Unlocking Potential in Space and Advanced Manufacturing with Frank Shaw

Delivering Complex Projects Across Space, Defence, Aviation, Midtech and R&D

As the space and manufacturing sectors continue to evolve at pace, the demand for design partners with deep sector understanding, agile delivery models, and security-cleared experience has never been greater. At Frank Shaw, we’ve been at the forefront of delivering high-performance facilities since 1972 — working across defence, aerospace, mid-tech and R&D environments to support some of the most innovative clients in the UK and internationally.

With over 50 years of experience, our team has delivered technically complex projects for clients including Rolls-Royce, MOD, USVF, Siemens, University of Cambridge, MBDA, Falcon Engineering, and Oxford ARC. Our work spans masterplanning, architecture, interior design, planning, and sustainability consultancy, making us a truly end-to-end partner where every project is a conversation.

Sector Expertise in Action

Aviation & Aerospace We’ve supported the delivery of cutting-edge aviation infrastructure, including:

• Aero Engine Facility – Derby: A £14 million build-to-serve facility delivered within just 12 months, from design to final stages of completion.
• Blade Casting Facility – Rotherham: A £23 million, 200,000 sqft facility developed to scale with a seven-year growth plan.
• Office Refit – Derby: A £0.5 million upgrade to meet modern occupational health standards in high-spec office environments.

Defence & National Security We work extensively across Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) sites, translating complex US military standards into UK-compliant facilities. Key projects include:

• F35 aircraft and intelligence base support infrastructure.
• AAFES retail development to enhance the day-to-day lives of military personnel and their families.
• Multiple secure sites with restricted access and classified requirements.

Space & Satellite Innovation At the heart of the UK’s growing space ecosystem:

• Falcon Engineering Facility – Westcott Venture Park: A state-of-the-art 20,000 sqft R&D facility focused on rocket propulsion systems, including specialist laboratories, chemical production, and rocket testing zones.

R&D and Advanced Manufacturing From early-stage prototyping labs to full-scale production:

• £20 million refurbishment of a critical process building in Derby, enabling next-gen aero engine blade production.
• High-tech diagnostic labs for Medtronic across multiple UK sites.
• Civil nuclear projects in Derby, including flagship office space and maintenance facilities supporting naval nuclear systems.

Trusted, Experienced, and Secure

We understand the sensitivities of working in national infrastructure, and we are proud to hold the necessary security clearances. We’re also signatories to the Women in Defence Charter, actively promoting diversity and inclusion across our teams and partnerships.

If you’re planning a new facility, looking to scale operations, or need a design partner that understands the challenges of secure, high-performance environments, we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s shape the future of UK space and manufacturing together.

Contact:

Margherita Cesca RIBA FRSA

Director + Chartered Architect RIBA MArch IUAV Venice, Italy + UdeM Canada

Cambridge | London | Leeds | Chesterfield | Edinburgh