Services

Inhouse Civil & Structural Engineering

Our Story

KCE Consulting, formerly known as Knutton Consulting, was established in 1993 by Simon Knutton. Starting from humble beginnings, with a home-based office, the company steadily grew its client base by specializing in geotechnical investigations and concrete retaining block designs.

A few months after the company's establishment, Ian joined as a contractor to handle the detailing for a number of secured steel projects. During that time, Ian was also contracted to work with the Johannesburg City Council's Architectural and Engineering Departments. As more work flowed in, Ian was eventually offered a permanent staff position.

Services

As the company continued to grow, we expanded our offerings from geotechnical investigations to include civil engineering services, earthworks, and top structures. This diversity proved to be a key factor in our success, allowing us to adapt to changing industry trends, market demands, and economic conditions. Over time, we took on a wide range of industrial, residential, and commercial projects of varying sizes, including unique and unconventional projects such as the founding and support steelwork for the Tower of Terror at Gold Reef City.

In 2017, Knutton Consulting underwent a rebranding and since then, we have been consistently expanding our expertise and knowledge. With over three decades of experience, Managing Director, Simon Knutton personally oversees every project. Our design team, led by Director Ian Dewsbury, is based in Johannesburg and handles all aspects of design, with a strong emphasis on structures. Meanwhile, Nigel Barr, who boasts extensive experience in civil engineering and landscaping, heads the civils team from our Western Cape office. Together, these individuals make up our dynamic management team, which also includes Melandi Ungerer, responsible for accounts and administration.

.kce Consulting takes pride in handling projects of all sizes and levels of complexity, from small social housing schemes to large-scale infrastructure projects or high rise residential schemes across Southern Africa, Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian Ocean Islands. We believe in pushing the boundaries of innovation, as demonstrated by our approach of "Engineering Beyond Conventional Thinking," which applies to every project we undertake. Our top priority is to deliver the most effective solution to the problem at hand, regardless of the project's scope or scale.

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Management Team

Simon Knutton

Founder, Director and Engineer

083-625-0143

Simon earned his engineering degree with honors from Sheffield University in England. This also provided him with a foundation in electrical and mechanical engineering as a part of his training. He began his professional journey with Murray and Roberts, working on roads in the Free State province of South Africa.

After relocating to Gauteng, Simon joined ??????, where he worked in the geotechnical division under the mentorship of the renowned Mr. A Brink. During this period, he acquired invaluable knowledge and expertise in structures and friction retaining structures.

Leveraging his extensive experience, Simon founded Knutton Consulting, which has grown into a full-service firm that approaches each project with a unique perspective, not treating it as just another task. Simon consistently challenges assumptions on projects to inspire other professionals and contractors to strive for the best possible outcome. He constantly seeks to improve solutions, not only from a cost perspective but also from a construction standpoint.

Ian Dewsbury

Director and Designer/ Head Structures

083-630-9339

Ian, a South African who grew up in and around Midrand, pursued Multi Disciplinary Drawing Office Practice at Johannesburg Technical College after completing his secondary education. This course provided him with exposure and training in a broad range of fields. Ian then enrolled in Architectural Technology at Johannesburg Technikon.

During his experiential training, Ian worked with Johannesburg City Council’s Architectural Department and also assisted the Engineering Department. However, unforeseen circumstances prevented him from completing his third year of studies. Ian began working as a draughtsman for architects, the City of Johannesburg’s Architectural and Engineering Departments, and joined Knutton Consulting as a contractor. As Knutton Consulting continued to expand, Ian became a permanent member of staff, gradually developing his expertise in civil and structural designs and taking on the role of managing the drawing office. Over time, he has enhanced his skills and knowledge to become an integral part of the company’s growth and success.

Nigel Barr

Head of Civil Division/ Manager Cape Town Office –083-639-876

Nigel, originally from Johannesburg, has a background in Architectural and Mechanical Draughting, which he obtained his Higher Diploma in back in 2003. He started his career at Knutton Consulting as a junior designer and quickly developed a passion for civil designs. From 2007 to 2019, Nigel ventured into the Golf course design and Landscaping industries, gaining extensive knowledge and experience in various roles such as lead designer, maintenance manager, and eventually senior contracts manager.

In early 2019, Nigel returned to the KCE team, bringing his expertise in sustainable design and fully integrated stormwater management systems to the civil department. He offers unique and multifunctional solutions to numerous projects. In 2021, Nigel made a permanent move to the Western Cape, specifically to spearhead the operations of the Stellenbosch office and the peninsula region. Since rejoining KCE, Nigel has become an indispensable member of the management team, leading the civil division.

Melandi Ungerer

Accounts and Administration

083-644-1133

Melandi holds a National Diploma in Financial Information Systems from Technikon Pretoria, which has equipped her with a strong foundation in accounting and cost accounting. She commenced her career by completing a three-year accounting articles program at a Chartered Accountant Firm. Melandi has subsequently ventured into the private sector, working across various industries such as motor, hotel, construction, and engineering.

Melandi’s exposure to a diverse range of accounting and cost accounting functions has been instrumental in developing her knowledge and interest in other areas of the business. She joined Knutton Consulting/ KCE Consulting in 2015. This was initially in the accounting department, but has since expanded her skill set to include HR matters, tender and adjudication management, site staff coordination, and estimate calculations utilizing technical data. Her expertise in managing the day-to-day operations of KCE Consulting’s administrative department has made her a valuable member of the management team.

Professional Design — Innovative Solution

Engineering Beyond Conventional Thinking

Awards

Your Future to Engineering Beyond Conventional Thinking lies in your hands

As structural engineers we play a critical role in the projects for which we are appointed. If success is judged simply against the need to provide adequate resistance to collapse, then we are very successful, but the value we can bring to a project goes far beyond that..

Roger Plank, 2011 President Institute of Structural Engineers

Contact us - Head Office

E-Mail: kce Consulting
Tel: +27 (11) 805-5560
Address: Block 3, 1st Floor South, Waterfall Terraces, Howick Close, Waterfall Park, Bekker Road, Midrand