditation and a focus on sustainability, we combine technical expertise with a commitment to innovation, having completed award-winning projects like Borders Rail and Haymarket Station.Our independence allows us to prioritise client needs while maintaining the highest standards of design precision and environmental responsibility. The Glasgow office, now operating independently, continues to build on decades of collective experience from its leadership team, ensuring clients receive solutions that balance modern demands with practical maintainability.
Services
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Building Services Consultancy
Rail Engineering Projects
Sustainability Assessments
Project Management
3D Computer Modelling
Dynamic Thermal Analysis
Cost in Use Studies
Environmental Assessments
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer 86 years of combined engineering expertise through our leadership team
- Our RISQS accreditation demonstrates compliance with rail industry safety standards
- Independent consultancy structure enables client-focused, flexible solutions
- Specialists in sustainable design with environmental assessment capabilities
- Award-winning project portfolio including Borders Rail and Haymarket Station
Associations and certifications
- RISQS
Services
Mechanical Engineering
Our mechanical engineering services encompass complete HVAC system design, plumbing installations, and building services for new and refurbished properties. We specialise in creating energy-efficient solutions that meet modern sustainability standards while maintaining operational efficiency. Our engineers apply advanced thermal analysis techniques to ensure optimal environmental control across commercial, residential, and industrial projects.
Electrical Engineering
We deliver comprehensive electrical engineering solutions including power distribution, lighting design, and emergency systems for diverse building types. Our expertise extends to 650V traction power systems and railway electrification projects, with proven experience in major infrastructure upgrades. Our team ensures full compliance with current regulations while prioritising system reliability and maintainability.
Rail Engineering Projects
Specialising in railway engineering, we provide design services for station upgrades, trackside installations, and depot facilities. Our portfolio includes major projects like Borders Rail and Glasgow Subway upgrades, demonstrating our capability in both urban and rural rail environments. We maintain strong industry partnerships to deliver solutions that meet Network Rail's stringent requirements.
Sustainability Assessments
We integrate environmental considerations throughout the design process, offering dynamic thermal analysis and low-carbon energy assessments. Our approach balances regulatory compliance with practical sustainability measures, helping clients achieve energy efficiency targets without compromising operational performance. This includes Passivhaus standard design experience for ultra-low energy buildings.
Project Management
Our project management services cover the complete engineering design lifecycle from concept to completion. We coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure technical accuracy, cost control, and timely delivery. With BIM and Revit expertise, we provide digital construction solutions that enhance collaboration and reduce project risks across all building sectors.
People
Craig Thomas
Managing Director
Chartered Electrical Engineer with 20+ years' experience in building services, Craig leads SVM Glasgow's strategic direction. He has managed major projects including Haymarket Station and Borders Rail, bringing technical expertise and business leadership to client solutions.
James Taylor
Director
Chartered Electrical Engineer with extensive railway sector experience, James oversees project delivery and business development. He has led designs for major stations and electrification schemes, combining technical knowledge with commercial acumen to drive project success.
Elise Mclean
Office Manager
With over 15 years at SVM, Elise manages HR, Health & Safety, and quality systems. Her organisational expertise ensures smooth office operations and client coordination, supporting the engineering team's delivery of high-quality projects.
John Burns
Senior Engineer
Electrical Power Engineering specialist with significant railway project experience, John delivers lighting and electrical systems design. His work on Borders Rail and Partick Interchange demonstrates technical proficiency in complex infrastructure environments.
Ben Reid
Associate
Mechanical Engineer specialising in railway projects, Ben manages mechanical systems design for new and upgraded facilities. His experience spans depot developments and commercial buildings, ensuring practical, maintainable engineering solutions.
Questions
What engineering sectors does SVM Glasgow specialise in?
We work across residential, commercial, healthcare, rail, and historic building sectors, delivering mechanical and electrical engineering solutions tailored to each project's unique requirements.
Are you accredited for railway engineering projects?
Yes, we hold RISQS accreditation and have extensive experience delivering Network Rail projects including Borders Rail, station upgrades, and electrification schemes.
Can you provide sustainable building design services?
Our engineers incorporate sustainability throughout design processes, offering dynamic thermal analysis, low-carbon assessments, and Passivhaus-standard design capabilities for energy-efficient buildings.
What project management tools do you use?
We utilise BIM, Revit, and AutoCAD for digital design coordination, ensuring efficient project delivery through accurate 3D modelling and collaborative working practices.
How experienced is your engineering team?
Our 11-strong team includes chartered engineers with 20+ years' industry experience, supported by specialists in railway systems, building services, and sustainable design solutions.
Do you work outside Scotland?
While based in Glasgow, we deliver projects across the UK, with recent work including railway schemes in England and infrastructure projects in Northern Ireland.
