The LK Group, a ground investigation and environmental consultancy, has appointed Mark Worsfold as Associate Director within its Project Management team. Mark brings over 20 years of experience in retail and leisure development as part of wider town centre regeneration initiatives, with a strong focus on community, inclusivity, and well-being.
Trellises and obelisks are aesthetically pleasing, but also carry structural importance in landscaping, architecture, and urban design. Before issuing your drawings, you need to balance beauty with functionality. There are various aspects to consider, so hold tight as we discuss what you need to check before moving forward with a
Artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics are rapidly reshaping industries worldwide — and the casino real estate sector is no exception. From concept design to operational management, these technologies are unlocking new levels of efficiency, security, and personalisation. Lessons from both UK leaders and global innovators show how digital transformation
The LK Group, a ground investigation and environmental consultancy, has appointed Mark Worsfold as Associate Director within its Project Management team. Mark brings over 20 years of experience in retail and leisure development as part of wider town centre regeneration initiatives, with a strong focus on community, inclusivity, and well-being. He has also played a pivotal role in leading the private sector response to Grenfell by developing robust cladding systems and conducting rigorous testing for high-rise residential buildings. His expertise extends to ensuring compliance with new legislation under the Building Safety Act, including submitting Building Safety Cases, Mandatory Occurrence Reporting procedures, and Resident Engagement Strategies to the Building Safety Regulator, as well as developing complementary Golden Thread management systems. In his new role, Mark will play a vital role in delivering project management for key town centre regeneration projects across Bury, Rugby, Tameside, St Helens and other Councils across the northwest, while also supporting The LK Group’s wider business development efforts. Conor Leyden, Managing Director at The LK Group, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Mark to our expanding team. His extensive industry expertise is a great fit as we continue to grow our project management offering and take on more ambitious regeneration projects. His appointment supports our wider strategic growth plans, and he will play a key role in strengthening delivery and helping us to scale our impact across major schemes.” Mark Worsfold said: “The LK Group already has a deserved strong reputation for excellence in the industry. I look forward to further enhancing the project management capabilities across the team and to support the successful delivery of complex regeneration projects for our clients. The team already has some fantastic projects lined up that I can’t wait to get started on, including supporting regeneration schemes that will make a real positive difference at the heart of communities and shape the landscape for their future.” Earlier this year, The LK Group bolstered its senior team with several key hires including Director Nick Riding, Associate Director for Flood Risk and Drainage Matthew Bell, Remediation Manager Will Fitzpatrick, and Andy Kuehl, who joined as Director of LK Structures, a dedicated structural survey solution. This latest appointment sees The LK Group grow its team to more than 45 experts operating across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Trellises and obelisks are aesthetically pleasing, but also carry structural importance in landscaping, architecture, and urban design. Before issuing your drawings, you need to balance beauty with functionality. There are various aspects to consider, so hold tight as we discuss what you need to check before moving forward with a project that involves them. Accounting for Projected Plant Growth and Weight Over Time Plants grow, and their weight increases with time. Architects must anticipate how the plant mass will evolve over the years. A lightweight vine might start small but could become a dense canopy needing robust support. In the case of climbing species, you’ll need obelisks for heavy plants and durable trellis designs to handle long-term loads effectively. Estimate growth rates using horticultural data or consult landscape experts to avoid structural strain. Consider whether the support system can adapt if the chosen plants exceed projections or fail to thrive in their intended setting. Ensuring Structural Stability Against Lateral Loads Wind, plant movement, and uneven growth patterns can create significant lateral forces. The support structure must resist these stresses without bending or failing. Evaluate load calculations based on environmental factors like wind zones and the type of climbing plants. Materials like steel or reinforced aluminum are ideal for high-stress applications. Include secure anchor points in your design to stabilize the framework. Overlooked weak spots can lead to structural failures down the line. Collaborate with engineers early to confirm load tolerances align with local codes and anticipated conditions for safe, reliable installations. Selecting Finishes and Corrosion Classes for Longevity Outdoor trellises and obelisks face constant exposure to weather. The wrong finish can lead to rust, peeling, or material degradation. Choose corrosion-resistant materials like galvanized steel or powder-coated finishes suitable for the local climate. For coastal projects, prioritize marine-grade coatings to withstand salty air. Match the corrosion class of your materials with site-specific conditions. This ensures durability without frequent repairs or replacements. Also, consider how finishes complement overall design aesthetics while maintaining functionality. Document all finish specifications clearly in project notes to guide contractors during procurement and installation stages. Waterproofing Solutions at Base Details to Prevent Damage Base details are often exposed to water from irrigation, rainfall, and soil moisture. Without proper waterproofing, structural elements can corrode or weaken over time. Incorporate drainage systems to redirect water away from the base of trellises and obelisks. Use non-porous materials like stainless steel for base plates in wet areas. Seal joints and contact points with weather-resistant sealants to prevent water ingress. Additionally, elevate bases