Built Environment Archives - Hawkins Forensic Investigation

Clare Waller

Chloe Duggan — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:40:04 +0000

Clare is a Senior Associate Hydrologist with more than twenty years’ experience in hydrology and water management across government, consultancy and academia. Clare graduated with a first-class degree in Geography from the University of Cambridge in 2002, followed by a PhD in river modelling in 2009. She is a Chartered Geographer, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and a member of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management.

Prior to joining Hawkins, Clare was a Senior Technical Adviser in the Environment Agency’s National Flood Hydrology team. She was a lead author of the Environment Agency’s Flood Estimation Guidelines and advised on nationally significant programmes, including NaFRA2 flood risk mapping and major infrastructure projects. Her work included real-time flood forecasting and post-event analysis of major flood events, supporting operational response and briefing activities. She also delivered research projects aimed at improving flood estimation methods.

Clare’s consultancy experience spans a wide range of hydrological and flood-related investigations through her work at Stantec (formerly Peter Brett Associates and Hannah Reed Associates) and Halcrow. She has led multidisciplinary teams delivering hydrological analyses, flood risk assessments and drainage strategies for major developments and planning applications, helping to resolve regulatory objections through robust technical evidence. For risk management authorities, including Internal Drainage Boards, Clare has delivered reservoir safety studies and business cases to support investment in infrastructure management.

Clare brings a rigorous, evidence-based approach to forensic hydrology, combining technical expertise with a practical understanding of hydrological failures and flood events. She is an experienced communicator who presents complex hydrological evidence clearly and confidently, providing technical findings in a way that is accessible to both expert and non-technical audiences.

Claire joined Hawkins in August 2026 and is a Senior Associate based in our Cambridge office.

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From Ignition to Impact: A Forensic Fire Investigation

Chloe Duggan — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:18:18 +0000

Fire investigation is a systematic process that can be used to determine the origin, cause, and development of a fire. It involves the careful examination of fire-damaged structures, analysis of burn patterns, and identification of potential ignition sources. Hawkins fire investigators also consider witness statements, fire dynamics, and material behaviour. By combining engineering expertise with hands-on experience, our investigators reconstruct fire scenes using advanced techniques such as 3D modelling, laboratory testing, and computational analysis. This comprehensive methodology enables Hawkins to provide clear, evidence-based conclusions that support insurance claims, legal proceedings, and safety improvements.

Setting the scene

An industrial building, subdivided into three separate units (Units 1 to 3), was occupied by different businesses. A fire broke out over a weekend and burned for several hours before being brought under control and extinguished by the Fire Service.

The building was a steel portal frame building with block, brick and composite panel covered walls and a composite panel roof. Due to the intensity of the fire, the roof of Unit 2 collapsed and separating walls between Unit 2 and the adjacent units sustained significant damage.

Hawkins Initial Investigation

James Clarke, a Hawkins fire investigator specialising in fire engineering design, fire safety management and fire risk assessment was instructed to determine the cause of the fire. Although most of the items in Unit 2 had been consumed in the fire, James recovered and analysed CCTV footage, which alongside his onsite investigation, confirmed that the fire started in Unit 2. The likely cause was by timber waste produced through the manufacturing process. However, it was also clear from our investigation that there was significant fire and smoke damage inside the adjacent units.

Applying Fire Engineering Expertise

James produced a report detailing the fire’s origin and the resulting damage. He then engaged with a loss adjuster to discuss potential insurance claims related to fire and smoke spread.

Subsequently, James was instructed to assess the insurance policy conditions and investigate the factors that could have led to the fire’s spread between units. This included evaluating the construction of the roof, and the separating walls, and the building owner’s responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (‘RRO’).

Understanding the Building’s Fire Safety Design and Construction

James began with a desktop review of the available documentation. This included planning applications, leases, photographs and interviews with witnesses and fire service personnel. He confirmed that the building was originally constructed in 1952—prior to the introduction of national Building Regulations in 1963. Planning records showed that the layout was altered in 2007, before the current owner acquired the property.

Using photographs and site visits, James assessed the materials used in the building’s construction. He focused on the walls separating the units and evaluated the presence and condition of active and passive fire protection systems.

According to the 2007 fire safety design guidance, industrial or storage premises divided into different occupancies must have compartment walls and floors (a specific type of fire resisting construction), with a minimum one-hour fire resistance (especially in the absence of sprinklers).

