Services Design Solution (SDS)
Services Design Solution (SDS) is a UK building services engineering consultancy delivering MEP design, sustainability consulting, and building physics services across Education, Healthcare, Defence, Rail, and Commercial sectors, operating from six UK offices with approximately 90 staff.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersSouth West, including South Wales, United Kingdom
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Services Design Solution (SDS) does
Services Design Solution (SDS) is a UK-based building services engineering consultancy specialising in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) design, sustainability consulting, and building physics. Founded in 2004 (some sources indicate 2005), the firm operates from six offices across Plymouth (headquarters), Bristol, Exeter, Cardiff, Truro, and Birmingham, employing approximately 90 staff. SDS serves public sector and enterprise clients across Education, Healthcare, Defence, Rail, Hotels and Leisure, Commercial and Residential, Industrial and Manufacturing, Water, and Public and Community sectors. Notable engagements include the £683M North London Heat & Power facility, the £68M Bletchley Rail Depot for Network Rail, NHS estates such as the Torbay Mental Health Unit, Passivhaus-certified projects (Eclipse Leisure Centre, Trent View College SEND school, University of Exeter Multi-Faith Centre), and DfE-funded schools under the Modern Methods of Construction Framework.
The firm's technical stack combines building physics modelling (PHPP, Climate-Based Daylight Modelling with UDI/SDA metrics, thermal and energy modelling, BRUKL, Part L, EPC, SBEM, CIBSE TM52 overheating analysis), digital engineering (Revit MEP 3D modelling, Revizto clash detection, BIM Collaborate Pro, COBie data production, digital twin creation), and specialised sustainability services including BREEAM assessment, Whole Life Carbon Assessment, Passivhaus and AECB CarbonLite design, EV/PV/Solar integration, and Healthy Building Design incorporating Building Biology principles. Certifications include ISO 14001, Cyber Essentials Plus, BAFE, Carbon Footprint Standard, Carbon Trust Standard, and CIBSE membership. SDS has been a Net Carbon Neutral Plus consultancy since 2019 and Net Carbon Negative since 2021.
SDS generates revenue through project-based professional services fees on engagements ranging from approximately £150k to £683M, acquired via direct sales, framework appointments (Fusion21, DfE MMC), and partnerships with main contractors (BAM, Willmott Dixon, Morgan Sindall, Parker Technical Services) and architectural firms (Stride Treglown, Gale & Snowden, HLM). Pricing is engagement-based with no public rate card. The company is privately held with no disclosed external investors, no parent company, and no public listing. Revenue, ownership structure, and leadership identities are not publicly disclosed beyond named personnel appearing on the website.
Services Design Solution (SDS) firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Services Design Solution (SDS)
- Legal name
- Services Design Solution
- Website
- https://sdsolution.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Services Design Solution (SDS) is a UK building services engineering consultancy delivering MEP design, sustainability consulting, and building physics services across Education, Healthcare, Defence, Rail, and Commercial sectors, operating from six UK offices with approximately 90 staff.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Services Design Solution (SDS) industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Engineering Consultancy Services
- NAICS
- Engineering Services (541330), Engineering Services (54133), Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services (5413)
- SIC
- Services-Engineering Services (8711)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Civil & Structural Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAA)
Keywords
Where Services Design Solution (SDS) is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- South West, including South Wales
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices6 records
Markets served
Services Design Solution (SDS) business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- MEP Consultancy Services: Professional engineering consultancy providing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design services for building projects across multiple sectors including education, healthcare, defence, commercial, and residential.
- Sustainability Consultancy: Specialist sustainability services including BREEAM assessment, Passivhaus certification support, net zero carbon strategies, and whole life carbon analysis.
- Building Physics Consultancy: Technical consultancy including thermal modelling, daylight analysis, overheating assessments, and energy performance compliance (Part L, EPC).
- Lighting Design Services: Comprehensive lighting consultancy covering architectural, interior, exterior, facade, sports, emergency, and specialist lighting design, including Lighting Impact Assessments.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Services Design Solution (SDS) product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SDS is a building services engineering consultancy that designs mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems for new build and refurbishment projects across education, healthcare, defence, rail, commercial, residential, leisure, and public sector buildings in the UK. Services span RIBA Stage 0 concept through to Stage 6 handover, and are differentiated by integrated sustainability expertise including Passivhaus design, BREEAM assessment, Whole Life Carbon assessment, and Net Zero Carbon strategy. The firm operates from six UK offices and delivers projects ranging from approximately £150k to £683M in value under framework agreements and competitive tenders.
