ABOUT US
COMPANY PROFILE
Nsient Consulting Engineers was established in 2010 by Stuart Blackwood and James Cuthbert-Sayers. They brought together a wealth of design experience locally and internationally, providing practical and economical engineering solutions.
Stuart has extensive experience in the design and construction of concrete structures and post-tensioned concrete, which has enabled him to master roles extensively throughout Victoria, Interstate, the Middle East and the United Kingdom, where he designed and managed many large projects. Previously the design manager for a design and construct contractor, Stuart’s understanding of the construction process enhances the quality of Nsient’s designs. While, prior experience in consulting has given Stuart a broad exposure to all types of developments, fostering expertise in practical and economical construction.
James has had extensive experience in consulting, building on his knowledge of precast and reinforced concrete, steel, masonry and timber structures. Working as the lead consultant, James has designed various sized residential projects ranging from alterations and additions to multi-unit developments and multi-storey apartment buildings with basements. Other projects include various factories and numerous special projects for wineries and equestrian centres across Australia.
Since beginning Nsient has continued to grow and made serval key hires to add experienced engineers to its growing team. Senior engineers have joined Nsient with specialist knowledge in architectural houses, commercial and industrial developments, large concrete framed structures and apartment buildings, post-tensioned slab design and basement construction.
CAPABILITIES
- Low Rise Residential
- New Dwellings
- Alterations and Additions
- Swimming Pools
- Multi Unit Developments
- Architectural Homes
- Apartment Buildings
- Commercial
- Community Facilities
- Childcare and Education
- Health & Aged Care
- Industrial
- Post-Tensioned and Conventionally Reinforced Concrete Slab Design
- Structural Certification
- Structural Inspections and Reports
- Expert Witness & VCAT Reports
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
Nsient believes that every successful project begins with the design. In order to ensure a successful project the structural design needs to be economical, practical, constructible and able to meet or exceed the required program. Each of these attributes need to be implemented prior to the project starting construction, in simple terms, first get the design right on paper and the rest will follow.
Economy in design can be achieved in several ways, but it takes experience and expertise to achieve economy without compromising the required design intent or appearance or sacrificing structural integrity. Nsient understands that economy is now more than ever, an increasingly important aspect of construction.
With new construction techniques and products increasingly becoming available, at Nsient we pride ourselves being up to date with the latest technologies, techniques, codes and requirements while still ensuring that we do not overlook maintaining our understanding of fundamental building practices.
Nsient understands that many builders will prefer specific construction methods to maintain their competitive edge, and we believe that working through the project directly with the builder to provide a solution will provide the most benefit for the client.
At Nsient we make sure that all our staff continue and maintain their professional development to ensure that they have the required skills and expertise to provide the client with the best outcome for their project.
BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM)
As part of your project, Nsient can provide Building information Modelling (BIM) services.
BIM is a process that begins with the creation on an intelligent 3D model that enables documentation, coordination and simulation during the entire lifecycle of a project – Plan, Design, Build, Operation and Maintenance. Simply put, it is a process for creating and managing all the information in a project, before, during and after construction.
While there are several levels of BIM, it can be used to document buildings where every detail of the building is modelled. Specialist structural analysis software can export and use this model to design specific elements or overall building stability, with a final refined design solution imported back into the model and updated to suit the revised scheme.
With separate consultants working from the same model, BIM provides the ability to share (collaborate) and co-ordinate project information quickly and efficiently with other project consultants and assists in identifying clashes between architecture, structure and building services preventing unnecessary site delays and variations during construction. Once the project has finished construction, the BIM model is utilised by the building occupier during day to day operation and maintenance of the finished assets, or for any future building renovations.
BIM is becoming more commonplace throughout the Australian Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, and with BIM is already a requirement for all new government works in Hong Kong, Singapore, United Kingdom, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Finland, Norway, South Korea and Vietnam, more increasingly the Australian government is also requiring the use of BIM.
Up to 75% of the overall cost of a building is incurred after construction, BIM can provide a complete set of interrelated and cross-referenced information. The model can include linked information including manuals, specifications, commissioning data, photos and accuracy information, which allows the owner or facility manager to efficiently and accurately manage the asset.
Several reports have detailed the associated cost benefits of BIM, with the potential future cost savings in asset maintenance some of the largest benefits but can also include reduced overall design costs and construction time savings due to improved constructability.
AFFILIATIONS