Key considerations during the inspection included:

Any openings or penetrations through compartmentation, or imperfections of fit, should be adequately fire-stopped to achieve the same period of fire resistance as the wall
The fire resisting construction should protect against fire exposure from either side
Fire resisting construction should extend to the underside of the roof covering (for example, roof tiles)
The risk of fire spread over the top of the wall via the roof materials must be addressed
Any damage or gaps that could compromise fire resistance must be identified

Hawkins Site Investigation

James’ site inspection revealed that the walls separating the units were not fire resisting where they should have been. Despite the severe fire damaged, it was possible to compare their construction against the undamaged walls, and find traces of materials and systems to help determine how the walls might have resisted a fire.

Findings included:

It was clear that fire and smoke had bypassed the walls of Unit 2 causing severe fire damage at high level in the adjacent units. Combustible materials found on the floor were also damaged by heat and smoke.

Furthermore, the external walls and roof, around Unit 2 had burned and were severely fire damaged. These walls and the roof were constructed from metal sandwich panels, comprising combustible foam insulation. James reviewed CCTV footage and firefighter interviews to understand the fire’s progression.

The footage revealed an explosion in Unit 2, caused by heated compressed gas cylinders, which damaged a compartment wall. The explosion violently expelled the roller shutter door, and smoke was seen issuing from the roof 15 minutes later. The Fire Service arrived shortly thereafter.

James calculated that the explosion likely compromised the compartment wall between Units 2 and 3, rendering it ineffective in resisting fire spread. Additionally, the lack of fire-stopping at the top of the wall between Units 1 and 2 allowed smoke to enter Unit 1, causing extensive damage and contamination to stored stock.

Conclusions

Fire Engineering Support on Investigations and Claims

James explained to the client what fire resisting construction should have been in place and how it should have performed, compared to how it actually behaved during the incident. He also described how the Fire Service had to respond as a result of these deficiencies. Given the evidence collected and presented, it was clear that the lack of adequate fire-resisting construction between the units was a significant factor – and the primary reason for the extensive smoke damage.

Although the compartment walls were constructed in 2007, before the owner had purchased the building, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) states that a Responsible Person has a duty to conduct a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment (‘FRA’) of the property. An FRA must be recorded if:

James concluded in his opinion that the building owner, along with each of the companies who held tenancies at the premises, were Responsible Persons under the RRO. Although the owner had no direct day-to-day use of the property, they still had a duty to ensure reasonable fire safety precautions were in place to protect employees and any relevant persons (tenants and visitors).

While it is possible that an FRA had been conducted neither the building owner, nor any of the companies leasing the units had recorded one. In James’ opinion, had an FRA been carried out, a Responsible Person (or a fire risk assessor employed by a Responsible Person) should have noticed that there was no proper fire resisting construction between the units.

These conclusions were presented in a report to the building’s insurer to enable them to act swifty on third-party claims and enable potential future claims to be made against those responsible for designing and building the fire resisting construction in 2007.

Important Information for Future Matters and Potential Claims

The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced significant changes the fire safety design and management of buildings. Notably, Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 amended the RRO such that:

The Responsible Person(s) must not appoint a person to assist with completing or reviewing an FRA unless that person is competent (RRO Article 9),
The FRA must be recorded as soon as is practicable after the assessment is made or reviewed (RRO Article 9),
Responsible Persons must now record their FRAs in full, not just the significant findings (RRO Article 9), and
The FRA must be recorded, irrespective of the number of employees (RRO Article 11).

About The Author

James Clarke is a Senior Associate at Hawkins, specialising in fire investigation and fire engineering. He has a background in mechanical engineering and has worked across the pharmaceutical, telecommunications, and mining sectors, gaining experience in hazardous environments and process optimisation.

James later joined Arup as a fire engineer, where he developed fire safety strategies for a wide range of buildings. At Hawkins, he investigates the causes of fires and examines how building design and construction defects contribute to fire development and spread. His expertise includes fire modelling, fire safety management, and passive fire protection systems. If you would like James to investigate a fire, please get in touch.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2022/30/section/156

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1541/article/11

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Celebrating Jon Watkins’ 10 Years at Hawkins

Chloe Duggan — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 08:49:08 +0000

This month, we are pleased to celebrate Jon Watkins’ 10-year work anniversary at Hawkins.

Since joining Hawkins in 2016, Jon has built an impressive reputation as a trusted expert investigator, expanding from his civil and structural engineering into a wide range of specialist disciplines. Over the past decade, he has investigated more than 700 cases, including fires, explosions, construction incidents, water ingress, foundation settlement and personal injury claims, leading investigations ranging from small domestic losses to complex multi-million-pound cases.

