He will take up the lead director post for structural engineering from April and spearhead Laing O’Rourke’s push into the tall buildings market.

Laing O’Rourke recently won its first London high-rise commercial project after beating Skanska to build the £318m Cheesegrater and hopes to build on this success.

Scott joins from Arup New York where he is presently leads the building practice within the Americas region.  He has led the design of many large and prestigious building projects in the United States and throughout the world.

Ray O’Rourke, chairman and group chief executive said:  “With over 34 years’ experience, David has been responsible for developing many of the most innovative building designs in America.

“This has included working extensively on the World Trade Centre masterplan and the Freedom Tower, as well as leading the industry review of design standards and procedures for tall buildings, following 9-11.

“The Engineering Excellence Group is bringing together some of the world’s leading engineering innovators.”

Scott will work closely alongside chief engineering adviser, Professor Robert Mair, to develop the contractor’s innovative solutions.

His areas of structural engineering expertise include a wide variety of building types from airports, rail, hotels, museums and universities.

Following 9-11 he was extensively involved in the industry review of design standards and procedures for tall buildings in extreme events.

He has authored papers on Fire Induced Progressive Collapse, and was a reviewer of the US Governments (GSA) design requirements to mitigate progressive collapse, that were issues in 2002.

He also worked extensively with Daniel Libeskind on the World Trade Centre masterplan and his design for Freedom Tower.