Howard Ward Associates.

Structural Design

We are proud to provide bespoke structural engineering solutions to suit an individual project. From the outset we will always have an open-minded approach to structural form and take time to consider all the factors which influence the final solution.

We enjoy working collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, designing in a holistic and integrated way. This approach is essential in ensuring that a final project incorporates sustainable and energy efficient technologies appropriately.

We frequently work directly with contractors on Design & Build projects and will always adopt a similar collaborative approach. We are able to refine and enhance early stage designs when necessary and have a track record of delivering significant cost savings at tender stage.

Civil Engineering Design

HWA can provide a full planning, design and management service for the utilities, earthworks, highways, drainage and other civil engineering components of your project. We are well versed in all aspects of compliance and are used to dealing with statutory and regulating bodies.

Initial advice to clients will include feasibility studies and discussion of the implications of highway access works. Anticipated works will be formulated with suitable contingencies in place to allow for future discussion and negotiation.

Pre-Planning Services

We provide a range of services which may be required as part of a planning application. Consultations and enquiries carried out at the due diligence stage inform the scope of the services required, which we deliver as part of a coordinated planning submission.

These services typically include:

• Flood Risk Assessment
• Environmental considerations
• Drainage strategy
• Highways access considerations
• Traffic and transportation considerations

Engineering Due Diligence

We can provide due diligence services to inform clients of potential problems resulting from engineering constraints on site.

This is a high-level assessment process, tuned to the site in question and the client’s needs. It identifies key areas of planning and construction risk and is crucial in ensuring that all costs are factored into the development appraisal.

The precise scope of our output is tailored to the project’s specific requirements but will often involve the following:

• Flood Risk
• Environmental contamination
• Utilities assessment
• Drainage strategy
• Structural form requirements and associated budget implications
• Highways access, alterations or constraints
• Traffic and transportation policy constraints
• Topography and boundary constraints

Structural Assessment

Since we started out in 1977, we have produced structural engineers reports on over 10,000 residential and commercial properties. This knowledge bank is invaluable in enabling us to see trends that might suggest a structural defect in a particular type of building, or problematic ground conditions in a certain area. Whether our clients are buying a property and suspect a structural problem, or simply require advice about a property that they already own, we can assist.

We also inspect and report on suspected structural problems when in connection with insurance claims or legal disputes.

Being mindful that most of our clients will not have previously seen an engineer’s report, we take particular pride in providing clear, jargon-free advice, including considered and practical recommendations.

Expert Witness

As Chartered Civil and Structural Engineers, we are able to act as independent experts in legal disputes concerning buildings and building projects. We also have extensive experience in structural issues related to The Party Wall Act.

If you or your legal advisers consider that an independent professional opinion would be of benefit to your case, we would be pleased to help. We will objectively assess the dispute, provide a comprehensive written report to assist in its resolution and attend court hearings to give evidence if required.