
AtkinsRéalis are global leaders in design, engineering, and project management, dedicated to transforming the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. We connect people, data, and technology to create innovative solutions that address the challenges of the modern world.
We are a multi-disciplinary business that excels in both design and delivery. Our Building Design team leverages the expertise of architects, engineers, and a wide array of specialist disciplines to create comprehensive solutions. Additionally, our Project and Programme Services (PPS) team supports numerous university clients with project management, cost consultancy, building surveying and health and safety services for their estates. This unique combination allows AtkinsRéalis to offer a holistic solution tailored to meet our clients’ diverse needs.
At AtkinsRéalis, we take immense pride in our contributions to the higher education sector. Our expertise lies in the design and delivery of learning environments that are not only inspiring and flexible but also cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. We understand that the spaces where students and educators interact play a crucial role in shaping the educational experience. Therefore, our design and delivery philosophy places a strong emphasis on the social dimension of the built environment, acknowledging that our surroundings significantly impact our quality of life.
We design and deliver learning environments that are inspiring, flexible, cost-effective, and low in carbon footprint. We create intimate, welcoming, and humane educational spaces that foster socialisation and personal development. These environments are tailored to meet the needs of students and educators, providing spaces that inspire and nurture learning.
At AtkinsRéalis, we specialise in delivering exceptional learning environments through our comprehensive project management and cost consultancy services. Our Project and Programme Services team supports clients in the education sector by managing the construction and maintenance of their key assets. We ensure cost efficiency and predictability by leveraging high-quality benchmarking data and providing robust cost estimates throughout the project lifecycle. Our expertise in planning, scheduling, and risk management allows us to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of educational institutions.
We have proudly supported the Association of University Directors of Estates (AUDE) over a number of years as headline sponsors. Our involvement with AUDE extends beyond sponsorship; we actively participate in research with the space management group and regularly speak at conferences. These engagements allow us to share our insights and stay at the forefront of best practices and innovations in university estate management.
Looking ahead, we are excited to enrich our relationship with AUDE through our role as Business Partner. Together with AUDE, we will continue to support estates directors and professionals in their roles through a programme of events and activities. This partnership underscores our commitment to enhancing educational spaces and supporting the academic community.
Our Research Group's primary focus is to champion positive design outcomes that enhance the experiences of building users and explore the success of completed built environment projects in use. Participation in our endeavours is open to all members who share a keen interest in research, promoting a diverse mix of representatives from higher education institutions, as well as design and construction consultancies.
*John Ridgett, Associate Director – Building Design London & South East Higher & Further Education Lead
john.ridgett@atkinsrealis.com
+44 7394 518 682
*Please contact John Ridgett initially and he will distribute to the appropriate colleague.
Other contacts:
Gill Smith Regional, Director – Project & Programme Services Head of Education
gillian.smith@atkinsrealis.com
+44 7769 92 5353
Mark Brain, Director – Project & Programme Services Higher Education Sector Lead
mark.brain@atkinsrealis.com
+44 7834 50 7568
Helen Groves Technical, Director – Building Design Head of Architecture & Education Sector Lead
helen.groves@atkinsrealis.com
+44 7812 319 758