How our journey began
Narro was founded in Edinburgh in 1986 by Chartered Structural and Civil Engineer David Narro, with a simple ambition: to provide clients with practical, reliable and creative engineering solutions delivered through strong professional relationships and exceptional technical expertise.
From those early beginnings, the Practice steadily built a reputation for high-quality structural and civil engineering services, developing expertise across a wide range of sectors while becoming particularly recognised for architectural engineering, conservation and the sensitive adaptation of historic buildings. Under David’s leadership, Narro earned a reputation for combining technical excellence with an innovative approach to complex engineering challenges.
Today, what started as a small Edinburgh-based consultancy has grown into one of the UK’s largest employee-owned engineering consultancies, with more than 100 colleagues working across multiple locations throughout Scotland, North East England and London. The Practice now supports hundreds of projects every year, ranging from individual homes and community initiatives to major commercial, industrial and public-sector developments.
David's Legacy
David’s influence on the Practice extends far beyond the business he created. Throughout his career, he became widely respected across the engineering and conservation sectors for his expertise in structural engineering, historic buildings and modern interventions within traditional structures.
Alongside leading the Practice, David served the profession in numerous roles, including Chairman of the Scottish Branch of the Institution of Structural Engineers, membership of the Institution’s Council and committees, advisory work with conservation organisations and government bodies, and more than 25 years as an external tutor at the University of Edinburgh’s Department of Architecture.
His passion for both contemporary architecture and Scotland’s built heritage helped shape Narro’s distinctive approach to engineering. The conservation expertise that remains a hallmark of the Practice today is built on foundations established by David and strengthened over decades of project experience.
Although now retired from leadership of the business, David remains an important part of the Narro story. His vision, values and commitment to excellence continue to influence how we work and how we serve our clients.
Building on strong foundations
More than 40 years after its founding, Narro continues to grow while staying true to the principles that have guided the Practice since 1986: technical excellence, trusted relationships, creativity and a commitment to delivering lasting value for clients.
As an employee-owned business, every member of our team shares responsibility for the Practice’s success and for maintaining the standards that have defined Narro throughout its history. The result is a business that honours its past, celebrates the contribution of its founder and remains focused on engineering a successful future.