Throughout his time at Hawkins, Jon has continually developed his expertise, becoming a Chartered Engineer, gaining qualifications across fire investigation and building services disciplines, and becoming an A2 Certificate of Competence-certified drone pilot.

As Jon marks this significant milestone, we caught up with him to reflect on his journey so far.

What brought you to Hawkins?

I was originally recruited as part of our ever growing Civil & Structural Engineering department, which is now the Built Environment Team.

Having worked on large projects for multiple years, I was really looking forward to working on numerous small investigations with a high turnover of cases. One of the appeals was working independently on investigations and having responsibility for my own cases, where I could rely on my own ability and judgement to reach conclusions.

How has your role evolved over the last 10 years?

I have always sought to expand my expertise within Hawkins. I soon moved into fire investigation training, personal injury investigations, and agricultural incidents, drawing on experience gained across a range of disciplines. I love having a varied caseload and I really enjoy learning about niche topics as part of an investigation

If you could give advice to someone just starting at Hawkins, what would it be?

As a trainee investigator, be open to opportunities and new experiences whenever possible. The training scheme gives you the time and opportunity to explore different disciplines and areas beyond your immediate expertise. You may never have this same level of freedom and opportunity again, so make the most of it and grab it with both hands.

What are you looking forward to in the next year at Hawkins?

After three years as Regional Manager of the Glasgow Office, I am stepping down and returning to full-time casework. Whilst I have learned so much in this time, I am really looking forward to getting more opportunities to conduct investigations as my sole focus.

As Jon looks ahead to the next chapter of his Hawkins career, his enthusiasm for investigation and problem-solving remains as strong as ever. His technical expertise, commitment to professional development, and willingness to share his knowledge have made him a valued colleague and trusted expert for clients across the UK and beyond.

Congratulations, Jon, on reaching this fantastic 10-year milestone. Thank you for your dedication, expertise and contributions to Hawkins over the past decade. We look forward to seeing what the next 10 years bring.

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Gigi Howard

Chloe Duggan — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:26:36 +0000

Gigi completed a degree in Natural Sciences at Lancaster University, specialising in Mechanical Engineering and Astrophysics. She then undertook an internship with Foster & Partners, working within the Sustainability Department. In this role, she collaborated on international construction projects aimed at reducing environmental impact and encouraging the adoption of emerging technologies.

She subsequently attained a Master’s degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Bath. During her studies, she conducted a research project focused on contaminated land and water systems, analysing data relating to heavy metal pollution. This work ultimately led to her co-authoring an academic paper on water infrastructure and phytoremediative techniques.

After graduating, Gigi spent two years specialising in design and construction within the built environment sector. During this time, she developed particular expertise in fire engineering, producing fire strategies for a wide range of building types. She also worked in research and data analysis relating to energy and emissions calculation and reduction.

In her role at Hawkins, she draws on her experience in fire engineering, alongside her research and data analysis expertise, to conduct investigative analysis and examine forensic scenes.

Gigi joined Hawkins in July 2026 as an Associate based in our London office.

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Congratulations to Anna Hodkinson on Outstanding Academic Achievement

Chloe Duggan — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:52:19 +0000

Hawkins is delighted to congratulate Anna Hodkinson of Morham + Brotchie on her exceptional academic success, having achieved a First-Class Honours degree in Quantity Surveying from the University of Central Lancashire.

Anna’s achievement is particularly impressive, having attained an outstanding overall result during her degree studies. Since joining Morham + Brotchie in 2025, following her transfer from A. Lamb Associates, Anna has become a valued member of the team and has quickly established herself as a highly regarded member of the wider Hawkins Group.

Adding to this success, Anna has been awarded the prestigious CIOB Certificate of Excellence by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). The award recognises the student who achieves the highest mark on their CIOB-accredited degree programme, making this an outstanding accolade within the construction and quantity surveying profession.

In a letter from the CIOB, Rosalind Thorpe, Director of Education and Standards, said:

“On behalf of the Chartered Institute of Building, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations on being awarded the CIOB Certificate of Excellence in recognition of achieving the highest mark on your degree course. This is an outstanding achievement and the Chartered Institute of Building is delighted and honoured to be able to present you with this award.”

The letter goes on to recognise Anna’s accomplishment and wishes her continued success as she progresses in her career.

