A solid base - the 1970s

Co-operation with related disciplines, particularly architecture, was intrinsic to the HGP philosophy. The partnership had always recognised professional interaction as vital to the achievement of optimum results for the client, within the limitations of each contract. In time, it was acknowledged that this interaction could best be achieved by inviting these experts to join the partnership. The cross-fertilisation of knowledge and ideas between partners, who each possessed considerable experience and expertise in their specific field, made a large contribution toward HGP's ability to ascertain the best possible solutions to each client's engineering, design or planning requirements. As a direct result of this progressive approach, three new partners joined the firm during the 1970s.

After it became obvious that the practice needed its own architect, Martin Friedrichs Arch (SA), B Arch, RIBA, MIA. joined in 1973, assuming responsibility for all architectural aspects of the town planning and urban design department.

"The success of any project in achieving its ultimate goal depends on the interaction and creative input from the professional disciplines and client bodies involved. At HGP we believe that the quality of our input contributes to that objective." - Rob Young

Rob Young.        

Rob Young PR Eng, MSc (Eng), DIG, MSAICE, MICE, MIStructE, MSAConsE, a specialist in the design of steel and concrete structures, took control of the concept, design, supervision and administration of the structural engineering contracts from 1975. He would also become a key figure in the development of computer applications in structural design.

"Architects and town planners have a joint responsibility towards the people who will eventually live in the designs that come off our drawing boards. By having both disciplines working side by side at HGP, I believe we are not only giving our clients an integrated service, but we are ensuring we create a balanced environment in which to live." - Martin Friedrichs

Frank Tomkins.        

Frank Tomkins PrEng, BSc (Eng), MSAICE, joined the company in 1976 as a design engineer in the civils group under the senior partner D.B Glasson, before becoming a partner in 1978. His duties included civil design for township developments, contract preparation and administration, and assisting the planning group with the preliminary consideration of civil services. Still with the firm in 2012, Frank retained his interest in township services and low-cost housing, with particular responsibility for road and stormwater drainage design, while maintaining his unofficial position as the company historian.

"For me, the key to the efficiency and success of the consulting engineer is his ability to co-ordinate the network of professional contributions which make up successfully completed projects. At HGP, I believe we have developed this to a fine art, ensuring that the client gets the kind of job he wants - at the right time and the right price." - Frank Tomkins

Technological Terrain

One of HGP's first IBM
computers.        

In keeping with the firm's philosophy of providing the client with the best and most efficient solutions possible, HGP became one of the first multi-disciplinary consulting firms in Natal to use computers.?Under the enthusiastic direction of partner Rob Young, the firm developed small in-house programs for the civil and structural divisions of the practice as early as the mid 1970's. Chris Small, PrEng, BSc (Eng), MSAICE, a civil engineer with twenty years' experience who joined HGP in 1982 and became a partner in 1989, was tasked with easing the practice into the technological age.

The Victorian facade at
HGP's Ridge Road offices 
concealed a modern computer
unit.        

In 1983 Skok CAD on an HP Desktop computer (9836) was introduced into the firm. The following year the system was expanded to provide the evaluation of civil design packages on HP Desktops. 1985 saw the acquisition of digital terrain modelling on HP Desktops in the form of two Stardust systems. Two years later the firm converted to IBM Compatibles for DTM and CAD (Allycad). In 1988 the firm's office administration was computerised and structural design packages were purchased on IBM. The Allycad was increased to four workstations and the Stardust to seven in the same year. In 1987 the structural department was converted to Allycad.

Technology at the forefront
of fashion - the computer 
bureau at the Natalia building
in Pietermaritzburg, one of
HGP's major 1970's projects.        

South Africa's mosaic of First and Third World characteristics were harmonised in engineering through the use of computers. A good example was in the provision of low cost mass housing, where computer technology was used to affect savings in township servicing. In a field where it is vital that every square metre of land is optimally used, Horne Glasson Partners developed refined planning procedures taking into account the siting of individual house platforms. With much engineering design based on levels and position, computer technology provided rapid access to options and significantly speeded up drawing production, saving both time and money.