slightly above grade where feasible to minimize prolonged contact with standing water. Carefully detail these solutions in your plans so contractors implement them effectively during installation. Fixings, Tolerances, and Installation Best Practices Fixings hold the structure together. Their strength directly impacts safety and durability. Specify weather-resistant bolts, screws, or anchors suited to material types and environmental conditions. Include tolerance allowances in your design to account for minor site irregularities during installation. Ensure all connections allow for secure fastening without compromising structural integrity under load. Pre-fabricated elements should have clearly marked assembly guidelines to simplify on-site work. Consult contractors about accessible fixings for ease of maintenance or replacement later. Prioritizing robust connection systems now is how you prevent potential failure points in the future structure’s performance. Developing Maintenance Access Plans for Future Needs Maintenance access often gets overlooked during planning, leading to unnecessary challenges later. Even though 61% of people are engaged in a home improvement project at any one time, this really isn’t something you want clients to have to worry about in the short term. To avoid this, design structures with reachable points for cleaning, repairs, and plant pruning. Consider ladders or integrated footholds if the height exceeds typical reach. Include removable panels or modular sections that can be replaced. For taller trellises and obelisks, evaluate how maintenance crews will safely maneuver around them. Document clear guidelines in your Operation & Maintenance (O&M) documentation so facility teams understand long-term care requirements. Thoughtful planning ensures ongoing functionality without excessive disruption or costs over time. Final Thoughts In short, every detail matters when specifying trellises and obelisks. Thoughtful planning that covers everything from load allowances to maintenance strategies ensures long-term success. Moreover, addressing these considerations early lets architects create functional, durable structures that complement their designs beautifully while meeting practical demands for years to come, which is really what it’s all about.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics are rapidly reshaping industries worldwide — and the casino real estate sector is no exception. From concept design to operational management, these technologies are unlocking new levels of efficiency, security, and personalisation. Lessons from both UK leaders and global innovators show how digital transformation is redefining the future of gaming resorts, integrated entertainment complexes, and high-value property investments. In the UK, advanced platforms are applying predictive analytics to tailor experiences, improve operational performance, and monitor customer behaviour for signs of risk. Internationally, forward-thinking operators — including casinos not on GamStop — are integrating blockchain verification, multilingual support, and immersive virtual environments to enhance engagement and strengthen security. These same principles are increasingly relevant to architects, developers, and real estate investors designing and managing next-generation casino properties. AI-Driven Personalisation in Casino Design and Operations Just as mixed-use developments adapt services for their occupants, gaming venues are using AI-driven personalisation to optimise the customer experience. Machine learning analyses vast datasets to recommend games, adjust promotions, and influence the layout of entertainment spaces based on visitor behaviour patterns. In the context of casino real estate, these insights can guide everything from floorplan optimisation to targeted marketing campaigns, helping operators boost revenue while maintaining responsible usage tools for guests. Data-Led Security and Risk Management In high-value real estate, security is a core operational priority — and casinos are no different. AI-driven monitoring systems can detect unusual patterns in betting, payments, or access control, triggering rapid interventions. This mirrors the use of AI in commercial property management to identify irregular building usage or unauthorised entry, ensuring both asset protection and regulatory compliance. AI in Architectural and Development Planning The gaming sector’s embrace of AI in game development has its counterpart in casino construction. By combining real-world visitor data with digital modelling tools, architects and planners can refine design concepts, improve circulation flows, and create immersive environments that attract and retain guests. This approach supports more efficient use of space and enhances the property’s long-term operational value. Smarter Payment Technology for the Gaming Sector The rise of payment technology in online gaming has significant implications for brick-and-mortar casino operations. Instant bank transfers, secure e-wallets, and blockchain-based payment systems not only improve convenience for customers but also strengthen fraud prevention. For casino real estate operators, integrating these systems can create a seamless financial experience across gaming, hospitality, retail, and entertainment facilities within the same property. AI adds another layer of oversight, flagging suspicious transactions while allowing legitimate payments to process without delay. Always-On Customer Support AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are becoming standard in the gaming industry, capable of handling complex queries in multiple languages 24/7. In physical casino environments, this technology can be integrated into mobile apps, kiosks, or concierge systems to provide guests with instant access to information — from booking a hotel room to locating a specific gaming table. Global Adoption and Future Opportunities The international adoption of AI and data analytics in casino development shows no sign of slowing. UK-based innovators are leading in areas such as responsible gambling tools, secure transactions, and personalised guest services, while global operators adapt these innovations to suit diverse regulatory and cultural contexts. For developers, architects, and real estate investors, the message is clear: integrating AI and analytics into every stage of a casino property’s lifecycle — from initial planning and design through to operations and customer engagement — is becoming a defining factor in long-term success.