Anna’s academic success and industry recognition are a testament to her hard work and determination. Everyone at Morham & Brotchie and across the Hawkins Group is incredibly proud of her achievements and looks forward to seeing her continue to excel throughout her career in quantity surveying.

Congratulations, Anna, on this remarkable achievement and well-deserved recognition. We wish you every success in the future.

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Richard Keightley Highlights Rising Complexity of Flood Insurance Claims

Chloe Duggan — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:15:20 +0000

Forensic Hydrologist Richard Keightley was invited as a guest presenter by global law firm Kennedys to share his expertise on the growing complexity of flood-related insurance claims in a changing climate in their Property Damage webinar.

Joining Kennedys’ Adam Blanchard and Tara Mukerji, Richard explored how climate change is reshaping the risk landscape, driving an increase in weather-related claims, higher costs, and mounting challenges around insurability and resilience across the insurance and property sectors.

His presentation provided an expert overview of the key causes of flood claims, from extreme weather events to drainage failures, infrastructure issues, and design or construction defects, highlighting how multiple factors often combine to cause losses. He emphasised that as severe weather events become more frequent, many incidents may no longer be attributable to third-party fault, making liability assessments more complex.

Richard also outlined the importance of detailed technical investigations in distinguishing between natural events and human or operational failures, using hydrological data, modelling, and site analysis to support or defend claims.

The session offered practical insight into the evolving challenges facing insurers and legal professionals as they respond to increasingly complex flood risks in a climate-affected world.

Richard Keightley is a Chartered Water and Environmental Manager and Chartered Environmentalist. He specialises in the investigation of flooding, water ingress and drainage issues, and has provided CPR-35 expert witness evidence in civil claims for both claimants and defendants. Richard joined Hawkins in 2017 as part of our civil engineering team, having previously worked at two major engineering consultancies, a water and sewerage company, and New Zealand’s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research.

Or read one of Richard’s previous Insight articles on the subject: Basement Drainage Failures: Forensic Insights

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Stormwater Management on Bridges

Chloe Duggan — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:36:51 +0000

Bridges play a vital role in our daily lives by connecting areas separated by natural or man-made barriers, enabling efficient transportation and access. China has over 1 million bridges (CEIC, 2023), and Hong Kong alone currently has 1475 flyovers and road bridges (Highways Department, 2025). Each bridge contributes to ensuring smooth traffic flow and supporting daily commutes.

Bridges are typically designed to last more than 100 years; therefore, ensuring long-term performance is critical. Every year, billions of dollars are allocated to maintaining bridges worldwide and this figure is expected to rise as new bridges are constructed and existing ones age. A well-designed and properly maintained bridge will contribute to both its durability and reduced maintenance costs.

Among the many aspects of a bridge structure, stormwater management is particularly crucial. Poorly designed, installed, or maintained drainage systems can lead to water accumulation in undesirable areas, accelerating the deterioration of structural components and creating safety hazards for users and the surrounding environment, as shown in Figure 1. Effective drainage design and maintenance not only extend a bridge’s lifespan, but also reduce overall operational costs and improve safety.

This article provides an overview of stormwater management in bridge structures, with a particular focus on surface runoff control in concrete bridges and its role in ensuring structural safety and long-term durability. References to established design standards, including the UK’s Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) and the Hong Kong Structures Design Manual 2013 (HKSDM2013), are included where applicable to illustrate best practices and regulatory guidance.

Discussion

Stormwater on a bridge is generally managed through four key methods: Structural Elements, Deck Drainage, Waterproofing Membranes, and Watertight Joints.

1. Structural Design

During the design stage, structural engineers and architects have the opportunity to incorporate strategies into the bridge geometry, surface shaping, and reinforcement detailing to minimise stormwater accumulation, often at little or no additional cost.

> Bridge geometry should ideally prevent standing water or ponding by incorporated appropriate longitudinal and transverse deck gradients. The UK’s DMRB-CD358 recommends a minimum longitudinal gradient of 1:100. Unfavourable geometries, such as vertical sags (Figure 2), can lead to water accumulation and should be avoided whenever possible. Where they are unavoidable, special attention to drainage and detailing is required.

> Structural shape plays a key role in stormwater management. Sloping the surface finish, such as on the bridge deck and bearing seat areas, helps prevent standing water by allowing it to flow naturally out of the horizontal surface towards designated drainage points. Drip edges and grooves are also important, as they help direct water away from structural surfaces. HKSDM2013 provides visual examples of both effective and poor practices for designing drip edges and grooves (see Figure 3). Any gaps exposed to stormwater should be avoided or properly sealed.

