Introduction to AC Structures

Welcome to AC Structures

We would like to introduce Allan Corfield Structures Ltd (ACS), a new engineering company based in Fife, created by the same team that made Allan Corfield Architects so successful.

Over the past 12 years AC Architects has worked on over 420 low energy homes across the length and breadth of the UK. We have always tried to provide the best service for our clients, regardless if this fitted within the traditional perception of an architectural practice. We have pioneered a self-build tailored service, the early adoption of 3D BIM software and more recently creating a Virtual Reality suite in our offices.

This approach in ‘thinking differently’ has now led to the natural progression of creating a multi-discipline offering. Allowing structural engineers to work hand-in-hand with our growing architectural team. We think this approach will allow our clients to get the best value for money, even when creating their dream Grand Design home.

Initially ACS will provide Structural services for ACA’s current (and future) residential portfolio, as well as providing outsourced services for some of our key partners.

ACS will become market leaders in the design of Modern Method of Construction buildings (MMC), including closed panel timber frames, SIPS and ICF buildings. Using state of the art BIM design and analysis software, seamlessly integrating with our in-house architecture team.

Within 12 months we expect to be offering a full range of Structural Engineering services to other Architects and prospective clients.

In July, we welcomed David Gallagher as Technical Director of Allan Corfield Structures (ACS) with the focus of complementing the existing high level architectural services provided with an aligned and coordinated structural support to provide Clients with a holistic design approach. David will look to establish and grow the structural team over the coming years.

David Gallagher attained an MEng in Civil Engineering Design and Management at Dundee University in 2006. On graduating, he joined Whitbybird (now Ramboll) in their Edinburgh office, where he worked mainly in the education sector. In 2007 David assisted with the design of the Yas Island Ferrari Theme Park in Abu Dhabi before moving out to the UAE as Site Engineer.

In 2009, as the structural works on the Ferrari Theme Park were coming to an end, David left the UAE and moved to New Zealand initially on a sabbatical. David joined one of New Zealand’s biggest construction companies as Assistant Project Manager. He worked on a number of high profile projects, including Te Awa shopping Centre in Hamilton and the Q Theatre in Auckland.

David and his wife enjoyed life in New Zealand so much they decided to stay, only returning in 2012 to start a family. David also returned to the design office, including five years working for Harley Haddow, where he took the structural design lead on a wide range of projects from house extensions to exemplar Passiv Haus research centres and hotel conversions of A-listed buildings.

David has recently undertaken his own self-build house extension where he lives with his wife Rachel and two boys Seamus and Douglas. David enjoys travelling, running and football.

The next step of ACS development will be expanding the team and appointing a specialist who will support David with the current and future workload.

We are currently seeking an experienced and ambitious Design/Senior Structural Engineer with 3-5 year’s experience, preferably including modern construction techniques such as ICF and SIPS. This role is suitable for candidates that are client focused and able to work collaboratively with the design team. The ideal candidate will be actively working towards chartership and excited by the prospect of being an important part of growing and establishing a successful team.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN ACS SERVICES?

Visit ACS website and find out more about how they can help with your project!

ACS works with the clients on various projects such as Self Build, Extensions, Refurbishments and Developments and offers the following services:

Initial Site evaluation service:
- Soil Investigation
- Estimation of foundation type
- Review of surface & foul drainage solutions
- Porosity test
Structural design & analysis of all main structural elements:
- Foundations
- Ground floor slabs
- Lintels
- Structural ties and fixings
- Floors, walls and roofs – SIPS, Timber frame, ICF or traditional
- Additional structural framing (timber or steel) required to transfer loadings down to foundations
- Secondary support for any proposed glazing systems
- Off grid/SUDS drainage design

Structural Engineers Registration Scheme (SER) Certification of all structural elements, in support of the Building Warrant application. This will include review of third-party design elements such as stairs, balustrades and glazing

Ad hoc on-site assistance & reporting

Existing building structural condition surveys

We are always on the lookout for talented and passionate people to join our growing team. If you are passionate about architecture and structural engineering and believe that you are the right person to help in development of ACS, then we would love to hear from you. Just send us your CV to: info@acstructures.biz.