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PCA Consulting Engineers

PCA extends conservation engineering expertise

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by Sophia Darke

PCA Consulting Engineers has enhanced their expertise in the conservation of historic buildings.

Conservation engineer Paul Carpenter has successfully applied for and been approved to be included on the Conservation Accreditation Register for Engineers (CARE).

CARE was established by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) to raise the standard of conservation engineering across the industry.

The register is designed for those individuals who wish to demonstrate a defined level of competency in the application of conservation within the construction process.

The main aims of CARE is to:

  • To help clients select a suitable engineer with proven conservation experience
  • Promote sympathetic and best practice in engineering conservation
  • Raise the awareness of conservation in the engineering profession
  • Encourage education and training in conservation engineering

Paul had to prepare five case studies as part of the process, followed by an assessment and a professional interview.

He said: “I very much enjoy conservation engineering and working with architects, contractors and clients to preserve and protect old and historic buildings. It is always rewarding to establish a new use for a redundant building, knowing that its future is then hopefully protected and can be enjoyed for many years to come.”

Coastal path support

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by Sophia Darke

PCA Consulting Engineers Director Andrew Horton was called in when a section of a coastal access path collapsed in the grounds of a private home in Salcombe.

Working with Garry Elliott, of groundwork contractors Elliott Hire Ltd, we have designed a hollow block wall and reinforced soil slope.

The access path has now been re-opened and support for the bank has been maintained.

 

Linda takes to the skies

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by Sophia Darke

PCA Consulting Engineers’ PA Linda Capon soared to new heights when she took to the skies over Bodmin Airfield on the wing of a Boeing Stearman Biplane.

Linda had always wanted to do a wing walk but it wasn’t until her 65th birthday that she got the opportunity to do it.

To make sure she couldn’t change her mind at the last minute, she decided to raise money for two Cornish charities.Linda was originally hoping to raise £65 each for both iSightCornwall and

Cornwall Hospice Care to mark her 65 years. However, she more than doubled her target, raising almost £300 in total.

Linda said: “Although wing walking is something I’ve always thought looked fantastic, when presented with the opportunity to do it, I have to admit to feeling terrified at the prospect of standing on top of a small aircraft travelling through the air at 130mph!

“I can honestly say I loved every minute. The whole experience was amazing; everyone at the airfield was so friendly which really put me at ease.”

New-look PCA

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by Tina Wyeth

New-look PCA is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year and is looking to the future. The Kingsbridge-based structural, civil and conservation engineering company has appointed two new directors and has a new company name – PCA Consulting Engineers.

Director Paul Carpenter said: ‘During the last 35 years that we have been in business, I feel we are dedicated to covering a full range of commissions from small domestic projects to large-scale commercial and residential developments, including historic buildings.’ The PCA Consulting Engineers team sees Paul continue to work alongside Colin Souch and Andrew Horton in their new roles as directors to consolidate 90 years of senior engineering experience.

PCA Consulting Engineers will continue its tradition as a family business with Paul’s son Ross an integral part of the engineering team that boasts a core of young and talented professionals. The practice has been situated at the top of Fore Street for more than 30 years and has always collaborated closely with local architects and builders to produce the best results for its clients.

Colin said: “We believe we have the flexibility and adaptability to provide a truly bespoke service that offers pragmatic and well-engineered solutions. We are all dedicated to meeting and exceeding our clients’ needs both locally and further afield.”

PCA Consulting Engineers offers structural, civil and conservation engineering services, plus structural and party wall surveying, principal designer duties and CDM advice, project management, construction legal services, and temporary works design. PCA works with clients across the South Hams, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, the south of England and London.

“The launch of PCA Consulting Engineers celebrates the culmination of 35 successful years in our field of expertise but also marks a new chapter in our history,” said Andrew. “We have strong foundations in terms of experience and links with architects, clients and contractors throughout the South of England, but are also more than prepared for the future with an enthusiastic and skilled team of young engineers at the heart of the practice. Together, we enjoy seeing the results of our combined efforts come to fruition in a variety of home, work space and conservation projects.”

Click the menu icon top left to explore the services PCA offers and view projects its engineers have worked on.