BUILD Q4 issue

29 Q4 2018 Build 1808BU06 ounded in 2008 by Tim Hetherington, AED is now supported by Tim and two associates, Martin Wright and Mike Shaw, at their offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Bath respective- ly. The staff at AED all share an enthusiasm for projects regarded as out of the ordinary, but also for giving more routine projects the attention that their clients expect. Unlike many other practices today, AED still undertake the majority of detailed design and coordination work in-house. Preferring to take a pragmatic approach where things are employed for the particular advantages that they offer, AED find that sensible, attrac- tive and economic hybrid structures are often the outcome. Overall, the firm’s varied experience and cooperative style puts them in a position to assist their clients in a helpful way, using language that they understand. As an established firm, AED provide the full range of engineering design services to be expected of a modern consulting structural engineering practice. In addition to this, AED has various interesting specialisms, but these exist as part of a wide skill base and this broad perspective is nec- essary for overall success. Going into greater detail about the approach taken when working with a new client, Tim begins by explaining how the team ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved. “Here at AED, we make sure the brief is mutually understood and accepted, and that the budget is realistic. Then we break down the project into identified tasks and deliverables, by stage, controlled through a comprehensive checklist system. The process includes reviews and checking stages and culminates in a post-project learning review where experience is folded back into the systems for future reference. “We have a functional internal structure and enough older experienced staff to assist younger members. Also, we employ a dedicated design delivery manager to ensure client expectations are met and/or managed in advance so there are no nasty surprises.” Having recently found success in BUILD’s Global Excellence Awards where they were rightfully awarded the accolade Engineering Consul- tancy of the Year for Scotland – 2018. On the back of this win, Tim is keen to highlight how the team at AED ensure that they create innovative solution to maintain their extraordinary success. “It is important to understand and accept that there is a lot of conserva- tism in procurement, and it’s only realistic to point out that not all clients want innovative solutions and not all projects require them. “In many cases, the most commercially successful small practices do not innovate; they deliver what their clients want, cheaply, quickly and reliably. Those are the values that the vast majority of clients value above all others. Delivering Results Applied Engineering Design Limited (AED) provides clients with high quality design consultancy, working with some of the best construction teams in the country. After being awarded Engineering Consultancy of the Year for Scotland – 2018 we caught up with Founder, Tim Hetherington, who provided us with a detailed insight into the award-winning services that AED deliver. F “However, where opportunities arise, we have a wellspring of enthusi- asm and imagination for the identification and implement of innovative solutions. A good example is our Tea Hut project, currently shortlisted for Best Project under £1M in the IStructE Structural Awards. This included a fully glazed structure slid out into position over a cliff top. This solution was developed to minimise H&S risks during construction and make future maintenance practicable. “Lastly, we keep a close eye on technological developments in our field via press and attendance at trade shows and professional presentations and talk and listen to our fellow professionals constantly.” Looking ahead to what the future holds for the firm, Tim signs off by re- vealing the exciting plans which lie in the pipeline for BUILD’s Engineer- ing Consultancy of the Year for Scotland – 2018. “Moving forward, we are currently excited to be involved in increasingly large projects including across the UK, from private projects in London to commercial developments in Scotland. The reconstruction of Eyemouth Boatyard, which is a three-year project to rejuvenate this key employer’s facilities in the Borders town, critical to the local economy but also pro- viding ‘garage for the sea’ services for a large portion of the east coast from Aberdeenshire to Lincolnshire. Company: Applied Engineering Design Limited (AED) Contact Name: Tim Hetherington Web Address: www.aed.consulting Address: 23/3 Michell Street, Edinburgh, EH6 7BD Telephone: 0131 5641310