> Reinforcement detailing: Design codes and standards typically require crack width calculation to ensure that the size, number, and spacing of reinforcement bars are appropriate. This helps prevent excessive cracking from forming during the service, which could otherwise allow water to penetrate the concrete more rapidly and accelerate deterioration.

2. Deck Drainage

The deck drainage system consists of the intake, the drainpipes, and the outlet. Stormwater enters through the intake and is delivered through the drainpipes all the way to the outlet, where it connects to a local drainage system or natural water body. Poor design and maintenance can lead to several problems:

> Inadequate drainage design: Insufficient drainage capacity can lead to water build-up during heavy rainfall, leading to overflow into unwanted areas. This creates hazards for users and the surrounding environment. Incorporating drainage design from the early stages of bridge design is essential to achieve effective drainage.

> Blockages: Debris carried by stormwater can cause blockages, so drainage systems should be designed for ease of maintenance. Regular inspection routines are also crucial to ensure issues are identified and resolved promptly.

> Unsuitable materials: The material chosen should be durable and require minimal maintenance. Design codes often specify suitable material types. For example, HKSDM2013 requires the use of Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC) for drainpipes in Hong Kong.

3. Waterproofing Membrane

A waterproofing membrane is an additional impervious layer, typically made of bitumen, polymer, or cementitious materials, applied over the bridge deck to prevent direct water ingress. Selecting the appropriate material for each specific project is crucial to ensure effective waterproofing.

These membranes can be applied in different forms, such as liquid, sheet, or spray. It is essential to adhere to relevant design codes when applying waterproofing to ensure long term effectiveness. Improper application can lead to issues such as insufficient bond strength, leakage due to poor detailing, and damage due to construction activities.

4. Watertight Joint

In modern bridge design, continuous bridges are increasingly favoured over simply supported designs. This shift is largely due to the risks associated with bridge joints, which are prone to leakage, deterioration, and high maintenance demands. Modern design codes such as HKSDM2013 and DMRB CD350 include clauses encouraging designers to minimise joints wherever feasible.

In certain circumstances, joints might be unavoidable, for example monolithic connection at abutments or when connecting new structures to existing ones. Such cases present their own challenges, and using a movement joint can be a safer and more economical design choice. In these cases, joints must be fully watertight, and access for maintenance must be considered in the joint design.
Joint watertightness can be achieved through, proprietary watertight movement joints or integrating drainage systems within the joint. If joints are not watertight, accumulated water can lead to:

Role of Technology in Bridge Drainage Maintenance

Maintaining drainage systems on bridges can be labour and cost intensive, especially for long bridges spanning challenging terrains such as seas or valleys. The use of modern technologies can improve safety, enhance maintenance quality, and reduce operational costs. For example, CCTV cameras installed on bridges allow personnel to inspect drainage inlets and identify surface blockages or flooding without the need of road closures or traffic diversions. Drones and drain inspection cameras (Figure 7) can inspect hard-to-reach locations, such as drainpipes running at the underside of the bridge. Various sensors (flow, pressure, moisture, etc.) combined with artificial intelligence have the potential to support real-time monitoring, early detection of anomalies, and predictive maintenance planning. These approaches reduce the likelihood of sudden failures and help maintenance teams respond proactively.

Final Remarks

Stormwater management on bridges is a well-established aspect of bridge design, addressed by various design standards such as HKSDM2013 and DMRB. Adhering to these guidelines when designing both the structure and the drainage system results in more durable, reliable and cost effective bridges. In summary, stormwater management on bridge is achieved through:

Structural design: bridge geometry, element shape, and reinforcement detailing.
Good deck drainage system design and maintenance.
Application of appropriate waterproofing membranes.
Provision of watertight joints and minimisation of joints where possible.

Technologies such as CCTVs, drones, inspection cameras, and smart sensors powered by AI are increasingly important for improving the safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness of bridge drainage maintenance. These tools enable remote inspections, real-time monitoring, and predictive analysis making them particularly valuable for long bridges spanning challenging terrains.

About the Author

Eng Phin is a structural engineer with over 10 years of experience in bridge and building design. He began his career in Indonesia, contributing to major bridge projects such as the Semanggi Interchange Upgrade and Kualanamu Light Rail Transit system. His expertise spans modern bridge construction methods, temporary works, and post-tensioning.

