Drawing on extensive civil and geotechnical design experience to provide a design assurance service through design reviews, independent checking, and validation.

Twenty years on from founding the multi disciplinary P&S Consulting Engineers Ltd sees a refocus on my primary interest in all things geotechnical.

Most of the geotechnical engineering design projects I have delivered have been undertaken within a multidisciplinary environment. Effective integration of geotechnical input into wider project teams requires an understanding of how geological conditions influence construction methods, material choices, and programme constraints. Close collaboration with other disciplines, supported by clear and timely communication, is central to my approach. It ensures that ground‑engineering findings—and their implications—are understood across the team, enabling informed decisions that support the overall success of the project.

Identifying geotechnical hazards and assessing associated risks are central to every commission I undertake. For each project, I apply systematic procedures to ensure that risks are either designed out or effectively managed. I continually review the geotechnical risk register throughout the project lifecycle as new information emerges or additional hazards are identified. In practical terms, this begins with a thorough review of all available ground‑related data and, where necessary, recommending further investigations to clarify ground conditions or address gaps in field or laboratory testing.

Early in my career, I became involved in developing innovations in the use of geosynthetics within geotechnical engineering, particularly in reinforced soil structures. I was part of the team that advanced new design methodologies, ultimately contributing to the publication of the first British Standard for reinforced soil, BS 8006. Since then, I have continued this work as a member of the BSI committee responsible for updating the Standard, and I have recently contributed to drafting the National Annex for the second‑generation Eurocodes.

I have published papers advancing the understanding, acceptance, and use of geosynthetics within the civil and geotechnical industries and have presented at numerous workshops and conferences in the UK and overseas.

As a founding director of P&S Consulting Engineers Ltd in 2006, I held ultimate responsibility for delivering technical solutions across a wide range of geotechnical activities, including piling, retaining structures, embedded walls, foundations, slope stability, deep excavations, and settlement assessment. My role encompassed managing, designing, checking, approving, and authorising both my own work and that of the wider design and checking team. Over a 20‑year period, my approach to design assurance resulted in the company having no insurance claims—a record of which I am particularly proud.

Additional details can be found in my summary CV