STRUCTURAL & CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN
Amphora Consulting provides creative, sustainable and future-proofed structural and civil engineering solutions in the built environment.
Our experience covers all phases of the project lifecycle; concept, option development and selection, detail design and commissioning. As well as designing new developments, we specialise in repairing and managing deteriorating structures, regenerating derelict urban sites and building refurbishments, including listed structures.
At Amphora Consulting we strive to develop practical solutions that enhance quality, combining core engineering services with speciality expertise to achieve a high level of performance and safety, while keeping a sharp focus on economy, buildability and functionality of projects.
DESIGN & BUILD
Amphora Consulting is a strong proponent of the principles of the Design and Build process. We welcome the real benefits that come from putting the designer and contractor together. These include:
- Value Engineering
- Reduced Contract Risk
- Improved Buildability
- Improved Health and Safety.
In addition, we believe that placing design responsibilities with the contractor reduces conflict and significantly helps problem resolution and thereby reduces the possibility of extensive disputes. We also strongly believe that these benefits are maximised by creating single project teams with each partner contributing their particular skill and experience.
At Amphora Consulting our building designers present an immense depth of expertise covering every type of building design. We are actively promoting sustainable development in all we do and strive to go beyond the norm for clients. We bring this approach to every area of our work, from ingenuity in design to quality in service, bringing the expertise of our best, most appropriately experienced people applying best-in-class practice and best thinking.
'Buildability' considerations underpin all successful design solutions and our designers are encouraged to analyse their solutions for buildability, from project inception. We are committed to integrating with the entire contractor design team to deliver economical, optimum and value- engineered building designs.
For Design & Build projects our key considerations and actions we consider important are:
- Establish defined goals that direct the construction methodology.
- Early analysis of construction options with the other construction stakeholders.
- Regular technical reviews throughout the design development process allowing input from the most technically experienced staff within the team.
- 'Good practice' detailing established from previous projects and up-to-date technical literature.
- Consider modular off-site fabrication techniques that bring significant benefit in time and quality.
Early Contractor Involvement
At Amphora Consulting, we believe that the foundation of a successful project is laid long before construction begins. Our structural engineering consultants regularly provide design support to Contractors engaged at the earliest stages of a project via the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) mechanism.
Typical services we provide include: site assessments, buildability reviews, optioneering reports, review of construction methodology etc.
We pride ourselves on our proactive and collaborative approach to all projects and ECI is one area in particular where we feel we can offer the greatest value to clients as there is the most scope to make an impact in the initial project stages.
The benefits of engaging Amphora Consulting as part of an ECI team include:
- Active Collaboration: we promote a team-oriented environment where ideas and expertise are shared freely. This leads to innovative solutions and a smoother project flow.
- Cost Efficiency: early identification of potential issues allows us to address them before they escalate, saving both time and money. Our value engineering techniques ensure that you get the best possible outcomes within your budget.
- Risk Mitigation: risks are identified and managed proactively. This reduces the likelihood of delays and ensures that your project stays on track.
- Design Optimisation: our structural engineers endeavour to refine design proposals where possible to ensure they strike a balance between practicality and safety whilst still aligning with your vision. This often results in a more streamlined construction process.
- Improved Project Outcomes: fewer changes during the construction phase, contributing to cost savings and meeting key project milestones.
Principal Designer & Economic Operator
Our expertise extends beyond the traditional design engineer role as we also provide Principal Designer services for construction projects throughout the UK.
Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), our role as Principal Designers is pivotal in ensuring the health and safety of all project stakeholders during the pre-construction phase. We take on the responsibility of planning, managing, monitoring, and coordinating health and safety, ensuring that risks are identified and mitigated early in the design process.
As Economic Operators, we bring a strategic approach to project management, ensuring that every aspect of the construction process is economically viable and efficient. Our goal is to deliver projects on time and within budget, without compromising on quality or safety.
Our suite of Principal Designer services include:
- Comprehensive Risk Management: We develop detailed Design Risk Assessments to identify and address potential hazards, ensuring a safer construction environment.
- Regulatory Compliance: We ensure that all projects comply with relevant regulations and standards, including CDM 2015, to guarantee safety and quality.
- Effective Coordination: We facilitate seamless communication and cooperation among all parties involved, from architects and engineers to contractors and clients.
- Client Advisory: We assist clients in compiling pre-construction information and ensure that all necessary details are communicated to the design and construction teams.
- Liaison with Principal Contractors: We maintain a close working relationship with the principal contractor to manage and mitigate risks throughout the construction phase.