Smoke-ventilation specialist reaches a thousand projects
Fire Design Solutions, which specialises in smoke ventilation, has been awarded its 1000th project. The company was set up in 2002, and this project is for the installation of smoke-ventilation systems in a new residential block on the former site of the Harold Wood Hospital at Romford. The company was founded by experienced fire-engineering consultants Andy Riley and current chairman Gerard Sheridan.
Landmark projects include The Place in London (pictured), which acts as the headquarters building of News UK. Other projects are London’s 800-apartment Riverlight development and New Capital Quay, a prestigious residential project where FDS installed its Firesmart intelligent control system.
Gerard Sheridan says, ‘When we started the company our aim was to use our expertise to fill a gap in the market. We saw that while we could design innovative products, such as our smoke ventilation systems, it was often difficult to find contracting teams capable of carrying out their installation.
‘Part of the company’s success has been its ability to tap into the thriving property market in London and the South East, where a lack of space combined with strong market demand has created a push for more luxury and affordable high-rise apartment buildings.
The value of each square foot of space in these developments has allowed FDS to showcase its ability to aid clients in maximising the space available while reducing initial construction costs, something that will stand the business in good stead in the coming years.’
