Our Team
Mark Harris
In 2026 Mark became the sole engineering director of SOLID and is supported by a new leadership team. With over 30 years in engineering design, Mark has developed a passion for exciting collaborative design solutions. He offers a bold approach in creative ideas whilst maintaining a careful eye on the detail.
His designs have attracted accolades from the Concrete Society, the steel industry, the Institute of Structural Engineers, the Institute of Civil Engineers, the Civic Society and the Oxford Preservation Trust.
Mark’s other big passion is french antiques. He regularly drags his three boys around brocantes while on holiday in France, searching for "junk" as they put it...
Tom Roberts
Chartered engineer Tom's approach has been described as bold and ballsey; but pragmatic and restrained in terms of complexity and cost. He 'gets' design ambition and adds to it (any architect's dream!).
Add to this his extensive on-site experience as a clerk of works and projects completed in the Leisure, Workplace, Residential and Heritage sectors, and you have a very well rounded structural engineer.
Tom enjoys being active and has competed in the lightweight boat race for Oxford University, both in the annual varsity race and internationally in China along with counterparts from Harvard, Yale and Princeton. Anything but lightweight, we say!
Alex Harris
Chartered structural engineer Alex is known for innovative, buildable, elegant solutions to complex structures. His portfolio spans high-end residential new-builds and intricate refurbishments, and he thrives on technical challenges others find daunting—from Grade II listed renovations to state-of-the-art contemporary homes—combining rigorous analysis with a pragmatic, site-focused approach.
Outside work, Alex brings the same determination to his personal pursuits. In 2024, he took a two-month sabbatical to cycle 10,000km across Europe, including the Pyrenees, French and Swiss Alps, Dolomites, and countless lesser-known cols—a test of stamina, planning, and perseverance he applies to every project.
Daljit Matharu
Those on the IstructE's Thames Valley Regional Group technical meeting circuit will already be familiar with Associate Structural Engineer Daljit's vast knowledge of and enthusiasm for structural engineering.
As professional review interviewer, Daljit plays a key part in helping young engineers achieve chartered status.
When not designing very large concrete tanks such as the 30m DIA foul balancing tank at Blanchardstown or mentoring young engineers, Daljit enjoys getting close to nature during daily walks along the River Thames or longer walks on the South West's coastal path. A spot of formula one watching delivers a kick of adrenaline every now and again!
Gill Sherwood
Senior principal structural engineer Gill's path crossed with SOLID director Mark Harris's at Bath University, then at Atkins and Young & Webb. It seems she was always destined to become part of the SOLID team!
Gill is enthusiastic about working with alternative structural materials such as structural glazing and tensile structures. So much so that she was regarded as the technical authority on those in a previous role.
When Gill is not working, she enjoys getting out and about, clocking up around 20,000 steps everyday with her dog. Gill also enjoys running and pilates. But it’s not all sports - Gill is also an avid Radiohead fan and travels the world to see them play.
Sebastian Rogalski
Sebastian is a Senior Civil Engineer with experience delivering civil infrastructure projects across the residential, education, commercial and industrial sectors. He specialises in drainage and SuDS design, flood risk, external works and earthworks, and enjoys developing practical and sustainable solutions to complex engineering challenges.
Sebastian leads our civil engineering projects from early feasibility and planning through to detailed design and construction, working closely with clients and multidisciplinary design teams. He particularly enjoys the problem-solving side of engineering and finding practical solutions that balance technical requirements, cost and buildability.
Originally from South Africa, Sebastian enjoys spending his time outside of work with his family. You'll often find him outdoors, whether exploring somewhere new or enjoying a walk along the river with his family.
Kim Murray
With an eagle eye for detail, Kim's our Finance Manager. Now firmly established as one of the longest-serving members of the team — over eight years and counting — she keeps the SOLID machine running smoothly, highly efficient and always on hand to support everyone.
Once a keen runner, Kim's fitness passion has shifted to the gym, where you'll now find her lifting weights and channelling that same discipline into the squat rack.
Kim's path to finance is anything but typical: she ran her 350-acre family farm for 10 years - managing the solar park, all the residential and commercial lettings, and 75,000 chickens! Before that, she studied at the London College of Fashion and worked as a mould maker for sculptors. That varied background is exactly what makes her so effective at managing the numbers today.
A Farmer/Finance Manager/Fashionista — a pretty eclectic mix that's become part of the fabric of the SOLID crew!
Richard Young
Richard is a senior CAD technician with more than 25 years’ experience.
Building on his extensive knowledge of BIM, Richard produces 3D models & design drawings using Tekla Structures, Allplan Engineering and Revit. He also conducts site visits & inspections.
He likes to travel whenever he can – whether on his bike to see his favourite bands, paddle boarding around Oxford or with his family slowly ticking off the countries of the world
Elham Rafiei
Elham is a Structural Design Engineer with over eight years of structural engineering experience, Elham has worked across a wide range of residential, commercial, healthcare and refurbishment projects.
She began her career after completing a Master’s in Civil Engineering, specialising in Earthquake Engineering, gaining extensive experience in structural design and construction inspection. After moving to the UK, she completed a second Master’s in Sustainable Building Technology with Distinction, reflecting her particular interest in sustainability and responsible structural design.
At SOLID, Elham works across structural design, surveys and assessments, existing-building alterations and temporary works, designing in steel, concrete, timber and masonry.
Elham’s other passion is art. She creates portraits of people and pets using oils, pastels and charcoal, finding creativity a perfect balance to her engineering work.
Bianca Ivascu
Bianca is a structural engineer who moved to the UK from Romania, bringing her technical expertise and passion for buildings to the SOLID team. Although she originally considered a career in architecture, her fascination with understanding how structures stand and perform ultimately led her to structural engineering.
At SOLID, Bianca works across residential, commercial and refurbishment projects, enjoying the variety and technical challenges they bring. She particularly values seeing a project develop from initial concept and structural design through to construction on site, and ultimately watching people enjoy the completed building.
Outside work, Bianca brings the same focus and discipline to the gym, where she enjoys strength training and progressive overload, continually challenging herself after a busy day in the office.