He has since worked on international projects in Hong Kong and beyond, applying local and global design standards while promoting digital engineering in structural design.

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Bernard Travers Celebrates 10 Years with Hawkins

Chloe Duggan — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:16:35 +0000

This month, we are delighted to celebrate Bernard Travers as he marks 10 years of dedicated service with Hawkins. A Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Bernard joined Hawkins in 2016, bringing specialist civil engineering expertise to the business and helping to strengthen our Built Environment offering. Since then, he has investigated more than 250 cases involving civil, structural and building-related failures, developing particular expertise in basement water ingress, building collapses, glazing failures, cladding defects, storm and vibration damage, solar panel installations and roofing issues. He also advises on Building Regulations and design standards, combining engineering analysis, testing and practical investigation to help clients understand complex failures.

Bernard graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2010 with a degree in Engineering, specialising in Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering. During his studies, he was sponsored by Skanska UK, gaining hands-on experience on highways and rail projects. Alongside his technical expertise, Bernard has a passion for making engineering accessible and engaging. In 2017, he won the Institution of Civil Engineers’ Pitch 180 competition by explaining subsidence in just 180 seconds using confectionery.

As Bernard reaches a decade with Hawkins, we caught up with him to reflect on his journey so far:

What brought you to Hawkins?

I first tried investigating building defects in my previous role and enjoyed the challenge of approaching problems in a different way to typical design. Instead of asking, ‘What is the right way to stop these kinds of problems?’, I was asking, ‘How exactly did this building go wrong?’

I wasn’t aware of forensic firms like Hawkins, so when I found out what a job at Hawkins would involve, I jumped at the chance!

How has your role evolved over the last 10 years?

I started alongside two other new civil engineers, bringing the Built Environment team to a total of six investigators. Since then, many more people from a wide range of disciplines have joined the team – I think we total over 40 built environment investigators now, not to mention the Quantity Surveyors from ALA and M+BP that joined the Hawkins Group last year.

As a result, I now spend more time answering questions and supporting others than I did when I first joined. I still seem to have just as much to learn from others, but now it’s more of a two-way street.

What’s one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned?

Knowledge and training are useful, but nothing can replace getting to site and collecting physical and witness evidence first-hand.

When I started, my first instinct was to go from the initial papers straight to my calculator, pen and paper, and formulae. Now, I always prefer to start with a site visit and witness interviews.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

Finding a clear answer to a case that starts with apparent puzzles and contradictions.

Looking back, what’s your favourite team memory?

The London Office Christmas parties in the first few years after I started. The team was smaller then and many people brought their partners. It was a real joy to see people from all different walks of life bonding over having slightly obsessive, nerdy engineering types for partners – and the familiarity of the blue four-colour Hawkins pen!

Who has inspired or mentored you during your time at Hawkins?

Too many people to mention!

Ian Major took me on some of my first site visits, including a particularly memorable first site visit to a scene where there had sadly been multiple fatalities. He helped me tame my writing style to be more focused.

Helen Rosser took me on a few fire investigations when I started. The discipline was so alien to me, but seeing the way that Helen worked opened my eyes to the value of site investigations and witness interviews, especially in the midst of what seemed to me chaotic and unintuitive scenes, where the key witnesses were quite often (and quite understandably) very shaken by recent events. Seeing the work that she and the other fire investigators did brought home why quick, clear investigation and reporting was so important: it lets people get on with their lives after a big incident.

Peter Reupke has always been on hand to help with experience and guidance. When I feel I have ‘got lost in the woods for the trees’ on a particularly knotty technical matter, or that I am going round in circles on a client’s question, he always seems to have either a similar experience or to know the right questions to help cut to the crucial point.

What advice would you give to someone just starting at Hawkins?

Don’t let what you know get in the way of discovering and explaining what matters.

What keeps you motivated after 10 years?

Every case has some new aspect that requires really deep thinking. It’s a pleasure to do that alongside so many engineers and scientists that I truly respect.

Over the past decade, Bernard has made a significant contribution to Hawkins, not only through his technical expertise and the hundreds of investigations he has undertaken, but also through his willingness to support colleagues, share knowledge and help develop the next generation of investigators. His curiosity, analytical mindset and commitment to uncovering the facts behind complex failures continue to embody the values that make Hawkins successful.

Congratulations, Bernard, on reaching your 10-year anniversary, and thank you for everything you have contributed to Hawkins. We look forward to seeing what the next decade brings.

