Our History

Wright Associates was born in Aberdeen, planting the first seeds of what would flourish into today's MacLeod + Jordan. From day one, we established our commitment to engineering excellence in the North East of Scotland, focusing on civil and structural engineering services that would serve the region's rapidly expanding market. This wasn't just the start of a company—it was the foundation of a legacy built on technical expertise and local partnership.

Meanwhile in Glasgow, Alistair McVitie and Crawford Farquhar joined forces to create D C Farquhar + Partners, strategically positioning themselves to serve Scotland's western engineering markets. This wasn’t just another consultancy—it was the western complement to Wright Associates, creating a powerful foundation that would span Scotland's key economic centers and set the stage for future collaboration.

Enter Roddy MacLeod, who launched his Aberdeen-based practice as a sole trader—strategically choosing the same building as Wright Associates. This wasn’t coincidence; it was the beginning of a professional relationship that would reshape both practices. By sharing space and expertise, MacLeod began weaving the collaborative threads that would eventually unite these engineering minds under one vision.

The natural partnership became official when Roddy MacLeod joined Wright Associates as Partner. This union represented more than a business arrangement—it was the merger of complementary expertise and shared vision. Together, they enhanced both engineering capabilities and client service, creating a strengthened Aberdeen operation that would become the cornerstone of future growth.

Change was in the air. As Crawford Farquhar stepped into well-earned retirement, Alistair McVitie seamlessly took the helm in Glasgow, ensuring continuity of excellence in the west. Meanwhile in Aberdeen, Michael Jordan brought fresh perspective and expertise to Wright Associates. This generational transition marked not just a changing of the guard, but the injection of new energy that would drive both companies toward their eventual unity.

Evolution demanded transformation. D C Farquhar + Partners evolved into DCF Design Consultants Ltd, with Alistair McVitie stepping into the Director role. This wasn’t just a name change—it was a strategic modernization that positioned the Glasgow practice for accelerated growth and enhanced client service in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The pivotal moment arrived. Wright Associates transformed into MacLeod + Jordan Ltd, with Roddy MacLeod and Michael Jordan stepping forward as Directors. This restructuring represented more than corporate housekeeping—it was the birth of a modern engineering identity that would define our approach to innovation, collaboration, and client partnership for decades to come.

Success demanded space. Our expanding team outgrew our original premises, prompting a move to larger offices at 16 Albert Street, Aberdeen. This relocation symbolized more than physical growth—it represented our deepening commitment to the region and our enhanced capacity to tackle increasingly ambitious projects across Scotland and beyond.

The circle completed. MacLeod + Jordan acquired DCF Design Consultants, reuniting the engineering expertise that had been developing in parallel for over three decades. This wasn’t just a business acquisition—it was the fulfillment of a vision that began in the 1980s, creating a unified Scottish engineering consultancy with unmatched depth of experience, geographic coverage, and collaborative strength spanning from Aberdeen to Glasgow and beyond.