A lecture sharing real-world experiences from three committee members involved in refurbishment and renovation projects.

In the run-up to Halloween, IStructE South Wales Hub Group invite you to an evening lecture presented by three committee members who will share their real-world experiences working on refurbishment and renovation projects. The session will explore challenges and “horror stories” encountered on site, including issues such as dry rot, poor workmanship, and other defects that can arise during existing-building projects. This includes understanding why you need to be clear when we communicate concepts and requirements effectively and leave nothing to chance. There will be an opportunity after the talk to ask questions and gain advice about best practice.

Speakers

Jeremy Kent, Associate, Curtins

Jeremy is a chartered structural engineer and has been in the industry for 30 years working on a range of exciting projects in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and NZ. He has worked on a broad variety of structures ranging from sport stadii, hospitals, defence, education, commercial and residential high-rise, refurbishment of existing buildings , earthquake resistant structures, airports, bridges and numerous other structural forms. Jeremy has been involved with the Wales Regional Group for 12 years including a year as Chair.

Nikki Stockbridge, Associate, Arup

Nikki graduated from Cardiff University in 2004 and has worked at Arup ever since. Nikki is a Chartered Structural and Civil Engineer working within the Structures Group in the Arup Cardiff Office. Nikki has extensive experience of working on remedial and diagnostics projects; investigating building performance issues including material deterioration, glass breakage and leakage. Her knowledge of building defects and their causes has resulted in Nikki undertaking a number of reviewing and survey roles. Nikki is a strong advocate for building retrofit over demolition. Nikki is a past chair of the Wales Branch of the Institution of Structural Engineers and became a Fellow in 2024 due to her technical skills and keen focus on mentoring and knowledge sharing.

Pierre Grigorian, Director, PHG Consulting Engineers

Pierre Grigorian is a founder and director of Wellspring and also a Director of PHG Consulting Engineers. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers and past Chair of its Wales Region. Pierre founded PHG in 2013, now an employee-owned practice headquartered in Cardiff.

Description supplied by the event organiser.