Mihai Chelmus is the founder of London Construction Magazine and a recognised specialist in construction testing, structural investigations and complex remediation works. With more than 16 years of hands-on experience across the UK and Europe, Mihai writes practical, experience-led guidance focused on regulation, compliance and real on-site delivery in London’s built environment.
His work bridges the gap between regulatory intent and construction reality, translating legislation, safety frameworks and enforcement expectations into clear, actionable insight for professionals delivering live projects in the capital.
Professional Background
Mihai currently serves as Operations Manager at Swantest, the specialist testing arm of Swanton Consulting, where he oversees operational delivery, technical development and commercial strategy. His role combines senior management responsibility with direct involvement in complex testing methodologies, bespoke rig design and site investigations.
Over the past decade, Mihai has been directly involved in some of London’s most significant infrastructure and regeneration projects, supporting contractors, consultants and clients through technically demanding and regulator-scrutinised works. His experience includes projects associated with the Elizabeth Line, Battersea Power Station, HS2, Thames Tideway Tunnel, Silvertown Tunnel and a wide range of commercial, residential and infrastructure schemes.
Earlier in his career, Mihai worked internationally across Romania, Italy, Ireland and the UK, managing and delivering engineering projects in heavy industry, energy, chemical plants, oil & gas facilities and marine environments. This background continues to inform his pragmatic approach to construction risk, legacy structures and real-world buildability.
Areas of Expertise
Mihai is widely recognised for his depth of expertise in structural testing, investigation and remediation, particularly in scenarios involving live assets, temporary works, complex load paths and non-standard verification requirements.
His specialist areas include:
Mihai currently serves as Operations Manager at Swantest, the specialist testing arm of Swanton Consulting, where he oversees operational delivery, technical development and commercial strategy. His role combines senior management responsibility with direct involvement in complex testing methodologies, bespoke rig design and site investigations.
Over the past decade, Mihai has been directly involved in some of London’s most significant infrastructure and regeneration projects, supporting contractors, consultants and clients through technically demanding and regulator-scrutinised works. His experience includes projects associated with the Elizabeth Line, Battersea Power Station, HS2, Thames Tideway Tunnel, Silvertown Tunnel and a wide range of commercial, residential and infrastructure schemes.
Earlier in his career, Mihai worked internationally across Romania, Italy, Ireland and the UK, managing and delivering engineering projects in heavy industry, energy, chemical plants, oil & gas facilities and marine environments. This background continues to inform his pragmatic approach to construction risk, legacy structures and real-world buildability.
Areas of Expertise
Mihai is widely recognised for his depth of expertise in structural testing, investigation and remediation, particularly in scenarios involving live assets, temporary works, complex load paths and non-standard verification requirements.
His specialist areas include:
- Construction Structural Testing
- Construction Structural Investigations
- Geotechnical and foundation verification testing
- CFRP / FRP strengthening and remedial strategy support
In addition to delivery, Mihai plays a central role in quality assurance, safety governance and accreditation compliance, coordinating with bodies such as UKAS and BSI, and supporting audits, method validation, certification reviews and regulatory submissions.
Editorial Focus
Through London Construction Magazine, Mihai publishes independent, London-specific editorial content covering:
- Building Safety Regulator (BSR) enforcement and Gateway controls
- Dutyholder competence and accountability
- Product liability and regulatory change
- Structural safety, demolition and remediation
- The commercial and programme impact of regulation on live London projects
Connect
Mihai maintains an active professional presence on LinkedIn, where he shares industry insight and engages with the London construction community.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihaichelmus/
Mihai maintains an active professional presence on LinkedIn, where he shares industry insight and engages with the London construction community.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihaichelmus/