Mark Coughlin

Mark is a Project Structural Engineer at Design ID. He studied Structural Engineering with Architecture at Queen’s University Belfast, graduating with First Class Honours in 2023. His academic achievements include the IStructE Prize for best overall performance across the MEng programme, the Creagh Concrete Structural Design Prize, and the Hugh Turtle Prize for excellence in research.

Mark has also had significant success in professional and academic competitions. He placed 1st in the IStructE Northern Ireland Graduate and Student Competitions (2023 and 2021 respectively), winning the John Hill Cup, and achieved 2nd place in the ICE NI Emerging Engineers Award (2022), where he presented his research on the use of optical techniques to measure dynamic bridge displacement. His most notable accomplishment was leading the Queen’s University Belfast team to 1st place in a UK-wide structural design competition, competing against leading universities from across the country.

Mark brings an innovative and analytical approach to his work, with a particular interest in complex and challenging designs. His experience spans the design of multi-storey office developments and high-end residential projects, as well as specialist structures including bespoke staircases and public art installations. Notable projects include the structural design of the Sperrin Giants in County Tyrone.

Within the wider profession, Mark is a Committee Member of the IStructE Northern Ireland Regional Group and an active STEM Ambassador. He is particularly passionate about promoting structural engineering as a career, regularly delivering school presentations and hosting workshops within the practice.