Meet the team: Ben Procter, Senior Engineer at Bailiss & Co - engineering with purpose
In the latest installment of our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we speak to Ben Proctor, Senior Engineer at Bailiss & Co, about engineering with purpose - and the satisfaction of seeing ideas take physical shape.
For many engineers, the most rewarding part of the job isn’t found on a spreadsheet or in a set of drawings - it’s standing on site, watching an idea take physical shape. For Ben, who joined the team at the start of this year, that sense of achievement is what drew him to structural engineering, and what continues to motivate his work.
“I liked the idea that you could work really hard on something, and then actually see it around you in the built environment,” Ben explains. “There’s something very satisfying about watching a project come to fruition on site.”
Experience across sectors, scales and project types
Ben’s career to date includes a broad range of projects across many different sectors, from hyperscale data centres to commercial fit-outs and residential projects, gaining experience at both large and small consultancies along the way.
One project that stands out for Ben is an innovative housing scheme run by Lewisham council. The project consisted of a rear, side and front extension as well as a thermal upgrade to the building envelope.
“It’s a project I’m particularly proud of,” he says. “A low-cost and pragmatic structural solution was designed, avoiding the need for extensive strengthening work.”
That mix of technical challenge, material craft and design is something Ben enjoys; and whilst he has worked on major industrial schemes, he admits to having a soft spot for residential and workplace projects, where the impact on end users feels more immediate.
A practical, client-focused approach
When it comes to working with clients, Ben’s approach is to ensure a full understanding of the project brief and constraints as early in the process as possible, allowing structural design to support - rather than hinder - architectural ambition.
“I try to understand the project fully from the outset,” he says. “That means thinking about sustainability, buildability and value for money all at the same time - and recognising where structural design can reduce risk rather than introduce it.”
This kind of pragmatic mindset is valued by clients, particularly on complex or fast-moving projects, where Ben actively looks for areas where intelligent structural decisions can simplify construction, reduce cost uncertainty, or unlock efficiencies elsewhere in the design.
Sustainability is now central to those conversations: “A big part of sustainability is working with what’s already there, particularly on refurbishment projects.” Ben explains.
“Beyond that, it’s about material choice and efficiency - designing structures to be lean, without unnecessary excess. Lean design is about careful balance: providing enough flexibility for future use, while avoiding over-engineering that drives up embodied carbon.”
Collaboration built on clarity
Collaboration is one of the most important - and underrated - parts of structural engineering. Working closely with architects, clients and contractors from the earliest stages, particularly while designs remain fluid, is key.
“Sometimes a small shift in layout or structure can make something far more efficient or buildable, but that only happens if everyone’s talking openly.” Ben explains.
“Honesty and integrity go a long way,” he adds. “If everyone understands the problem and the options clearly, you can usually find a solution that works for all parties.”
Looking ahead
As he settles into his role at Bailiss & Co, Ben is looking forward to working on some of our innovative upcoming projects, and expanding his involvement in timber engineering, which has been an area of interest for some time, both professionally and personally.
He’s especially keen to explore timber-concrete composite systems, a more sustainable floor construction method that combines timber and concrete to work structurally together. It’s a topic he previously explored during his master’s research and one he sees gaining momentum across the industry.
“It’s still quite niche, but something we’re seeing more frequently,” he says. “It offers real sustainability benefits and opens up new ways of thinking about structure.”
For Ben, the appeal of Bailiss & Co lies in the variety of work and the chance to collaborate with talented architects on thoughtful, forward-looking projects.
“Working across different sectors keeps things fresh,” he reflects. “And ultimately, it’s about designing structures that make sense - technically, sustainably, and for the people who use them.”
Get in touch to find out more about the team, or head over to Portfolio to see some of the recent projects we’ve worked on.