Gerald David is a Structural Engineer Estimator at Hi-Level Mezzanines. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in the Philippines and is also a licensed Civil Engineer there, qualified to sign and seal building plans for structural integrity.
Before joining Hi-Level in 2023, Gerald worked on a wide range of construction projects, including high-rise developments and hospital buildings. His experience spanned the entire project lifecycle, from feasibility studies and design through to estimating, site delivery, and coordination with contractors and subcontractors.āIt was the whole package, from pre-construction to completion,ā he says.
Fast-moving work
Geraldās role at Hi-Level is focused mainly on estimating, while also supporting the structural team on mezzanine design.
A typical week involves managing live enquiries from new and existing clients through Hi-Levelās iQD software, checking requirements, evaluating drawings, liaising with clients and preparing quotations.
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The work is fast-moving. Enquiries can shift in priority during the day, while more complex projects can take longer to quote because they need detailed thought. Gerald particularly enjoys being involved at the early stage, where he can suggest improvements before a project moves forward.Ā
āI really enjoy communicating with clients,ā he says. āMezzanine floors were a new area for me when I joined, so it has been amazing to explore a new scope of work.ā
Solving problems
For Gerald, estimating is about more than producing a quotation. He takes the time to understand each clientās objectives and assess whether a more efficient, practical, or cost-effective solution can be achieved.
Whether optimising layouts, improving space utilisation, refining structural arrangements, or ensuring compliance with building regulations, Gerald works closely with clients to help them achieve the best outcome. On one recent project, he proposed an alternative layout and staircase arrangement that better met regulatory requirements, which the client ultimately adopted. āClients really appreciate the recommendations we make,ā he says. āI like helping people through my work whenever I can.ā
He is particularly interested in complex projects, including modifications and extensions to existing mezzanine floors. These enquiries require a detailed review of existing structures to determine whether they can safely support new operational requirements. The technical nature of these projects is something he finds especially rewarding, combining his engineering background with practical problem-solving to deliver the right solution for the client. āIt is not just estimating,ā he says. āYou must check whether the existing design is suitable for what the client wants. It can be hard, but I like the challenge.ā
Future plans
As warehouse automation and robotics continue to grow, Gerald is keen to expand his knowledge of mezzanine solutions that support these technologies. Driven by a passion for engineering, problem-solving, and customer service, he is committed to helping clients maximise the potential of their space while delivering practical and innovative solutions. āThat is something I would like to understand more,ā he says. āI enjoy problem-solving, being challenged and doing a good job for the client.ā
For 30 years we have been creating space for amazing things to happen. Contact us today for more information atĀ [email protected]Ā or call 01730 237 190.
Read more from our Day in the Life series here:Ā Johanna Baranda,Ā Leeroy Reynolds,Ā Luis Puglisi,Ā Sion Walton,Ā Victoria Steel-Page,Ā Beth CarterĀ and Chris Baxter.
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A mezzanine requires specialist design, structural engineering and installation. Hi-Level Mezzanines provides a turnkey service, managing everything from initial consultation and site survey through to installation and fit-out.
Steps typically include consultation, design and engineering, building regulation approvals, manufacturing of steelwork, installation of decking, stairs and handrails, and final fit-out with ancillaries such as pallet gates or office partitions.
This guide breaks the stages down into a nine-step process, from concept to completion.
- Building Regulations and Compliance
- Planning and Installation
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Mezzanines must comply with UK Building Regulations to ensure safety. This includes structural calculations, fire safety, escape routes and accessibility, drainage and sometimes energy efficiency. Hi-Level Mezzaninesā qualified structural engineers ensure all designs are fully compliant:
- Structural calculations: the steel frame must be designed to carry expected loads (both uniform and point loads)
- Fire safety: means of escape (stairs, corridors), fire risk assessments and fire resistance of materials
- Access: staircases, edge protection, stair widths, lifts and handrails
- Headroom: minimum clearances required.
- Building Regulations and Compliance
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A simple single-tier mezzanine of moderate size might be installed in a few weeks from order to handover. More complex projects ā multi-tier, with offices and automation ā may take several months.
Time depends on:
- Project size (area, number of tiers)
- Complexity (loadings, integration with automation, finishing)
- Ancillaries (stairs, office partitions, fire protection)
- Site access, fabrication lead times.
Hi-Level Mezzaninesā project managers coordinate installation to minimise disruption. Our process (survey ā design ā fabrication ā install) is designed to be as efficient as possible.
- Cost and Budgeting
- Planning and Installation
