Fire Safety Design Consultancy
At Marshall Fire Limited, we deliver expert fire safety design solutions that help you achieve compliant, buildable, and commercially viable results.
From early-stage concept design through to construction and approval, our fire engineers work with your design team – reducing risk, avoiding costly redesigns, and ensuring your project progresses smoothly through planning and Building Control.
Why Fire Safety Design Matters
Fire Safety Design is not just a compliance exercise – it directly impacts:
- Life Safety and evacuation effectiveness
- Planning approach and project timelines
- Buildability and construction costs
- Long-term building usability and risk
A poorly considered fire strategy can result in redesigns, delays, or even refusal at approval stage. Our role is to ensure that doesn’t happen.
Our Fire Safety Design Services
We provide a complete suite of fire engineering services tailored to your project.
Fire Strategy Reports
Clear, structured fire strategies that support planning applications, Gateway submissions, and Building Control approval.
Planning Stage Support, including Fire Statements
Demonstrating how fire safety has been built into your design, meeting the expectations of local planning authorities and regulators.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Computational Evacuation Modelling (CEM)
Our engineers assess smoke movement and evacuation performance to optimise building layouts and life safety systems.
Structural Fire Engineering Analysis
Evaluate how the building structure will perform under fire conditions, allowing for cost-effective and resilient design solutions that maintain compliance without compromising architectural vision.
Fire Safety System Design Advice, assistance with Building Safety Act Compliance
Ensuring that active and passive fire protection measures – such as detection, alarm, suppression, and compartmentation systems – are properly coordinated within your design. Our team can support with safety case reports, the golden thread of information, and Gateway submissions.
Assessment In Lieu of Test (AIT), Third-Party Reviews, Due Diligence assessments and Expert Witness
We can undertake AIT supported by sound engineering judgment and relevant standards. Verify compliance, identify potential risks (before they impact your project). We can also provide an independent, professional opinion in technical disputes or investigations involving fire safety design.
Our Approach: Integrated, Practical, Commercial
We focus on solutions that work in the real world – not just on paper.
- Early Engagement – We get involved at concept stage to influence layouts before constraints arise.
- Risk-Based Thinking – We apply engineering judgment, not just prescriptive rules.
- Design Team Collaboration – We work closely with architects and consultants to align solutions.
- Buildability Focus – We ensure designs are practical to construct.
- Approval Support – We engage with Building Control and stakeholders to de-risk approvals.
Sectors We Support
- Education
- Hotels and Leisure
- Healthcare
- Heritage
- Mixed-use
- Commercial and Office
- Transportation
- Residential (high-rise, mid-rise, and low-rise)
- Retail
- Data Centers
Why Choose Marshall Fire Limited?
Experienced Fire Engineers
Our team brings extensive experience across complex UK developments, applying both prescriptive and performance-based design.
Strong Regulatory Expertise
We work daily with UK fire safety legislation and guidance, ensuring your project aligns with current expectations.
Practical Solutions
We prioritise designs that can actually be built—avoiding over-engineered or impractical strategies.
Collaborative Approach
We integrate seamlessly with your design team, adding value rather than creating friction.
Proof of Expertise
Our team includes qualified fire engineers with experience in:
- Fire strategy development across all RIBA stages
- Advanced fire engineering analysis
- High-rise and complex building design
- Regulatory negotiation and approvals
(See our About Us page for full team credentials and experience.)
Related Insights (Learn More)
These resources help answer common client questions and support your project planning:
- Do I need a fire strategy report for planning?
- What is performance-based fire engineering?
- Approved Document B explained for developers
- Fire safety design for high-rise residential buildings
- Common fire strategy issues that delay approvals
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fire strategy report?
Most developments require a fire strategy to support planning and Building Control approval, particularly for residential and complex buildings.
When should fire safety design start?
As early as possible—ideally at concept stage. Early input reduces redesign risk and improves efficiency.
Can you help if my design doesn’t comply with Approved Document B?
Yes. We specialise in developing performance-based solutions where prescriptive guidance cannot be met.
Do you liaise with Building Control?
Yes. We regularly engage with Building Control bodies and other stakeholders to support approvals.
Ready to Discuss Your Project?
If you need support with fire safety design, speak to our team today.
We’ll help you develop a compliant, efficient, and buildable fire strategy—without unnecessary delays or complexity.
Contact Marshall Fire Limited to get started.