Engineering Complex Structures and Building Shells
Partners to the world’s greatest architects since 2014.
From conceptual design
to site supervision.
FACES Engineering delivers structural and facade engineering for architecturally ambitious projects. From conceptual design to site supervision, we provide the technical expertise that transforms architectural vision into buildable reality. Our approach combines advanced computational tools, rigorous analysis, and collaborative problem-solving to support design teams working on Italy’s most complex buildings.
DISCIPLINES
Facade Engineering, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, and Facade Access. Our expertise is organized across specialized technical DISCIPLINES each representing core areas of engineering knowledge essential to complex building shells. These disciplines are delivered through comprehensive SERVICES that span the entire project lifecycle, from initial Due Diligence and Computational Design through detailed Design development, BIM Modelling, Site Supervision, and final Structural Certification, ensuring seamless integration of technical excellence at every phase.
Facade Engineering
Complete envelope design from concept to tender documentation.
We deliver comprehensive facade engineering solutions, transforming architectural visions into high-performance building envelopes. From conceptual design through detailed engineering and tender documentation, we coordinate with Design Teams to develop custom envelope solutions that honor architectural intent while meeting thermal performance, structural requirements, and constructability standards. Our approach integrates sustainability principles, production feasibility, and installation logistics, supported by rigorous thermal and structural analysis, technical specifications, and economic evaluation.
Structural Engineering
Advanced structural design for complex buildings and civil infrastructures.
We develop high-level structural engineering for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects requiring sophisticated technical solutions. Our services encompass complete structural design, static and dynamic seismic analysis, and coordination with multidisciplinary Design Teams. From conceptual schemes through detailed construction documentation, we transform ambitious architectural concepts into feasible, maintainable structures. We master structural complexity while preserving architectural vision, delivering comprehensive tender packages that balance technical performance with constructability.
Facade Access
Building Maintenance Unit systems and permanent access solutions.
We design and engineer permanent access systems for building maintenance, including BMU (Building Maintenance Unit) specifications, davit systems, and suspended platform solutions. Our expertise ensures safe, efficient facade maintenance throughout the building's lifecycle, coordinating mechanical installations with structural requirements and architectural aesthetics. We provide complete documentation from preliminary design through installation supervision, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and operational efficiency.
Civil Engineering
Integrated civil engineering for complex building systems.
We provide comprehensive civil engineering services for building projects requiring technical precision and interdisciplinary coordination. Our expertise covers foundation systems, drainage design, utility coordination, and site infrastructure integration. Working closely with architects and Design Teams from early concept stages, we ensure technical compliance, constructability optimization, and seamless integration of all civil engineering components. Our approach emphasizes practical solutions that support architectural intent while meeting regulatory and performance requirements.
Geotechnical Engineering
Foundation design and ground engineering support.
We deliver specialized geotechnical engineering services, including foundation design analysis, soil-structure interaction studies, and ground improvement recommendations. Our geotechnical expertise supports complex building projects requiring deep foundations, challenging soil conditions, or seismic considerations. We coordinate with structural engineering teams to optimize foundation solutions that balance technical performance, construction feasibility, and economic efficiency, providing complete documentation from preliminary studies through construction specifications.
SERVICES
Due Diligence and Technical Review
Design (from Concept to Details)
Computational Design
3D & BIM Modelling
Site Supervision
Structural certification (Collaudo Statico)
Due Diligence and Technical Review
Independent review and feasibility assessment with problem-solving approach
We provide independent technical review of as-built documentation, structural and thermal reports, and construction feasibility studies. Our due diligence services include testing witnessing, performance verification, and comprehensive assessment of existing structures or proposed designs. We support clients throughout decision-making processes with rigorous technical analysis and practical problem-solving approaches, identifying opportunities and risks while recommending appropriate technical solutions to achieve desired project targets.
Design (from Concept to Details)
Complete engineering development from vision to construction documentation
We manage the entire design process from initial concept through detailed construction documentation. Our integrated approach coordinates facade, structural, and civil engineering disciplines to deliver comprehensive design packages. Working in close collaboration with architectural teams, we develop technical solutions that realize design intent while meeting performance requirements, regulatory compliance, and construction feasibility. Every phase includes appropriate analysis, specification development, and economic evaluation, culminating in complete tender-ready documentation.
