Setting the foundation - the 1950s & 1960s

Could two young engineers sitting on a park bench alongside Africa's busiest port many years ago have foreseen the long and exciting journey that would begin with their historic conversation? Desmond Horne, a structural engineer and concrete specialist, had practiced as an individual consultant since 1952. Recognising the need to join forces with a steel specialist, he welcomed on board fellow structural engineer Barry Glasson on Durban's sunny Esplanade in 1954, setting in motion an odyssey that would culminate with the expansion of the company into all areas of Africa.

Desmond Horne, whose unusual
combination of businessman 
and academic helped to keep
the ship steady until his
retirement in  1977.

Within a short time, Horne Glasson Partners had laid the foundation for the original thinking that would become the Company hallmark for the next seventy years, based on a creativity that sought to reconcile the parameters of efficiency, economy and aesthetics in all its professional expressions. The firm's multi-disciplinary base, innovative even by today's standards, was established from the start.

Barry Glasson, 'the artistic
one' who was also excellent
at mentoring the younger 
staff members, switched his
focus to Civil Engineering
early on. He retired in 1979
after 25 years with the
company. He is shown here 
with his wife.

Operating initially from a small office in Union Club building, the partnership later moved to the Sanlam Building in Smith Street and from there into one of its own projects, the CNA Building in Gale Street. The expanding offices mirrored the success of the fledgling partnership, as their reputation for professionalism and integrity saw them win many important contracts within the Durban area.

Cennewa House, one of the first major projects assigned to the young partnership

In its early years HGP was ably assisted during the university holidays by enthusiastic engineering student Ian Fleming PrEng, BSc (Eng), MSAICE, MICE, MIStructE, MSAConsE, who joined the practice in 1957 before becoming a partner in 1963 at the age of 27. Soon after joining the practice, Ian found himself assuming responsibility for many of their major structural schemes and large industrial projects. Embracing the multi-disciplinary ethos of the partnership, he later became a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (London) and the Institution of Structural Engineers (London). A keen all-round sportsman and provincial golfer, Ian would remain with the company for the next forty years, becoming in time its invaluable managing partner responsible for administration.

The 1993 office bearers of the South African Association of Consulting Engineers
(from back left) Mr Heinz Haesloop, honorary treasurer, Prof Ken Knight, 
immediate
past chairman, Mr Ken Goodenough, vice-chairman, and (seated) Mr Ian Fleming,
chairman.

"An ethical and dignified approach is essential to the success of a consulting engineering practice, thereby building and maintaining client confidence. Efficiency is also critical, and great importance is placed on both meeting commitments and producing pleasing and economical designs." - Ian Fleming

Barry Glasson's keen interest and proficiency in township engineering services led to the partnership being awarded one of its earliest major projects - the planning, design and development of the sprawling Mpumalanga housing estate near Hammarsdale in Natal. This played a large part in the early growth of the partnership, as specialised staff members were recruited for specific disciplines. 

One of these new staff members was Ian Fleming's neighbour, Gerry Wassell TRP (SA), Chart TP, FRTPI, PPSAITRP, MSAITRP, who worked for the Durban Corporation Town Planning Scheme. An urban design specialist with extensive experience in the layout of residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas, Gerry, who became a partner in 1955, would be involved with the Mpumalanga project for twenty-five years. "Gerry was exceptionally talented," said Ian, He could view a bare piece of land, put a blank piece of paper onto a drawing board, and come up with a township plan, including housing, infrastructure and services - and all without the help of a GPS!"

Residential Units No 1,2,3,& 4 Mpumalanga New Town - Natal

"The best designs are of little value unless they can be implemented quickly and practically. At HGP we understand the pressures developers face and appreciate the need for decisive action. I like to think we get on with the job with the confidence we have done it right the first time." - Gerry Wassell