Building and architectural design

We provide building and architectural design services for all building types, from state of the art to historic buildings, our projects range from small domestic to major projects of framed and multi-storey design.

Our design expertise encompasses all conventionally adopted materials using recognised and advanced techniques.

We ensure attention is given in design to ensure the building meets the client's requirements for use and environmental performance, whilst meeting the practical constraints of the site during construction.

We regularly design projects of reinforced concrete and steel framed construction, steel concrete and other composite construction, masonry, timber, structural aluminium and glass construction.
Designs of more complex structures are undertaken, including antennae, masts, space frames, tensile, cable stayed, stressed skin, post-tensioned and or pre-stressed structures.

Design and drawing is output using CAD facilities.

We provide in house architectural expertise and advice, but are able to call upon expert input from Architects where the special circumstances or requirements of a project require.

We value highly and ensure development of a close working relationship with the client, Architect and other design professionals.

Please refer to other related sections, these include: Structural Engineering -Building and Structure design, Foundation design, Refurbishment and conservation design,

Refurbishment and conservation design

Please refer to Structural Engineering

Surveys, appraisals, structural investigation and reports

We are regularly engaged to undertake surveys and investigation of existing buildings or structures and to report upon various specific aspects including building and structural condition, adequacy for proposed use or implications of any proposed structural alteration.
Generally such investigations and reports may be divided into four categories those for residential properties (houses or flats), buildings for commercial office or shop use, industrial buildings and structures (free-standing or attached to buildings).

Please refer to Structural Engineering

Subsidence investigation, remedial design and control

Please refer to Structural Engineering

Party Wall etc. Act 1996

Introduction

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 extends party wall legislation and procedures, established in London, to the whole of England and Wales. The act can be viewed by clicking this link: Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Within London party wall legislation existed previously under the London Building Acts (Amendment) Act 1939. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is similar to the 1939 Act but does have a number of significant differences.

The Act makes provision in respect of party walls, and excavation and construction in proximity to certain buildings or structures; and for connected purposes.

The Act with these provisions provides owners of buildings with rights and obligations to other owners.
The approach to exercising of these rights and obligations, also the method and resolution of disputes is set out.

The approach encompasses the requirement to serve appropriate notices and counter notices, issuing of appropriate consents in particular circumstances, appointment and duties of surveyors to determine disputes in accordance with the Act procedures, matters of compensation etc.

Andrew Dust

Andrew Dust is very experienced with building and party wall legislation matters, formerly under the London Building Acts (Amendment) Act 1939 and under the current Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Prior to setting up the practice Andrew Dust was engaged within the District Surveyor's service controlling building matters in accordance with the London Building Acts, The Building Act 1984 and associated legislation.

Andrew Dust is regularly appointed as a surveyor both where a Building Owner wishes to carry out building and or excavation works and or where an Adjoining Owner has received notice of the intention of the Building Owner's works.

Where appointed by the Building Owner we can advise and arrange to prepare and serve all necessary party wall notices, make any necessary appointments and arrange to agree matters and issue appropriate Party Wall Awards in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Where appointed by the Adjoining Owner we can advise and arrange to receive notices, prepare and serve all necessary party wall counter notices, make any necessary appointments and arrange to agree matters and issue appropriate Party Wall Awards in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Advice may be given upon the extent and limitations of the respective owners rights and obligations under the Act.

Schedules of condition of adjoining property would be prepared and agreed between the surveyors, which we would normally prepare when appointed by the Building Owner.

In all cases we will act with due care and in a spirit of co-operation between parties, liasing with the respective owners and appointed surveyors to reach agreement.

If any other matters arise which are outside the scope of party wall matters separate instructions may be required for us to advise and act as necessary.

Property and land development

Professional advice in respect of property and land development is a valued part of the professional services we offer.

Our brief can be detailed to suit each particular commission and may include the following scope of services:

· Initial inspection of property and or land
· Examination of vendors or agents details and particulars of sale
· Advice and report upon condition and aspects of purchase or sale
· Advice and report upon acquisitions and aspects of purchase or sale
· Feasibility study and report upon property and land current and future uses and or development potential
· Property, building and land legislation
· Obtaining, making applications or advising upon the implications of statutory controls and approvals including Town Planning, Conservation Area, buildings listed of special or historic interest, archaeological investigations, ancient monuments and sites, dangerous and neglected structures, environmental health actions and health and safety issues.
· Rights of adjoining owners, boundary and party wall legislation
· Way leaves and rights of light
· Property and land management
· Project management of property and building contracts
· Building or structure and or foundation design and control
· Building and ground investigation

Please refer to other related sections, these include: Structural Engineering - Building and Structure design, Refurbishment and conservation design, surveys, appraisals, structural investigation and reports, ground and foundation investigation.

Andrew Dust

Andrew Dust is very experienced with property and land development matters.

Prior to setting up the practice Andrew Dust controlled as director a property and building development company.

