Existing building consulting | Smarter, sustainable solutions

Our expertise Projects Services Insights

We’re helping our clients reuse their existing buildings through creative design, technological expertise and our passion to change the world for the better.

Around 80% of the world’s buildings will still be here in 2050. There is a huge opportunity to reuse them to reduce carbon emissions and save resources, while increasing their resilience to climate change and maximising their social, commercial and environmental impact. But there are also challenges, from the size and scale of the task to the ingenuity and ambition needed to make it happen.

Our people are at the forefront of building transformation – helping to change people’s mindset from “I need a new building” to “how can I reuse an existing one?” Reimagining the built environment we already have to create high-performing, efficient, future-proof buildings, rooted in the culture and history of the neighborhoods they belong to.

Ingenuity and collaboration between asset owners, the construction industry and the supply chain is critical to decarbonise and create better buildings and places for people. The imperative is to modernise our existing buildings and take advantage of smart digital solutions to minimise the whole life carbon of these assets.

Tom Smith Global Director, Property and Buildings

Tom Smith Global Director, Property and Buildings

Our expertise

Heritage

Throughout the world, heritage buildings and sites symbolise our shared journey through the ages. The challenge is how to preserve and respect their historic and cultural significance, while meeting the needs of modern building users and a future net zero economy. We work with clients across the public and private sectors to renovate and repurpose heritage buildings, preserve and protect archaeological sites and retrofit new solutions – including energy-efficient building services and the latest digital technologies.

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Adaptive reuse

Existing buildings that were designed for a specific purpose, but are no longer needed, or are at risk of becoming stranded assets, can often be redesigned for something different to reflect the changes in our shopping, leisure and business habits. Our specialist engineers, designers and heritage advisors help clients assess the opportunities for their existing buildings and transform them for the next generation – creating exciting new places for people to live, work and enjoy using the architecture that’s already there.

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Refurbishment

Reusing and retrofitting existing buildings will save both embodied and operational carbon and aid in climate adaptation. Our multidisciplinary teams help building owners refurbish and future proof their assets to meet new standards and market expectations. From renovating exteriors and interiors and maximising floorspace, to upgrading building services and optimising operational performance throughout a building’s lifetime.

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Portfolio decarbonisation

The built environment needs to modernise, adapt and decarbonise to stay Future Ready. The challenge for asset owners and managers is how to do it at speed and scale while maximising return on investment and minimising disruption. We have developed a structured, data-led approach to decarbonise existing building portfolios. From identifying which assets have the most decarbonisation potential, to the interventions that will have the maximum benefit and a roadmap to follow. Together, we’re helping our clients achieve their science-based targets, attract green investors and meet society’s evolving needs.

Discover our existing buildings’ work

Denmark

Copenhagen City Hall

A flagship project to modernise heating and ventilation at Copenhagen City Hall will achieve heating energy savings of 80%, demonstrating the contribution historic buildings can make in the transition to net zero.

thn-website-Utility-Thermal-Energy-Networks

New York, USA

Con Edison Thermal Energy Network Pilots in New York City

Piloting Utility Thermal Energy Network solutions for more equitable energy distribution across neighborhoods in the nation’s most populous city.

London, United Kingdom

London bridge station redevelopment

London Bridge station has been completely rebuilt, transforming central London’s oldest station into one fit for the twenty-first century by making it modern, spacious and fully accessible.

Ottawa, Canada

Centre Block Rehabilitation Project

WSP is guiding the CENTRUS joint venture and providing engineering and design management services for Canada’s largest and most complex heritage rehabilitation project.

London, United Kingdom

Reusing and Repurposing Existing Buildings

WSP worked with Ashby Capital and Janson Urban to reuse and grow the existing structure of the Kensington Building, which created larger more effective retail and office spaces while reducing carbon emissions from construction.

London, United Kingdom

London office sustainable retrofit

Our engineers pioneered innovative building systems to upgrade our London office. The result is a space that drastically lowers energy demand, enhances our teams’ wellbeing and promotes productivity.

Washington, DC, USA

Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg Center

This new graduate center brings Johns Hopkins to the Washington Metro area and connects people, ideas and disciplines through both its programming and its design.

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Connecting Journeys At Logan International Airport

A multiphase project between the airport’s busiest terminals seamlessly links travelers to their next destination.

Project

Delivering the Rosalind Franklin Laboratory

How collaborative working helped transform an industrial building in Royal Leamington Spa into one of the world’s largest coronavirus diagnostic testing facilities in record time.

Santiago, Chile

Claro Arena: Engineering and Sustainability Redefining the Sporting Standard

The inauguration of Claro Arena—the renovated stadium of Club Deportivo Universidad Católica, located in San Carlos de Apoquindo in Santiago, Chile—marks a milestone in the advancement of sustainable infrastructure in Latin America. Conceived as a cultural, social, and sporting hub, this modern venue has been designed under international standards of efficiency and sustainability, positioning itself as a benchmark for resilient, environmentally responsible construction.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

YVR Terminal D – Vancouver Airport Expansion

This stunning airport expansion enhances convenience and offers a unique sense of place while reinforcing YVR’s commitment to sustainability and achieving its goal of connecting more travellers to their destinations.

London, United Kingdom

Engineering 40 Leadenhall, the future of premium office spaces

A collaborative project developing premium office spaces, the largest project approved in London’s historic core. Integrating innovative engineering into the building, seamlessly blending centuries of tradition with modern design and sustainable technology built for the future.

Do you need support on existing buildings?

Get in touch with our multidisciplinary buildings experts today.

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Join a team of talented people looking to have a positive impact, shape engaging places and see the future clearly.

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Existing buildings

Existing buildings

We’re helping our clients reuse their existing buildings through creative design, technological expertise and our passion to change the world for the better.

Our expertise

Heritage

Adaptive reuse

Refurbishment

Portfolio decarbonisation