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Hawkins & A Lamb Associates Host Summer Boat Party on Lake Windermere

Chloe Duggan — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:29:51 +0000

Hawkins and A Lamb Associates (ALA) recently welcomed clients, colleagues and guests to their Summer Boat Party on the iconic Lake Windermere.

The event marked both ALA’s continued success and the one-year anniversary of them joining the Hawkins group. This milestone reflects the successful integration of complementary expertise, strengthening Hawkins’ combined quantum, delay and forensic service offering.

Guests gathered at the Belsfield Hotel in Bowness, where the evening began with a relaxed drinks reception overlooking the lake. From there, attendees enjoyed a stroll through the hotel’s gardens to the shoreline, where a privately chartered steamer awaited.

Boarding a classic 1930s vessel, guests enjoyed a leisurely cruise across Windermere. The evening featured live music, freshly prepared food and an open bar, providing a vibrant yet relaxed setting for networking as the boat sailed through the heart of the Lake District.

The event built on the success of previous gatherings, bringing together a diverse mix of clients and industry professionals. It provided an opportunity not only to reconnect, but also to celebrate the collaboration between Hawkins and ALA, and to thank clients for their continued support.

Tom Lamb, Director at ALA commented: “While we were perhaps lucky with the weather, the real reason the event was such a success was our clients. Thank you all for making the evening uniquely ALA – fun and relaxed, yet business-focused too. The great mix of attendees led to some really interesting conversations.”

With strong attendance and very positive feedback, the event highlighted the importance of building connections, and reinforces Hawkins’ and ALA’s commitment to collaboration and client engagement.

Visit the Hawkins Events page to view upcoming events, and register for CPD sessions and drinks receptions taking place in Belfast and London.

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Meet Yvonne Ainsworth: Geotechnical Engineer

Chloe Duggan — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:28:16 +0000

Yvonne joined Hawkins in December 2025 as a Principal Associate, bringing expertise in geotechnical engineering. She is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), with extensive leadership experience across major infrastructure and energy projects. Her background combines technical expertise in geotechnical design and construction, with senior roles in operational management, risk, and HSEQ.

After graduating with a first-class degree in Civil and Structural Engineering from RWTH Aachen University, Yvonne began her career with WS Atkins before moving into specialist piling and geotechnical contracting. She delivered complex foundation and retaining wall projects, including Battersea Power Station and major Crossrail stations, and became a recognised authority in piling and diaphragm walling for high-risk schemes, both in the UK and internationally.

Yvonne later progressed into Director roles, overseeing geotechnical solutions for Energy from Waste and renewable energy projects. She then became Managing Director (Onshore) and subsequently Business Unit Director for Taylor Woodrow’s South Region, where she led a £40m portfolio and a multidisciplinary team.

We spent some time with Yvonne to learn more about her career journey and what brought her to Hawkins.

Tell us a bit about your background and your role at Hawkins

I have always been intrigued by how things work. During my Erasmus year in 1998/99, which I spent at Sheffield University, I learnt about geotechnical engineering, and it has fascinated me ever since. My degree was highly theoretical, so when I started my career, consultancy was the obvious choice. However, I soon realised that I didn’t fully understand how things were built. My employer gave me the opportunity to spend some time on site, and I truly fell in love with it. Having to make decisions quickly, often with limited information available was extremely exciting and rewarding. From that point on, I spent most of my career in construction.

I have now joined the geotechnical team at Hawkins, and am looking forward to broadening my experience into the wider civil and structural engineering world.

What motivated you to become a forensic investigator?

For as long as I can remember, I have approached problems with a forensic mindset. I have always been excited about uncovering what really happened when things go wrong, even though I have spent the majority of my career planning to prevent those situations in the first place. Before joining Hawkins, I was often sent to site to ‘figure out’ what was going wrong, whether this was operational, commercial or technical. This was arguably the most enjoyable part of my job, so the move to become a forensic investigator is probably not as big a change as it looks on paper.

What drew you to Geotechnical Engineering?

Geotechnics has always fascinated me because soil doesn’t behave like other engineering materials, it’s far less predictable. What you do to the ground in one area of site, is most likely producing a completely different response somewhere else. In addition to that, a lot of the work in geotechnics takes place below ground, such as piling, tunnelling or ground anchors, so you can’t directly observe it. As a geotechnical engineer, you rely on your experience, knowledge and a decent amount of intuition. I think that’s a great combination!

