Member Spotlight: By Design Group

by Design Group

Some architects draw beautiful buildings. Some engineers make clever ones. A rare few design the kind of buildings that can actually be manufactured. By Design Group does exactly that and makes it look effortless.

Founded by Matthew Egan and Keith Bennett, the team brings together design thinking, engineering insight and digital expertise to create smarter systems, stronger structures and better spaces.

“We’re architects by background but system-thinkers by nature,” says Matthew. “What makes us stand out is our ability to bridge architecture, engineering, digital technology and manufacturing. We move seamlessly from concept through to delivery, designing with the supply chain in mind.”

It’s a formula that’s helping redefine what good looks like in construction. By Design Group doesn’t just design buildings, they design buildings that can actually be built, choosing the right solution for each project. Sometimes that means modern methods, sometimes traditional ones, always whatever delivers the best outcome.

“Collaboration works when everyone brings their piece of the puzzle and no one tries to own the picture,” Matthew says. “Real collaboration happens when people stop competing to lead and start competing to contribute.”

That philosophy extends far beyond projects. Through the Offsite Alliance, Matthew now chairs the BSI CB/301 committee for Modern Methods of Construction, helping to create new standards that align the industry around a shared language and common understanding.

“Through that role, we’re creating new standards for the sector, starting with terminology and taxonomy, getting the language right both nationally and internationally,” he explains. “PAS 8700 proves that standards can be developed collaboratively, and that shared intelligence can move an entire sector forward.”

Inside the business, collaboration is just as strong.

“We invest in cross-disciplinary learning so that architects understand manufacturing, engineers think like designers, and digital specialists can translate between both,” Matthew says. “Every project is an opportunity to teach, refine and push boundaries. The pride comes from knowing that our people are growing while helping to move the whole industry forward.”

Some of the by Design team

Looking ahead, Matthew is clear about where the opportunity lies.

“It’s in integration,” he says. “It’s about connecting design, manufacturing and digital delivery so that the right solutions become standard practice across housing, retrofit and regeneration.”

And if he could fix one thing with a magic wand?

“The disconnect between policy, design intent and delivery capability,” he says. “If we align those three things, we can deliver real change at scale.”

Ask him why he joined the Offsite Alliance and the answer comes instantly.

“It’s the only space where the right people are having the right conversations about how to build better together.”

For By Design Group, building better means designing with purpose, delivering with precision and collaborating with intent, which, if you ask us, is exactly how the future of construction should look.

To learn more contact https://www.by-design.group