WHO WE ARE
We are talented engineers with the technical proficiency and innovative mindset to evolve the built environment. We are the engineering minds behind sustainable buildings that are intelligent, perform better, and inspire the people who interact with them.
As a vibrant building services and building physics engineering consultancy, we transform complex technical challenges into elegant, sustainable solutions. From cutting-edge HVAC and intelligent lighting to dynamic building simulation modelling and computational fluid dynamics CFD, we deliver technical excellence with exceptional service.
What sets us apart
We don't just solve problems – we anticipate them. Our team of talented engineers combine deep expertise with genuine partnership, staying ahead of industry trends and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
Our commitment
We deliver quality engineering design where technical precision meets human-centred innovation. We combine advanced digital modelling, energy optimisation, and smart building technologies to create solutions that are not only technically proficient and energy efficient, but also intuitive, sustainable and future proof. Our commitment is to engineering excellence that serves both people and performance—ensuring every project we deliver stands the test of time.
When you work with us, you're partnering with innovators who turn tomorrow's possibilities into today's realities.
1986
The company was founded in 1986 by Stanley Lumb and Stuart Thornley with the aim of bringing a fresh approach to mechanical & electrical building services engineering. Drawing from their extensive experience in the industry, Lumb and Thornley recognised a gap in the market for a consultancy that could combine technical expertise with a more collaborative, client-centred approach
1998
In 1998 Thornley & Lumb Partnership transitioned from a partnership to a private limited company, marking a significant milestone in the firm's evolution. This restructuring allowed the firm to gain greater credibility with larger clients in construction, while maintaining the specialised expertise and personalised service that had built its reputation over the previous decade.
2006
Graham Powell and Martin Thornley successfully completed a management buyout of Thornley & Lumb, marking a pivotal transition in the firm's ownership structure and strategic direction. The buyout represented a natural evolution for the company, with Powell and Thornley, taking the helm to ensure continuity of the firm's core values and operational excellence. This management-led acquisition provided stability for existing clients while positioning the consultancy for renewed growth under leaders who possessed intimate knowledge of the business, its market position, and client relationships.
2021
Our Bradford-based building services consultancy took a significant step in its expansion strategy by opening a London office under the leadership of Ken Beall. This strategic move represented a natural progression for the Yorkshire-based company, allowing it to tap into London's substantial construction and development opportunities while maintaining its established northern roots and operational headquarters. Ken Beall, with his extensive experience in the building services sector and deep understanding of the London market dynamics, was appointed to spearhead this expansion, bringing valuable industry connections and technical expertise to establish the consultancy's presence in one of Europe's most demanding engineering environments.
2022
Thornley & Lumb strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Ken Beall and James Forster as directors, reflecting the firm's commitment to strategic growth and operational excellence. These appointments represented a significant milestone in the company's evolution, bringing together two accomplished professionals whose combined expertise and industry experience would drive the consultancy's continued expansion and market development.