We are delighted to welcome Minesh Patel to Hawkins, as an Associate based in our Manchester office.
Minesh is a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), bringing a diverse background in structural design and forensic investigation. He holds a Master of Engineering (MEng) in Civil Engineering from University College London and later earned a Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Civil and Structural Engineering from McMaster University in Canada.
Minesh began his career as a bridge and railway engineer focusing on the design, inspection, and assessment of structural systems across various bridge projects. His academic research at McMaster University developed a framework to quantify the demands on elastomeric bridge bearings throughout their service life, considering thermal, traffic, and seismic loads, as well as structural deterioration due to corrosion.
Following his studies, Minesh briefly worked as a Construction and Engineering Loss Adjuster, investigating insurance claims related to structural failures, water ingress, construction defects, and storm damage. He completed his Certificate with the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters (CILA), further strengthening his expertise in forensic engineering.
Most recently, Minesh worked as a Structural Forensic Engineer, where he spent three years leading and contributing to a wide range of investigations. Some of his projects included:
- Analysing structural cracking in a high-rise tower in the Middle East
- Investigating the collapse of a steel frame hangar during construction
- Assessing water intrusion and damage in a modular building during installation
- Evaluating the design of a reinforced concrete building with irregular and offset columns
- Providing technical justification for using UK reinforcement standards on a critical infrastructure project
Minesh brings a unique blend of technical expertise and investigative experience to Hawkins. His background in engineering, combined with his time in loss adjusting, equips him with a valuable perspective on structural failures and complex claims. We are excited to welcome him to the team and look forward to the insight and value he will bring to our investigations.
