Simon Hay, DipArb, DipArch, RIBA, FCIArb, IFSM
Director, Chartered Architect
Background
Simon is an experienced Chartered Architect and Expert Witness who specialises in fire-related disputes. He has a strong background in investigating and assessing fire compliance and providing support to building owners, contractors, and professional teams. His expertise in designing external envelopes provides him with valuable practical insight. Additionally, he has assisted in disputes related to façade failures, such as water ingress, as well as internal matters involving stud walls, service installations, and sound issues.
Brickwork is particularly interesting to Simon, having led the brick industry as CEO of the Brick Development Association for some years.
Simon has led design teams in building an extensive portfolio of projects ranging from extending Grade 1 listed buildings to new builds such as a previous Green Building of the Year. He has designed and supervised significant developments and understands public and private commissions. Projects constructed include HQ office buildings, schools, hospitals, retail, residential, and industrial buildings.
Simon has also assisted several Stirling Prize-listed nominees by providing detailed advice, including the 2016 winner Damien Hirst’s Newport Street Gallery, the shortlisted 2015 Whitworth Gallery, and the people’s choice for the 2021 Stirling Prize, the Cambridge Mosque.
Simon has been appointed on various disputes, producing CPR 35 reports focused on architects, contractors, sub-contractors, and design. He has provided single and joint expert advice on adjudications, arbitration, mediation, and court appearances. He has been cross-examined on many occasions.
Simon knows and understands the major forms of contracts, including ICE, JCT, NEC, and bespoke forms.
Education and Certifications
- Arbitration, Dip Arb: University of Reading, College of Estate Management
- Architecture, Dip Arch: University of Westminster, RIBA 1,2,3
- ABBE Level 3 Passive Fire Protection
Publications
- Rainscreen Cladding principles and requirements (Driver Trett Magazine) 2019
- Brick Development Association: Brickwork for Severe Exposure: Movement Joints in Masonry: Sustainable Recycled Brickwork; Good Site Practice; Brick Bonds and Mortar. Various Building Studies 2012-2017
- ProTen (National Remedial Company): Timber preservation; Damp Remediation in Buildings; Basement Design. 2015.
- Eternit UK. Rainscreen Cladding Technical Brochure. 1999: Eternit Good Slating Technical Brochure 1998.
Committees
- Architect’s Registration Board (ARB)
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
- RIBA Register of Architect Expert Witness
- Academy of Expert Witness
- Fellow: Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb)
- Member: Society of Construction Law
- Member: Masonry Society
- Member: Fire Protection Association