Downes Associates are a leading engineering consultancy firm that specialises in the design of building structures and related civil engineering works. The company’s reputation has seen them earn contracts not only in Dublin, but all over Ireland.
The company was established in 1997 by former managing director Paul Downes. These days the MD is Gavin McHugh and the directors are Liam Keogh, Andrew Dixon and Nigel Fitzsimons.
Downes Associates offer a wide range of services including Structural Engineering Design, Civil Engineering Design, Temporary Works Design, Building Inspections, Appraisals and Analysis, Design of Engineered Timber Structures, Protected Structure Conservation and Repair, Building Fit-Out Design, Building Information Modelling (BIM), Site Appraisals, Value Engineering Studies, Due Diligence Appraisals, Expert Witness Services and Construction Monitoring.
Offering their services to a wide range of sectors has seen the company involved in projects in the industrial, commercial, health, education and leisure industries.
“We have been involved in projects across all sectors and the company has grown considerably over the years,” said Gavin. “Our staff includes chartered engineers, civil and structural engineers, technicians and administrators.”
From its headquarters in Kimmage, Co Dublin, Downes Associates has planned and executed many exciting projects that have made a huge difference to Irish society.
Gavin revealed that their ability to deliver on what the customer wants has aided the reputation of the business over the years.
“Our work ethic would be to take that extra step if needed to satisfy the customers’ needs. We work hand in hand with the client in order to deliver a successful project.”
The experience of their staff is another area that is key to Downes Associates success, according to Gavin.
“Our experienced Project Directors and Senior Engineers are actively involved in all aspects of the design in an open office environment where creative problem solving is constantly discussed and encouraged.
“This approach, in conjunction with our level of experience, knowledge and dedication to detail ensures that Downes Associates provide high quality engineering solutions on all projects.”
Some of their more recent projects include “Roll out of ALDI stores and extensions nationwide, extension to ALDI Office and Warehouse HQ Naas, primary and post primary school developments nationwide with individual project values up to €20M, data centre projects throughout Dublin, Irish Whiskey Museum, Lansdowne Gate Apartment Development, Temporary Works Design at Goethe Institute Dublin, conservation engineering at the Magazine Fort, Phoenix Park for the OPW and many, many more.”
No matter how big or small the contract is, Downes Associates will provide designs which are functional, creative, elegant, safe, economic, flexible and sustainable.
The company is ISO 9000: 2015 approved which helps control the quality of work that they carry out for their ever-increasing customer base.
“There are many guidelines that we follow to ensure that our designs have been properly checked and reviewed in order to comply with the ISO 9000: 2015 We are also one of the first chartered consultants to receive the ISO 9000; 2015,” stated Gavin.
“The senior staff hold monthly in-house meetings to review upcoming projects and ensure that we have the adequate number of employees to compliment each project.”
Earlier this year, Downes Associates retained Engineers Ireland “CPD Accredited Employer” status for a further two year period.
“Continued Professional Development (CPD) of the staff at Downes Associates is essential to the ongoing success of the Practice in meeting the demands of projects. As a recognition of the importance of CPD, Downes Associates is an Engineers Ireland CPD Accredited Employer.”
Each member of the team is given training to enhance their skill level and to maximise potential within the company.
“We believe in the promotion of career satisfaction and progression through providing relevant training and education, participation on new projects and acquiring new skills is key to individual and organisation success.”
Through supporting the development of their employees, Downes Associates aim is to present positions and new skills for future opportunities within the organisation. All employees working for Downes Associates are encouraged to take advantage of development programmes both within and outside the organisation.
The company’s client list includes some of the major construction firms in Ireland as well as state bodies and other organisations.
“Over the course of the next 12 months, our aim is to grow the numbers within the company by continuing to attract high calibre employees while continuing to deliver quality engineering design solutions.”
Contact Details:
Downes Associates
Unit 7, Cashel Business Centre
Cashel Road, Kimmage,
Dublin 12
Tel: 01 4901611
e-mail: [email protected]
Taken from Building Ireland Magazine, August 2016, Vol 2 No 4
