Then. Now. Tomorrow.
Then. Now. Tomorrow.
From Singapore’s first major electric power station to London’s underground rail network we have innovated to solve the problems that faced generations in the past and we continue to bring our pioneering approach to the challenges of the future.
In this space we will regularly share inspirational stories and archival material that demonstrates our excellence and innovation in supporting the creation of the fabric of our society. We will also look ahead to show how we continue to apply these skills to the challenges of tomorrow.
Shaping the fabric of society
A recently launched project to conserve and communicate Mott MacDonald’s heritage is bringing long-forgotten artefacts to light.
We have curated 16 documents and two trophies that highlight the contribution of founding partners Basil Mott, David Hay and David Anderson to the development of London Underground, the world’s first deep level, electric railway system.
Our underground: Bringing the benefits of many decades’ experience, Mott, Hay & Anderson was appointed as consulting engineer to the London Passenger Transport Board on its creation in 1933.
This map of London Underground from that year shows the lines and 58 underground stations designed by the partners before and after the formation of Mott, Hay & Anderson in 1921.
Copyright of London Transport Museum library collection.
Start of the journey.
This is the original agreement between the City & South London Railway Company and Basil Mott in 1890, contracting him as owner’s engineer for the world’s first deep level electric tube line – The City and South London Railway.
Mott's annual salary was £350 (which using the Bank of England’s inflation calculator works out at around £37,500/year).
Innovation
Finding new and better ways to solve the challenges facing society has always been our mission. Undersea tunnels, city metros and essential underground utility corridors in complex ground conditions are possible today because of the ingenuity of our engineers.
From Basil Mott’s pioneering work in the late 1890s and early 1900s to the revolutionary invention of the bentonite shield by John Bartlett in 1964 our engineers have made projects safer and reduced cost.
Excellence
Underpinning all of our work is a commitment to excellence demonstrated in the world leading projects delivered by our predecessors and continued today.
The work of civil engineer James Williamson in hydropower for example, transformed the economy of Scotland in the 1940s and 1950s by increasing access to electricity. His unique dams were not only beautiful but cost effective needed less materials than traditional structures.
Ambition
Recognising our heritage demonstrates our commitment to building on experience to provide solutions to the challenges of the future. Our materials specialists are using their unique expertise to make structures last longer tackling corrosion with electro-chemistry.
Our innovative engineers design climate resilient infrastructure that delivers social equity through better connectivity and improved access to essential services.
Our energy specialists are decarbonising electricity systems to enable the global transition to net zero. In this way our past is helping us to shape a better future for everyone.