In 1983 Chris co-founded Wintech, now in its 40th year, the company has grown from a single client, to be recognised as one of the UK’s largest Façade Engineering Consultancy. Employing more than 100 industry experts in a range of specialist sciences and disciplines from all over the world.
Wintech group are dedicated engineering specialists in the science of Façade Engineering, including Façade Access & Maintenance, Fire Engineering, MEP and Sustainability Consultancy services from the early phases of building delivery strategic development to completion.
Chris has provided strategic direction, over the past 40 years for the Group operations that focus on the science and delivery of façade engineering. Chris is the founder member for the Society of Façade Engineering, past Chairman, a Fellow of the Society and is passionate about the further professionalism of the science of façade engineering and the specialist training needed to support this important discipline.
What inspired you to conceive the idea for the Society of Façade Engineers and how would you describe the state of the industry at that time?
The façades of our buildings are possibly the most expensive part of a building's construction. Even simple façades rely on extensive and complex linking supply chains, all of which are fundamentally important. The façade is the primary environmental modifier, which effectively means that all the effort taken by the other professional disciplines is wasted if the façade isn’t predictable, sealed, insulated, transparent, buildable in budget, and durable for the life of the building.
Why do we expect our other professional colleagues to be responsible for the science and engineering of these complex and fundamentally important constructions? Façade Engineering is a real science, and those who have the requisite engineering and science-based skills need to be recognised and differentiated so that clients are able to make an informed decision from those who can, from those who simply have a business card. The SFE has a number of objectives, but my original intent, with the help of the leaders of the RIBA, IStructE, the Civils, and CIBSE, not to mention the help and support and guidance of Sir William Francis whom I was blessed to have worked with, was to create this differentiation and the professionalisation of the discipline.
The Façade industry has changed a lot in the past few decades. What's the biggest shift you've seen, and what exciting things do you think are on the horizon for building envelopes?
The façade industry has indeed undergone significant evolution in recent decades. One of the most profound shifts I've observed is the transition from relying solely on empirical and traditional manufacturing techniques to embracing a more scientific approach in our practices. Today, success in delivering high-performance building envelopes hinges on a deep understanding of how these structures will perform even before they're integrated into construction projects.
While empirical factors still hold significance, modern advancements in engineering enable us to predict and optimise the performance of building envelopes like never before. For instance, considerations like the height of a glazing rebate, established centuries ago based on the capabilities of wooden windows and organic sealants, now undergo rigorous analysis through engineering simulations and scientific testing methodologies.
Looking ahead, I believe the future of building envelopes will be marked by a heightened awareness of embodied carbon and sustainability concerns. As climate change increasingly shapes our industry's priorities, it's imperative that we regulate and incentivise practices that minimise environmental impact and promote sustainability.
The prestigious Façade Awards have been celebrating excellence in facade design and engineering for a decade now. Having been a judge since their inception, what are the key qualities that make a facade project truly stand out and deserve recognition today?
Diligence, intelligence, execution, and design features in the minutiae that are unquestionably elegant. It's difficult to vocalise, but you know it when it's present.
Reflecting on your impressive career and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022, what accomplishment in facade engineering are you most proud of?
Without a doubt, getting the SFE up and running with the help of the other greats in the industry at the time. There were lots of people who thought “we were parking our tanks on their lawns” but I remained resolute and focused on our vision.
Your commitment to educating the next generation of façade engineers is evident in your sponsorship efforts and your active involvement in establishing recognised academic qualifications for facade engineers in the UK, alongside various universities. Can you tell us about your approach to promoting these qualifications and cultivating future talent in this field?
Our approach revolves around leading by example, with the aim of inspiring the industry to follow suit. We firmly believe in the principle of not being parasitic but rather investing significantly in people and fostering a culture of growth and development. It's a fundamental responsibility that all companies should embrace. Despite the multitude of architectural, M&E, and other related disciplines courses available, it's disheartening that there's currently only one recognised façade engineering course in the UK, considering the ubiquitous nature of facades in all buildings. Therefore, we are diligently working towards changing this landscape, actively engaging with universities and institutions to promote and establish recognised academic qualifications for facade engineers, thus nurturing future talent in our field.
Experience is a balanced combination of right and wrong decisions. Any mistakes in your bright career that you would like to share with the younger generation of engineers?
I know our views have often been seen as being controversial, as in the establishment of the SFE, but ultimately, truth prevails. I advocate complete honesty and integrity and recognise there’s only one thing worse than “bad news”, and that's “bad news too late” for any client.