Computational Design
Parametric modeling and advanced geometry for complex building shells
We employ sophisticated computational design tools to develop complex geometries and innovative architectural forms. Using contemporary parametric software, we create intelligent design solutions that optimize structural performance, facade efficiency, and constructability. Our computational approach enables rapid design iteration, performance-based optimization, and seamless coordination between architectural vision and engineering reality. We transform challenging geometries into feasible construction systems through advanced algorithmic design and rationalization strategies.
3D & BIM Modelling
Smart model-based processes for efficient design coordination
We utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM) and advanced 3D modeling processes to enhance design efficiency and multidisciplinary coordination. Our model-based approach enables real-time collaboration, clash detection, and integrated documentation across all project phases. We develop intelligent 3D models that support design development, performance analysis, and construction coordination, ensuring consistency between architectural intent and technical execution. Our BIM capabilities facilitate informed decision-making and streamlined communication among all project stakeholders.
Site Supervision
On-site support and quality control from fabrication through installation
We provide comprehensive site supervision services ensuring design intent is maintained throughout construction. Our support includes factory inspections, mock-up assistance, technical consultancy, and on-site quality control. We coordinate with contractors, verify material compliance, witness performance testing, and provide real-time technical problem-solving during installation. Our presence throughout the construction phase guarantees high-quality execution in compliance with design specifications, performance requirements, and architectural vision.
Structural Certification (Collaudo Statico)
Final structural inspection and regulatory compliance certification
We provide statutory structural certification (Collaudo Statico) services, conducting final inspections and verifications required by Italian building regulations. Our certified structural engineers review construction documentation, verify as-built compliance with approved designs, conduct on-site inspections, and perform load testing when required. We deliver complete certification documentation ensuring regulatory compliance and structural safety, fulfilling legal requirements for building occupancy and operation.
offices
Engineers and specialists
Years engineering complex buildings
design process
Our design process begins with understanding client objectives and site constraints, conducting preliminary analysis to optimize building orientation and energy performance from the earliest stages. Throughout all project phases—from concept to construction—we work in close coordination with architects, MEP consultants, and the entire design team to align structural systems, building envelope performance, and architectural intent. We combine advanced modeling tools (BIM, computational design, CFD) with rigorous thermal and structural analysis to develop custom solutions and detailed specifications that demonstrate constructability while meeting sustainability and budget targets. Our support extends through tender documentation, supplier coordination, mock-up development, and construction-phase technical review to ensure design integrity is maintained from vision to completion.
1Client brief
The first step in the design process is to understand the client needs. A site analysis is essential to mark-up the potential risks and critic items, in order to optimise the position and orientation of the building in terms of energy performance. The preliminary analysis aims at achieving sustainable and energy efficient design solutions.
2Coordination
Our priority is to design in coordination with the Design Team (all Engineering services, Client and Architect) with regards to: coordination façade-structure, to set-up tolerances, loads, deflections and deformations; coordination with MEP to define thermal, psychrometric, solar targets; coordination with Architect to achieve the desired aesthetical appearance; coordination with Acoustic Consultant, Facade Access Consultant; coordination with Project Manager in order to provide solutions in compliance with the budget (value-engineering).
3Design and specification
The design process involves all the project stages, from preliminary to construction. We provide customised solutions of typical and non-typical details. The technical drawings are the results of structural and thermal analysis which demonstrate the details constructability, while materials, calculations, installation, quality, testing, warranties, durability are described in our Technical Specification. FACES knowledge includes the latest modelling software (BIM and computational design) for CFD analysis, daylighting studies, sun-reflection, shadow studies and curved surfaces analysis.
4Samples and testing
FACES support includes the coordination with various suppliers, to provide visual and performance mock-up, together with testing witnessing and assistance.
5Tender stage
The final stage of the design process include the preparation of a design package for tender.
6Construction
FACES provides the technical review of asbuilt drawings, structural and thermal reports issued by contractors. Additionally we provide on-site visits, offsite and on-site testing witnessing, QS coordination, mock-up and benchmark coordination in order to ensure the best quality and conformity with the intended design.
We provide design and specialized technical
consultancy in several branches of engineering.
• Structural engineering
• Façade engineering
• Building physics
• BIM
• Architecture
• Geotechnics
• Construction and Site