Overview
Building styles, like most things, are subject to evolution.
The last decade has seen them evolve for the better. Greater emphasis is now placed upon the needs of the end user with buildings having to be attractive as well as functional.
Consequently new methods, materials and demands have affected the host of professional consultants who are essential in taking a building project from concept to completion.
As consulting Structural Engineers we have kept pace with this evolution and are working ever closer with Architects, Clients and Contractors to ensure a project runs to budget, timescale and plan. Only then can we say that a project was completed successfully.
Success is shaped by many factors, our success is shaped by one – commitment.
Background
Frederick G. Markland Associates was founded in 1985 by principal partner Frederick Markland in association with Christopher Markland.
Frederick Marklands’ background, indeed his whole career, has been in structural engineering. Having studied successfully, he has spent a number of years with several practices.
He eventually became Head of Structural Engineering within the Architect’s department with one of the UK’s largest retailers. Here he gained invaluable experience and worked on projects with construction costs ranging from £200,000 to £8.5m. This position was held for twelve years, working in close liaison with Architects, Quantity Surveyors and other professionals.
Policy changes dictated change and in 1985 Frederick Markland took the opportunity to form his own practice with his son Christopher – a then graduate member of the Institution of Structural Engineers.
The success of the firm has proved this to have been the right decision. Frederick Markland and Christopher Markland are both members of the Institution of Structural Engineers and the practice is covered by professional indemnity.
Approach
As Structural Engineers our accountability is invariably to the Architect. We are responsible for working within his or her plans and therefore the Clients plans.
We see it as essential to work with both.
Since budgets dictate components we are constantly keeping up to date with the latest materials and the practicalities of using them, keeping the Architect informed of any changes in construction specifications.
Teamwork, we believe, is the key word for everyone involved in a project however small. As a result problems are often identified (and solved) at an early stage.
Working strictly within the Institution of Structural Engineer’s code of professional conduct F. G. Markland Associates will be involved in the earliest stages of a project: from briefing to quotation, through to feasibility study, approval of fabrication details and site visits. Additionally we are also responsible for the specification of key suppliers.
Portfolio
Since 1985 F. G. Markland Associates has been involved in a challenging range of projects – a cross section of which are illustrated below.
ASDA STORES LTD. – SUTTON-IN-ASHFIELD / BARROW / BURY
Major extensions and refurbishments to existing sites. Total building costs, £1.3m to £3.5m.
ASDA MANUFACTURING LTD. – NEW ABATTOIR, WAKEFIELD.
Design of single-storey framed structure with network of heavy secondary steelwork to support equipment within building. Total building cost, £1.5m.
ECONCHOICE LTD. – PRINCE OF WALES HOTEL, SCARBOROUGH.
Conversion of rooms into apartments within listed building. Age of property a significant factor affecting adaptation. Total building cost, £1.2m.
BLACKBURN BOROUGH COUNCIL – KING GEORGES HALL.
Phased refurbishment of old halls and auditoria including formation of new gymnasium, offices, external passenger lift and restaurant. Total building cost, £4m.
QUEENS MOAT HOUSES PLC – MOAT HOUSE HOTEL, BOLTON.
Design of new steel frame and crosswall construction, 136 bedroom hotel with conference facilities, underground car park and basement leisure club with swimming pool. Total building cost, £9m.
CO-OP BANK PLC – BRANCH REFIT, CHELMSFORD.
Addition to existing premises involving the loading of the existing structure to accommodate the new extension. Total building cost, £200,000
ENTERPRISE INNS. NATIONALLY.
Structural appraisal and design to enable new layouts and refurbishment of public houses. Total building costs, £20,000 to £500,000.
BOLTON 6TH FORM COLLEGE – LIBRARY & TEACHING UNIT
Design of single-storey load-bearing masonry structure with retained basement and feature truss roof. Total building cost, £450,000.
CO-OP BANK PLC – BULLION DISTRIBUTION CENTRE, SHEFFIELD.
Design of single-storey secure portal frame structure and secure external yard and car park. Total building cost, £1.5m.
UNITED UTILITIES GROUP PLC. – NEW WATER TREATMENT WORKS, BURY.
Design of single-storey portal frame structure. Cavity construction to external walls, piled foundations with RC ground beams and RC ground floor slab. Total building cost, £750,000.
Future
One important aspect we should mention finally is the necessity for good communication – the ability to relate to everyone concerned with each project. Only then can the process of evolution within the building practices operate smoothly and to the ultimate benefit of Contractor and Client.
Good communication is one aspect of our service that does not come under our fee structure.
Good communication should be the first step in all projects.