Andy Gordon

Before moving into the private sector, Andrew spent 11 years as a firefighter within the aviation industry at Cardiff Airport, Wales, both in an operational and fire safety capacity. He is highly experienced in fire safety matters across all types of buildings with a particular specialism on education, healthcare, residential and commercial developments. He has consulted on design, construction, and fire safety management for eight years and has an in-depth understanding of the relevant UK guidance standards.

Andrew has applied performance-based design using first principles from fire safety engineering and is capable of utilising advanced analysis tools such as Computational Fluid Dynamics modelling, radiation analysis and human behaviour modelling. Andrew has demonstrated he is more than capable of tackling complex projects of varying scales, from small refurbishments to large mixed-use developments, satisfying the Functional Requirements of the Building Regulations.

He takes a flexible and innovative approach to fire engineering challenges, resulting in sound engineered solutions that are cost effective whilst maintaining high levels of safety that meet the objectives of the client. He is experienced in liaising and negotiating with the Statutory Authorities to gain approval. Andrew works seamlessly as part of the overall design team, guiding both the client and architects to ensure the scope is delivered within the timescales and to budget.

Andrew's considerable experience as an operational firefighter puts him in a unique position to offer expertise both on practical applications and theoretical aspects. Since 2015, Andrew has acted as a fire engineering consultant and manager and has a fully comprehensive understanding of technical matters relating the fundamental principles of fire safety design and engineering processes. He has also provided valuable expertise on expert witness cases through litigation claims.

Andrew is an IFE Branch member for the South Wales Region and also sits on the SPFE UK chapter committee as part of the continuing personal development (CPD)team. He holds a First Class Bachelors and Postgraduate qualifications (BEng & MSc) in fire engineering and is currently working towards chartered status with the IFE. Further, he holds interim approval from the Engineering Council.