Product overview
Services Design Solution (SDS) is a building services engineering consultancy offering a unified portfolio of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) design services, sustainability consulting, and building physics expertise. The core offering is MEP consultancy encompassing design from RIBA Stage 0 through to Stage 6 handover across multiple sectors (Education, Defence, Healthcare, Hotels & Leisure, Rail, Residential, Water, and more). This core consultancy is supported and differentiated by specialist sub-products including BREEAM assessment and certification, Passivhaus & AECB CarbonLite design (with multiple certified projects), Climate-Based Daylight Modelling, Lighting Design Services (architectural, emergency, and Lighting Impact Assessments), Building Performance services (thermal modelling, BRUKL, Part L compliance), Whole Life Carbon Assessment, Electric Vehicle Charging & Photovoltaic design, Healthy Building Design incorporating Building Biology principles, Net Carbon Neutral strategy (ISO 14001 accredited, Carbon Footprint Standard verified), and BIM & Digital Engineering services using REVIT and Revizto. SDS also delivers a community social value programme called Together360 across three pillars. The company is not a software platform but a service-based consultancy with no API product.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Together360: Community initiative encompassing community connection, empowering the next generation, and planet positivity programs
Products and services
- MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) Consultancy Services Design of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for new build and refurbishment projects across education, healthcare, defence, rail, commercial, residential, leisure, and public sector buildings. Delivered from RIBA Stage 0 concept through to Stage 6 construction and handover, with a focus on practical, energy-efficient, safe, reliable, and cost-effective systems.
- Sustainability & Net Carbon Neutral Consultancy Integrated sustainability consultancy covering Whole Life Carbon assessments, BREEAM, Passivhaus & AECB CarbonLite design, healthy building design, renewables and zero carbon strategy, and EV/PV/solar integration. All offsets are verified through the Carbon Footprint Standard.
- Lighting Design Services Complete lighting consultancy covering architectural and heritage, interior, exterior, façade, sports and leisure, MOD/defence facilities, healthcare and NHS estates, and emergency lighting, together with Lighting Impact Assessments (LIA) and Climate-Based Daylight Modelling (CBDM) using UDI and SDA metrics.
- Building Performance Services Building physics consultancy including thermal and energy modelling, daylight design and modelling, BRUKL assessments, Part L compliance, overheating analysis (CIBSE TM52), SBEM calculations, EPC certification, and TM54 operational energy assessments, plus Building Performance gap analysis aligned to the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard.
- BREEAM Assessment & Certification BREEAM sustainability assessment and advisory services covering energy, water, materials, ecology, health and wellbeing, transport, waste, and management categories. SDS acts as BREEAM assessor on selected projects.
- Passivhaus & AECB CarbonLite Design Specialist Passivhaus design services including PHPP modelling, dynamic thermal simulations, overheating risk assessments, Passivhaus certification support, and integration with Building Biology principles. Includes delivery of certified Passivhaus projects such as Trent View College, the UK's first Passivhaus-certified SEND school with hydrotherapy pool.
- Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) Whole Life Carbon assessments evaluating embodied and operational carbon across the entire building lifecycle to support clients in meeting net zero carbon targets and regulatory requirements.
- Electric Vehicle Charging, Photovoltaic & Solar Design Renewable and low-carbon infrastructure design covering EV charging strategy, photovoltaic (PV) system design and specification, and scalable solar integration aligned to net zero targets.
- Healthy Building Design Healthy building design consulting incorporating Building Biology principles, indoor environment quality assessments, circadian lighting, low electromagnetic radiation design, and wellbeing-focused specifications aligned with occupant health and comfort outcomes.
- Net Carbon Neutral Strategy Carbon reduction strategy combining active emission reduction (green travel policies, energy-saving habits), carbon offsetting verified through the Carbon Footprint Standard, and inclusion of staff commuting in carbon calculations. Backed by ISO 14001 accreditation and a Carbon Reduction Plan aligned to the UK 2050 net zero commitment.
- BIM & Digital Engineering Services Digital engineering services including REVIT MEP 3D modelling, BIM coordination, Revizto-based clash detection, COBie data production for facilities management, 3D data capture and digital twin creation, and 2D drawing production, delivered within Common Data Environments using BIM Collaborate Pro.
- Lighting Impact Assessments (LIA) Lighting Impact Assessments aligned with Institute of Lighting Professionals Guidance Notes and Bat Conservation Trust requirements, evaluating selection, position, distribution, intensity, and timing of artificial lighting to minimise light pollution and protect ecological and residential environments.
Quantifiable outcome
- Eclipse Passivhaus Leisure Centre achieves 60-70% less energy than comparable facilities
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Services Design Solution (SDS)
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Services Design Solution (SDS) technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Services Design Solution (SDS) partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
41 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Gale & Snowden ArchitectscorePioneering Passivhaus designers collaborating on Eclipse Leisure Centre, Lowerstone Cottages, and Trent View SEND College projects.
