With two Conservation Accredited Engineers (CARE) and a SPAB Scholar, Design ID are one of the leading conservation engineering practices in the UK and Ireland.

At Design ID, we are passionate about the conservation and preservation of the historic built environment. Fortunately, we often have the opportunity to work with buildings and structures of considerable historical, cultural and social value, and appreciate the responsibility that this brings.

Acknowledging that historical buildings & structures are on a journey that neither starts or ends with us, is always our first step and helps us cultivate a respectful approach. Historic buildings & structures may not always meet the requirements of modern design codes, however our extensive experience allows us to use informed engineering judgement to minimize intervention and, where required, develop solutions that are sensitive to the original character and fabric.

We have considerable experience in guiding projects through the duly rigorous planning processes, meeting the detailed requirements of ‘Historic England’, Northern Ireland’s ‘Historic Environment Division’, and local authorities across Ireland. We appreciate the need to protect buildings from reckless and unwarranted action, and therefore welcome the thorough examination that these processes often entail.

Managing Director Jonathan Macauley and Associate Conall Doherty are both Conservation Accredited Engineers (CARE). To be accepted to this register they have gone through a rigorous assessment process to demonstrate that they have a strong understanding of and empathy with conservation philosophy, as well as an extensive knowledge of the use, behaviour and degradation of historic materials. This allows them to provide superior insight into problems which may occur and to develop solutions which cause the minimum of intervention.

Our Associate, Serena Gildea has recently completed the prestigious S.P.A.B. Lethaby Scholarship in 2022. Serena travelled the length and breath of the UK & Ireland learning from leaders in conservation theory, design & best practice. During this 9 month experience she visited over 150 different projects and has learnt many skills and crafts along the way, garnering invaluable knowledge on historic building maintenance and repair.