Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Structural & Civil Engineering Experts Since 1963
Established in 1963, our Cambridge-based consultancy has grown to become a leading structural and civil engineering practice with a 60-year legacy of innovation. We specialise in delivering tailored solutions across commercial, residential, industrial, and heritage sectors, combining technical excellence with sustainable design principles. Our expertise spans modular construction, basement conversions, steelwork fabrication, and infrastructure projects, supported by BIM Level 2 collaboration. With offices in Cambridge and London, we serve clients nationwide while maintaining a commitment to cutting-edge technologies and environmental stewardship.Our team of award-winning engineers has earned recognition for projects ranging from healthcare facilities to historic restorations, consistently prioritising client satisfaction through dynamic, cost-effective solutions. This dedication to excellence has resulted in numerous accolades, including RIBA East Awards and Structural Timber Awards, underscoring our position as industry leaders in both traditional and modern construction methodologies.
Services
Structural Engineering
Civil Engineering
Modular Design
Basement Conversions
Steelwork Design
Heritage Restoration
Infrastructure Projects
Structural Inspections
Details
- Year established: 1963
Highlights and features
- We have 60 years of engineering expertise across all construction sectors
- Our team specialises in BIM Level 2 collaborative design processes
- Award-winning track record in sustainable and modular construction
- Experienced in both modern infrastructure and historic restoration projects
- Dual office presence in Cambridge and London for nationwide coverage
What people say
Award-winning designs
Sustainable approach
Technical excellence
Heritage expertise
Innovative solutions
Services
Structural Engineering
Our structural engineering services encompass design and build solutions, refurbishment, and steelwork fabrication. We specialise in creating efficient structural systems for commercial and residential developments while maintaining compliance with modern building standards. Our team delivers detailed assessments and innovative solutions for both new constructions and existing buildings.
Civil Engineering
We provide comprehensive civil engineering solutions including drainage design, highway engineering, and ground stabilisation. Our expertise covers SUDS techniques, site investigations, and environmental audits to ensure sustainable infrastructure development. We manage projects from feasibility studies through to construction completion.
Modular Design
With over three decades of experience, our modular design service specialises in volumetric and panelised building systems. We develop innovative structural solutions like The Knuckle connection system and support manufacturers in prototype development for efficient offsite construction across residential and commercial sectors.
Heritage Restoration
Our restoration expertise covers historic structures from small dovecotes to major country houses. We employ sympathetic engineering approaches to preserve historical integrity while implementing modern strengthening techniques. Projects include National Trust commissions and award-winning heritage building revitalisations.
Basement Conversions
We design and engineer basement extensions and conversions for residential and commercial properties. Our solutions address waterproofing, structural integrity, and lighting challenges, transforming existing basements into functional spaces while handling complex geological conditions and water table issues.
People
Peter Chapman
Director
With extensive structural engineering experience, Peter leads key projects and strategic direction at Peter Dann, ensuring technical excellence across all developments.
Ian Sargent
Director
Ian specialises in civil infrastructure projects, overseeing complex drainage and highway engineering solutions while maintaining sustainability standards.
Kevin Short
Director
Kevin manages modular construction projects, applying his expertise in offsite building systems and innovative structural connections.
John Bowstead
Technical Director
John focuses on steelwork design and fabrication, delivering detailed technical solutions for commercial and industrial structures nationwide.
Alan Lloyd
Technical Director
Alan specialises in heritage restoration projects, combining traditional engineering methods with modern strengthening techniques for historic buildings.
Questions
What engineering sectors does Peter Dann specialise in?
We work across commercial, residential, industrial, hotel and leisure, medical, restoration, and civil infrastructure sectors.
Do you handle both new builds and restoration projects?
Yes, our expertise spans modern construction and historic building restoration projects.
What is your experience with modular construction?
We have over 30 years' experience in offsite/modular construction design and innovation.
Are your engineers BIM Level 2 certified?
Yes, we actively implement BIM Level 2 collaborative design processes.
Do you operate outside Cambridge and London?
We undertake projects nationwide while maintaining offices in both Cambridge and London.