Science and technology environments demand precision, flexibility and foresight. We look beyond drawings and specifications to understand how research, testing and innovation take place in practice. The insight? Performance, safety and adaptability are shaped by countless interdependent details.
Science and technology facilities are unlike any other. Research and development labs, innovation centres and advanced energy environments must support complex processes, evolving technologies and highly specialised users, often within tightly controlled and regulated settings.
At McBains, we understand the demands of non-clinical R&D environments, from laboratories, clean rooms and testing facilities to technology campuses and innovation hubs. This often extends to highly sensitive, safety-critical infrastructure where precision, compliance and long-term resilience are essential.
Immersing ourselves in operational and technical requirements is central to our approach. From early-stage feasibility through delivery and ongoing management, we ensure facilities are designed to support innovation today while remaining adaptable for tomorrow.
Our experience spans highly serviced buildings, constrained sites, secure environments and large-scale programmes, where performance, safety and future-proofing are non-negotiable.
Because we combine technical understanding with strategic insight, we don’t just design and manage; we advise, challenge and future-proof. Our role is to enable innovation while protecting operational integrity and long-term value.
Culham, Oxfordshire
Extension to the existing MRF at Culham Science Campus for UKAEA to increase capacity for the processing and micro-characterisation of materials.
Services
Architecture, Building Services Engineering, Digital Engineering (BIM), Civil & Structural Engineering, Cost Management, Sustainability & ESG
Sectors
Science & Technology
Culham, Oxfordshire
A new-build central support facility (CSF), providing c. 2,000sqm of dedicated facilities for day-to-day logistics, deliveries and engineering-related operations.
Services
Architecture, Building Services Engineering, Digital Engineering (BIM), Civil & Structural Engineering, Cost Management, Sustainability & ESG
Sectors
Science & Technology
Culham, Oxfordshire
A new research and innovation hub for UKAEA providing modern, flexible facilities for some of the world’s most cutting-edge technologies.
Services
Architecture, Building Services Engineering, Civil & Structural Engineering, Cost Management
Sectors
Science & Technology
Culham, Oxfordshire
Multi-disciplinary design services for a new office building for UKAEA and Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP).
Services
Architecture, Civil & Structural Engineering, Sustainability & ESG, Digital Engineering (BIM), Cost Management, Building Services Engineering, Health & Safety
Sectors
Office & Commercial, Science & Technology
Chichester, West Sussex
Construction of a new purpose-built STEM and Higher Education Centre at Chichester College.
Services
Clerk of Works / NEC Supervisor
Sectors
Education, Science & Technology
Brighton, East Sussex
Construction of a new Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) at the Royal Sussex County Hospital (RSCH) in Brighton.
Services
Clerk of Works / NEC Supervisor
Sectors
Healthcare
Various, UK
Trusted consultant since the 1980s, providing QS, PM & EA services to the management, maintenance & development of SEGRO's property portfolio.
Services
Cost Management, Employer's Agent, Project Management
Sectors
Office & Commercial, Industrial & Logistics
We work with research organisations, technology leaders, public bodies and energy specialists, delivering facilities that support advanced research, innovation and national infrastructure priorities.
BAE Systems
/Britvic
/Coca-Cola
/Segro
/Tokamak Energy
/Tritax Group
/UKAEA
December 5, 2025
February 17, 2023
April 21, 2023
July 1, 2024
March 12, 2026
Science and technology projects demand more than technical competence, they require collaboration, clarity and deep understanding. Our multidisciplinary teams bring together designers, project managers, engineers and technical specialists to deliver environments where innovation can thrive safely and efficiently. The work is complex, highly regulated and purpose-driven, supporting progress in some of the most critical sectors of the economy.
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