Sebastian Wood

Sebastian Wood is the managing director of 110-strong engineering practice Whitby Wood, which he co-founded with Mark Whitby in February 2016. The practice is built around people, sustainability and technology. The company is diverse, with a rich culture created by the backgrounds, experience and aspirations of all the team members. Its ambitious goal is to be the leading international engineering consultancy in sustainable design, supporting clients in the decision to transition to a decarbonized and more-sustainable future — and to help them make it happen.

Sebastian believes passionately that it is his responsibility as a leader in the industry to ensure that the future is environmentally, socially and financially equitable. He endeavours to apply this through a forward-thinking approach to business and engineering, a commitment to helping the industry achieve real sustainability, and involvement in international development work. He believes it is a very exciting time for construction and for engineers. In the context of a rapidly changing world led by technology, the construction industry is going through disruptive change of its own. To grasp this opportunity requires the best minds, with diverse skills, in a modern supportive and enjoyable environment. Whitby Wood provides structural, civil and geotechnical design and delivery — for architects, developers, contractors, private clients and institutions — all underpinned by a technology platform that allows them to fully understand the materials they use, the impacts they have and how to use less of them through good design. Whitby Wood is headquartered in London, and has studios in Bristol, Brighton, Belgrade, Milan and Mumbai. His international experience includes major projects in London and the UK, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Sebastian is also a founding trustee of the Construction & Development Partnership (CODEP), a trustee of the Whitbybird Foundation and Vice Chair of the industry charity Redr UK.