EAR Sheppard

We are a family run civil and structural engineering consultancy established in 1962 offering a comprehensive service from feasibility through to completion of structural and civil engineering projects. Our senior engineers are all chartered members of either the Institution of Civil or Structural Engineers and each have a minimum of 25 years experience working in the private sector. Between them they have gained specialist knowledge and involvement in working with traditional and historic structures, listed buildings, subsidence, and acting as expert witnesses.

The practice was established by Rob (Edward Arthur Robin) Sheppard in 1962 in Bexhill and was initially involved with highway construction and drainage works. In 1965 the Practice was re-located to Eastbourne at Chiswick Place. Since that time it has continued to develop, expanding its involvement to incorporate a broader range of civil and structural engineering disciplines. In 1981 an office in Hastings was opened to better serve the expanding client base and now with advances in communication technology it has been possible to combine all our resources back to Chiswick Place.

With the increasing importance of sustainability, the use of timber framing as the principle structural element for new buildings and extensions is becoming evermore popular. We are able to offer timber framed designs to suit a variety of configurations, from wholly traditional to contemporary and streamlined, incorporating all types of timber. In addition to visually impressive frames and trusses, hidden elements, such as stud framing, can be designed to produce environmentally and structurally sound solutions to suit many types of project.

When planning or considering making any structural alteration to your building it is advisable to engage the services of a Structural Engineer. This applies to all structures commercial or residential and whether brick/masonry, steel framed, concrete or timber. As experienced Chartered Structural Engineers we can provide services covering the full scope of a scheme from conception through to completion.

Design and detailing of new buildings and structures can be completed in many different construction materials including the main four of concrete, masonry, steel and timber (or combinations of these materials) to suit budget, specific planning conditions and end use requirements. If you are building a new commercial building or residential property EAR Sheppard can help.

We pride ourselves on our informed approach to buildings and other structures of this kind. We have an extensive knowledge of traditional materials and construction methods associated with historic buildings, including timber framing, stone masonry, brickwork, lime mortars (together with plasters and renders), daub, leadwork, roofing and the like. We work successfully with Local Authority Conservation Departments, Listed Building owners, English Heritage, Archaeologists, Conservation Architects and Craftsmen in all relevant trades to ensure that any works to listed and historic buildings are undertaken in a manner and with materials appropriate to their status.