- HLM ArchitectscoreArchitecture firm for Trent View Passivhaus SEND College delivering UK's first Passivhaus-certified SEND school with hydrotherapy pool.
- Torbay Coast & Countryside TrustcoreSDS partners with Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust for environmental education initiatives including Occombe Farm projects supporting Torbay Council's food strategy and outdoor learning objectives.
- Torbay & South Devon NHScoreCollaborative partnership as part of NHS design team for Torbay Hospital-related projects, working alongside Stride Treglown, AECOM, and Mott Macdonald.
- Stride TreglowncoreArchitecture firm collaborating on NHS design team projects including Torbay Mental Health Unit and beaver reintroduction access improvements at Poole Farm.
- AECOMminorInfrastructure consultancy collaborating on NHS design team for Torbay Hospital projects.
- Mott MacdonaldminorEngineering consultancy collaborating on NHS design team for Torbay Hospital projects.
- Ocean Conservation TrustcoreLong-standing partnership supporting marine conservation through Together360 initiatives including Quiz Night fundraising (£8,300.11) for STEMFest 2025 enabling free access for 1,000 children.
- Greater AngliacoreTrain operator for whom SDS delivered Norwich Crown Point Depot extension (£40m) preparing facilities for new train fleet.
- Network RailcoreInfrastructure owner for whom SDS provides rail depot design consultancy including GRIP stage compliance and technical design for Bletchley Rail Depot (£68m).
- Babcock InternationalcoreDefence contractor for whom SDS delivered 9 Dock vehicle and pedestrian segregation project at HMNB Devonport.
- Cavendish Nuclear LtdminorNuclear services company collaborating with SDS on 9 Dock HMNB Devonport project.
- Green Minds PlymouthcoreEnvironmental initiative for UK's first urban beaver reintroduction at Poole Farm; SDS volunteers support path improvements and access infrastructure.
- Bristol City CouncilcoreLocal authority partnered with SDS for One Tree Per Child programme planting approximately 400 trees at Stoke Park Estate to support target of doubling city's tree canopy by 2045.
- Global Gardens ProjectcoreCardiff community growing initiative receiving monthly funding from SDS Cardiff office including composting initiative support.
- Bristol Autism ProjectcoreLocal authority project partnered with SDS for SENsory Forest School workshops funding and facilitation for children with autism and SEND.
- Into the WildcoreForest school provider co-leading SENsory Forest School workshops with Bristol Autism Project and SDS funding.
- Fusion21corePublic sector procurement framework provider through which SDS is appointed to deliver consultancy services to member organisations.
- Department for EducationcoreGovernment department with Modern Methods of Construction Framework through which SDS delivers projects including Firside Junior school.
- Ellacombe Community PartnershipcoreLocal community organisation supported for over two years through Together360 funding sustaining the community garden as hub for learning and wellbeing.
- Age UKminorNational charity supported through Together360 Community Connection donations.
- The Trussell TrustminorAnti-poverty charity supported through Together360 Community Connection donations.
- The Salvation ArmyminorCharity supported through Together360 Community Connection donations.
- St Luke's Hospice PlymouthminorLocal hospice supported through Together360 Community Connection donations.
- Plant One CornwallminorEnvironmental organisation partnered through Planet Positivity for tree planting and environmental initiatives.
- BDMLR (British Divers Marine Life Rescue)minorMarine conservation charity partnered for ocean health initiatives through Planet Positivity.
- University of PlymouthcoreUniversity engaged through lectures, careers fairs, and working groups as part of Empowering the Next Generation programme.
- Exeter CollegecoreFurther education college engaged through careers fairs and educational outreach as part of Empowering the Next Generation.
- Building Greater ExeterminorRegional building programme partnered for educational outreach and careers engagement.
- Building PlymouthminorConstruction industry group partnered for STEM education and careers outreach.
- Willow High SchoolcoreSecondary school engaged through Adopt a School work experience programme.
- Social Mobility FoundationminorCharity partnered for outreach through Empowering the Next Generation programme.
- One Million MentorsminorMentoring charity engaged for supporting young professionals in Cardiff Capital Region.
- GWR (Great Western Railway)coreTrain operator for whom SDS delivered electrical infrastructure upgrades at Par Rail Depot and Taunton HOOB facilities.
- NeuroSpicy Mind CICminorGrassroots neurodivergent support organisation identified via social media; SDS funded DREAMS Workshop series for Southampton families.
- Willmott DixoncoreMajor UK construction company for whom SDS provided Passivhaus MEP consultancy on Eclipse Leisure Centre.
