David graduated with an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cape Town, South Africa in 2002. His MSc thesis involved the refinement of Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry, a laboratory based optical non-destructive testing technique.

David began working in Forensic Engineering while he was employed by GBB UK Ltd, where he was involved in road traffic accident investigation and reconstruction. He gained valuable experience in vehicle examination and accident reconstruction.

David joined Hawkins’ London office in 2004. He has led and managed the investigation of a large number of fires in domestic, industrial, commercial and health care settings. He has also investigated a wide spectrum of engineering-related failures and personal injury cases, as well as being involved in the reconstruction of traffic accidents. The incidents investigated to date include small domestic losses through to extensive flooding and fire damage cases, as well as catastrophic engineering incidents. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. He has experience in the preparation of CPR Part 35 compliant reports, Experts’ Joint Statements and appearance in Court as an Expert Witness.

From 2011-2019 David was also Regional Manager of our London Office, where he is still based as one of our Principal Associates.