Philosophies

It is our belief that there are four basic axioms relating to Consulting Structural Engineering. They are:
- Sound Design and a real understanding of how a structure will perform. This includes both the ability to be innovative and being prepared to consider many alternatives.
- Economy of design. Structures must be affordable and not over designed.
- Buildability. Structures must be able to be easily and swiftly constructed.
- Performance. The Consulting Engineers must have the ability and resources to be able to perform to realistic deadlines.

These philosophies are also applicable to other professionals working in the areas of Building Construction and Civil Engineering, and we have successfully applied these philosophies in Project Management and Construction Programming.

We do not consider that the Structural Engineer is merely there to make the Architects vision stand up but rather to be part of a team making input in a wide range of areas. For this reason we believe that the Engineer should be involved at the initial stages of a project.

Finally, we believe that close director involvement in all projects is essential both during design and construction. We are very much aware that clients like to be able to contact the directors and do not like being passed on to subordinates.

Both Cris Dunning and Adam Thornton are very much "working directors" and one of them will actually lead the design team for all major projects.