- North London Heat & Power / NLWAcoreNorth London Waste Authority for whom SDS acted as technical advisor on £683M energy from waste facility delivering EcoPark House educational space.
- University of PlymouthcoreHigher education institution for whom SDS delivered Intercity Place (£33m) SKA Gold refurbishment for School of Health.
- University of ExetercoreHigher education institution for whom SDS delivered Passivhaus Multi-Faith Centre achieving full Passivhaus certification.
- Parker Technical ServicescoreMain contractor for rail depot projects including Bletchley (£68m) and Norwich Crown Point (£40m) for whom SDS provides MEP design consultancy.
- SWEU (South West Energy Unit)minorEnergy consultancy through whom SDS was commissioned for National Marine Aquarium optioneering study, funded by EIB/ELENA.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Services Design Solution (SDS) competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Max Fordham: Specialist UK MEP and building performance engineering consultancy known for sustainability, Passivhaus, low-energy design and building physics services. Highly comparable to SDS in technical depth and sustainability-led positioning.
- Hoare Lea: UK-based MEP building services engineering consultancy with deep sustainability, BREEAM and Passivhaus expertise across sectors including education, healthcare, defence and rail. Directly comparable in service offering, client base and delivery model to SDS.
- Skelly & Couch: London-based MEP building services engineering consultancy with strong sustainability, Passivhaus and low-energy design credentials. Comparable in technical depth to SDS, though more London-centric.
- Cundall: Multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy with a dedicated sustainability and building physics team providing MEP design, BREEAM, Passivhaus and net zero services across UK and international projects. Comparable offering to SDS across most sectors.
- Buro Happold: International engineering consultancy with strong UK MEP, building performance and sustainability practices serving education, healthcare, rail and cultural clients. Comparable in technical scope though larger and more global than SDS.
- Hilson Moran: UK MEP building services and sustainability engineering consultancy serving commercial, education, healthcare and leisure sectors with BREEAM and Passivhaus capability. A close direct peer to SDS in size, geography and service mix.
- Elementa Consulting: UK building services and sustainability engineering consultancy delivering MEP, Passivhaus, BREEAM and net zero carbon design for education, healthcare and commercial clients. Directly comparable in scope and sustainability-led positioning.
Broad incumbents
- WSP: Global engineering consultancy offering MEP design, sustainability, BREEAM advisory and rail infrastructure services across education, healthcare, defence and rail sectors. Comparable in capability but much larger and more diversified than SDS.
- Mott MacDonald: Global engineering consultancy providing building services, rail depot design, healthcare estate engineering and sustainability services. Competes with SDS on major NHS and rail commissions but at significantly larger scale and broader service portfolio.
- AECOM: Global engineering consultancy providing MEP, sustainability, BREEAM, rail and infrastructure services across the same sectors as SDS. Competes for major rail, defence and public sector frameworks but operates at much greater scale and with broader capabilities.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Services Design Solution (SDS) social profiles
Digital presenceServices Design Solution (SDS) compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Services Design Solution (SDS) financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Services Design Solution (SDS) leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Services Design Solution (SDS) funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Services Design Solution (SDS) M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Services Design Solution (SDS)
What does Services Design Solution (SDS) do?
SDS is a building services engineering consultancy that designs mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems for new build and refurbishment projects across education, healthcare, defence, rail, commercial, residential, leisure, and public sector buildings in the UK. Services span RIBA Stage 0 concept through to Stage 6 handover, and are differentiated by integrated sustainability expertise including Passivhaus design, BREEAM assessment, Whole Life Carbon assessment, and Net Zero Carbon strategy. The firm operates from six UK offices and delivers projects ranging from approximately £150k to £683M in value under framework agreements and competitive tenders.
Is Services Design Solution (SDS) a public or private company?
Services Design Solution (SDS) is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Services Design Solution (SDS) founded?
Services Design Solution (SDS) was founded in 2005. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Services Design Solution (SDS) based?
Services Design Solution (SDS) is headquartered in South West, including South Wales, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Services Design Solution (SDS) make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. MEP Consultancy Services are the primary driver. The others are sustainability Consultancy, building Physics Consultancy and lighting Design Services.
Who are Services Design Solution (SDS)'s main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Max Fordham, Hoare Lea, Skelly & Couch, Cundall, Buro Happold, Hilson Moran and Elementa Consulting. Broad incumbents are WSP, Mott MacDonald and AECOM.
Does Services Design Solution (SDS) have an API?
No public API is recorded for Services Design Solution (SDS).
What industry is Services Design Solution (SDS) in?
Services Design Solution (SDS)'s product category is Engineering Consultancy Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAHAIAA, Civil & Structural Engineering Consulting. Its NAICS code is 541330 and its SIC code is 8711.