Andrew Dust was active in all spheres of property and land development and responsible for:

· Search and acquisition of land and buildings.
· Detailed consideration and assessment of development potential.
· Funding and financial control of land and building development and building contracts
· Complete building, architectural and structural design and control
· Project management and control of building projects including running of main contractor and supervision sub-contractors
· Obtaining all statutory approvals, way leaves and party wall agreements etc.
· Negotiation with prospective purchasers and agents and control of property and land sales
· Ongoing maintenance and control of property and land acquisitions.

Project management

Professional advice in respect of project management of building and development projects is a valued part of the professional services we offer.

We can provide professional services for all building types, from state of the art to historic buildings, our projects range from small domestic to major projects of framed and multi-storey design.

We value highly and ensure development of a close working relationship with all parties, the client, funding body, design professionals, contractor and statutory authorities.

Our brief can be detailed to suit each particular commission and may include the project management of the following:

· Property and land development
· Funding and financial control
· Development site, land or property
· Design consultants selection, appointment and control
· Building contractor/s selection, appointment and control
· Building contracts including tendering and contract administration
· Obtaining, making applications or advising upon the implications of statutory controls and approvals

Please refer to other related sections, these include: Property and land development, contract administration Structural Engineering - Building and Structure design, Refurbishment and conservation design, surveys, appraisals, structural investigation and reports, ground and foundation investigation.

Andrew Dust

Andrew Dust is very experienced with project management of building and development projects.

We as structural engineers often provide complete project management with Andrew Dust taking prime responsibility for the successful completion of the tasks required.

Prior to setting up the practice Andrew Dust controlled as director a property and building development company.

Andrew Dust was active in all spheres of project management and responsible for:

· Search and acquisition of land and buildings.
· Detailed consideration and assessment of development potential.
· Funding and financial control of land and building development and building contracts
· Complete building, architectural and structural design and control
· Control of building projects including running of main contractor and supervision of subcontractors
· Obtaining all statutory approvals, way leaves and party wall agreements etc.
· Negotiation with prospective purchasers and agents and control of property and land sales
· Ongoing maintenance and control of property and land acquisitions.

Contract administration

We provide professional contract administration for all categories of building projects, from state of the art to historic buildings, projects range from small domestic to major projects of framed and multi-storey design.

Normally contract administration will be carried out in accordance with JCT IFC or Minor Works form of contracts.

Contract administration can be provided under other contractors including JCT Design and construct and ICE contracts.

We value highly and ensure development of a close working relationship with the client, contractor, Architect and other design professionals.

Close control of building projects is adhered to from initial liaison, tendering, pre-contract control, through to full contract administration until building works completion.

Regular building and valuation inspections are undertaken as required by the respective building contracts.

We use specially prepared computer programs to control and issue contract instructions, valuations and certificates for interim and final contract payments.

Building Regulations and Building Act

We provide specialist advice in respect of the Building Regulations and Building regulations. Also related legislation including the remaining operative parts of the London Building Acts (Amendment) Act 1939.

We can advise clients, Architects and other design professionals on particular requirements of the Building Regulations and Building Act relating to projects including:

· General building and drainage requirements
· Thermal insulation and condensation control
· Protection of buildings against damp from the ground
· Structural and foundation requirements
· Fire precautions
· Means of escape in case of fire
· Applicability to existing buildings
· Applicability or affect upon adjoining buildings
· Enforcement action
· Dangerous and neglected structures

Andrew Dust

Andrew Dust is very experienced with Building Regulations and Building Act legislation matters, under the current legislation and formerly under the London Building Acts (Amendment) Act 1939.

Prior to setting up the practice Andrew Dust was engaged for thirteen years within the District Surveyor's service, rising to Deputy District Surveyor acting and controlling building matters in accordance with the London Building Acts, The Building Act 1984, Building Regulations and associated legislation.

Andrew Dust was based in the City of London and London boroughs of Hackney and Westminster and has a detailed knowledge of building related matters throughout London

Andrew Dust would be please to help and provide detailed assistance where difficult or special circumstances require.

Town Planning, Buildings of Special or Historic Interest, Ancient Monument and Conservation Areas

Professional advice in respect of project planning and obtaining appropriate statutory approvals is a valued part of the professional services we offer.

We value highly and ensure development of a close working relationship with all parties, the client, design professionals, contractor and statutory authorities.

We can provide and or arrange specialist advice in respect of Town Planning and related legislation for buildings, structures and ground works.

We can obtain, make applications and advise upon the implications of statutory controls and approvals including:

· Town Planning
· Conservation Areas
· Buildings listed of special or historic interest.
· Archaeological investigations
· Ancient monuments and sites

We are able to readily call upon specialist advice from our Town Planning consultants, who are experts in Town Planning control, enforcement and associated legislation.

Please refer to other related sections, these include: Building Regulations and Building Act, Party Wall etc. Act 1996, Property and land development, Building and Structure design, Refurbishment and conservation design