“For as long as I can remember, I have approached problems with a forensic mindset. I have always been excited about uncovering what really happened when things go wrong.”

What attributes do you consider important for a successful forensic investigation career?

Attention to detail, as well as logical and analytical thinking. Without those, you are unlikely to get to the bottom of what happened.

What’s the most interesting case that you have worked on?

I was once sent to Montreal, Canada, to help understand why the tendered drilling outputs were not being achieved as expected, and whether this was due to a change in ground conditions. Working in -35°C, surrounded by snow and ice, whilst observing the activities on site, was certainly an experience. What made this case particularly interesting was the combination geology, the effect of low temperatures, human behaviours and logistics. And I have never been to site with heated Portaloos since…

What do you love most about what you do?

I love being a geotechnical engineer. Solving problems or figuring out what went wrong is simply the icing on the cake. The most rewarding part is figuring out what happened and then someone else coming to the same conclusion. I love that I don’t consider my job as something I have to do, but rather something that I want to do. I’m excited that every day brings a new challenge or opportunity. It’s never boring or predictable!

What business advice would you give to your younger self?

Be patient. Good things sometimes take time.

Whilst I have become a lot more patient since having children (and probably with age) it’s still not my strong point. I often have to remind myself that some things simply need time. This is equally good advice when working with people: some people will be with you immediately, while others need time to take things in and digest the information. Be patient in your approach, don’t rush.

“I love being a geotechnical engineer. Solving problems or figuring out what went wrong is simply the icing on the cake.“

Do you have a favourite app, gadget or tool

I don’t have a favourite app, gadget or tool that I rely on for work, but I often go for a long walk or run to think things through in my head and evaluate different scenarios. Finding the root cause of an issue, often takes time and consideration, something that I find best done away from a desk.

What are the biggest challenges in the industry?

The biggest challenge in the industry is the skills shortage. Engineering, especially geotechnical engineering, is becoming less and less popular, and universities are struggling to fill available spaces. At the same time, the industry is losing a lot of experience through retirement or people leaving the profession at mid-career stage.

Another challenge is the mindset around learning. Too often I hear people say, ‘Oh, I did that 3 years ago, I can’t remember now.’ Learning shouldn’t be just about passing an exam, it needs to be continuous and long-term. Understanding the fundamental principles of engineering is vital as a forensic investigator.

Where do you see the industry evolving in the future?

I can see that technology and digitalisation will play an ever-increasing part in the way we build, and therefore in the way things will go wrong. But new technologies will also create opportunities for forensic investigation, whether through the speed with which we access information, improved analysis tools, or new ways of interacting with others and examining scenes. We need to embrace the technological advances and use them to our benefit.

What differentiates Hawkins from other forensic investigation/consultancy firms?

From my experience so far, the biggest difference is the level of investment in staff development. Training is given the top priority, and all aspects of the business contribute to it. I also have to say that everything is much more organised here than any other business I have worked for in the past.

“I can see that technology and digitalisation will play an ever-increasing part in the way we build, and therefore in the way things will go wrong...We need to embrace the technological advances and use them to our benefit.“

Tell us something about yourself outside of work

Apart from the fact that I am German, which, with a name of Yvonne Ainsworth, is not that obvious, I like to stay active. I enjoy going to the gym, playing pickle ball or taking the dog for a walk. I also used to be qualified football referee and once officiated an U18 Arsenal match, and I now coach my daughter in her refereeing career.

What’s something you have done, but will never do again?

Sky diving. I’ve always said I try everything once, but I hated every second of it and screamed the entire way down.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Having a mid-afternoon snooze at the weekend.

Do you have a hidden talent?

People often say I have a crystal ball to predict the future (and no, I can’t tell you the lottery numbers). I call it intuition and gut feel.

What is the top destination on your must-visit list and why?

I have been fortunate enough to visit my must-see destinations. In my thirties, and before having children, I took a year out to travel the world. I visited India, Nepal, Southeast Asia, and Australia. I’ve always loved travelling and experiencing other cultures. I have also been to New Zealand, most of Europe, America and Canada. Africa and South America are still on my bucket list.

What is one song you have completely memorised?

Hakuna Matata from The Lion King. Don’t ask me why.

If you would like Yvonne or another Hawkins expert from another discipline to investigate a case or present to your organisation, please contact us.

The post Meet Yvonne Ainsworth: Geotechnical Engineer appeared first on Hawkins Forensic Investigation.