Jonathan Macauley

Jonathan is joint Managing Director at Design ID and has played a central role in shaping the practice’s growth, identity and creative culture since joining in 2007. With over 24 years’ experience, he brings a blend of engineering expertise, artistic curiosity and practical problem‑solving that continues to influence how the company approaches design today.

His project experience spans large commercial developments, conservation work, bespoke structures and art installations. Notable projects include the redevelopment of Maysfield Leisure Centre in Belfast into the new Concentrix headquarters, the conservation of Grade I listed buildings on Grafton Street in Mayfair, and specialist work for private clubs and luxury retailers across London. His contribution to the restoration of St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford was recognised with the IStructE Regional Group award in 2016. Jonathan is committed to expanding Design ID’s conservation capability, nurturing skills within the team and strengthening the practice’s role in safeguarding the built heritage of the UK and Ireland.

As Managing Director, Jonathan focuses on steering Design ID’s strategic direction, fostering a positive and design‑driven culture, and supporting teams across the business. He is particularly invested in nurturing creativity within engineering encouraging teams to explore ideas, challenge assumptions and approach complex problems with imagination as well as technical rigour. This mindset is reflected in project delivery, where he champions clarity, collaboration and thoughtful, buildable solutions.

Jonathan’s early career with Mott MacDonald and O’Connor Sutton Cronin exposed him to large industrial and education projects in the UK and overseas, laying the foundations for the broad, multidisciplinary perspective he brings to the practice today. In 2006, he was nominated for Chartered Engineer of the Year by the Institution of Engineers of Ireland.