Hawkins would like to announce our new offering of Forensic Architecture services, as well as the joining of both Sam Morley and Alastair Ferguson as Senior Associates within the company.
A forensic architect can help insurers, building owners, and legal advisers determine the cause, effect, and liability for defects in the design and construction of the built environment.
Samuel graduated from the University of Bath in 2003 with a Masters in Architecture having previously graduated in 2001 with a BSc in General Architectural Studies from the same university. During his studies Samuel benefited from the unique interdisciplinary studio teaching with both architecture and engineering students contributing towards projects; preparing him for collaboration in professional life.
Upon graduation Samuel worked initially in facilities management for University College London Hospitals on a project to document and assess their existing estate providing data to enable informed property decisions.
In 2004 Samuel transitioned to private practice in an architectural role at Thomas Nugent Architects whilst he completed his PgDip in Professional Practice in Architecture at University of Westminster; achieving Chartered status in 2007. During his time Samuel led a variety of commercial and domestic projects ranging from new build houses to hotel, office and residential developments.
In 2008 Samuel moved to Mace to become part of their multi-disciplinary design team where he led public sectors projects including children’s centres, libraries and schools. During this period Samuel was seconded for 3 years to Hampshire County Council to lead their nursing care programme, whilst also working on education and other civic projects, as part of their in-house design team working across all RIBA stages in a lead designer and contract administrator role.
In 2015 Samuel returned to private sector projects with a move to Geraghty Taylor where he held the role of associate and sat on the operations board with a remit covering contractual matters alongside resourcing and staff management activities. Samuel was predominately involved in leading large new build residential schemes at planning application and delivery stage. This was interspersed with commercial fit-out, healthcare and technology projects.
After carrying out the Contract Administrator role and becoming interested in design responsibility across the project team, Samuel decided to pursue the MSc in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution at Kings College London, achieving a merit in 2019. His dissertation focused on the impartiality of Contract Administrators and the challenges of the role.
An eagerness to promote best practice and help nurture the next generation led Samuel to become a Part 3 examiner at the University of Westminster in 2016 and then in 2018 at the Architectural Association, where he has subsequently became involved in writing the Part 3 exam and tutoring in professional practice at Part 1.
Prior to joining Hawkins, Alastair gained more more than 20 years experience as an architect in London, specialising in the detail design and construction of complex residential projects.
In 1999 Alastair graduated with his second degree in Architecture from Dundee University. He commenced work as an Architectural Assistant for Paul Davis + Partners in Chelsea, and qualified as an Architect in November 2000.He was Project Architect for a number of small residential projects, including five townhouses in Kensington for Octagon Developments. Between 2001-2004 he was Project Architect for the refurbishment of a Grade 2* listed church near Sloane Square and its conversion into Cadogan Hall, a 950 seat concert hall and home to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 2005 Alastair joined Assael Architecture, an AJ100 practice in West London. As a Senior Architect he led the implementation of several residential schemes for Assael.
From 2010-2012 Alastair worked for several different architects and interior design practices, delivering luxury residential properties in West London and high-end commercial space in Mayfair.In 2011 he gained an MSc in Construction Law, and became a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
In 2012 he returned to Assael, and in 2014 was promoted to Associate Director. He led a team that specialised in the delivery of high-risk residential buildings under Design & Build contracts, including 53 luxury apartments for Grainger Estates in Young St, Kensington and three high-rise residential blocks at Pontoon Dock in East London. He led the team that designed and constructed the award-winning Macaulay Walk development in Clapham Old Town, a development of 13 buildings on a restricted ex-industrial site, mixing refurbishment and new-build to provide new residential and commercial space.
In 2018 Alastair took a new role within Assael Architecture, overseeing all legal and technical matters within the practice.In this role he advised the teams on their appointments, legal matters, technical standards and construction detailing. Alastair was also responsible for the risk management of the practice, working with PI insurers to monitor internal procedures and to address any issues that arose on active and historic projects.
If you have any enquiries relating to how Hawkins can assist you with a matter concerning architecture or the built environment, please contact us.
