How I work

If the problem is still ambiguous or not yet properly framed, that usually points to Phase 0: Definition & Scoping. Its purpose is to clarify the real problem, constraints, unknowns and sensible next steps.

If the task already has a clear finish line, defined outputs and a reasonably predictable route to completion, a Defined-scope sprint is usually the better fit.

If the need is for smaller recurring requests that require timely, senior-level input, an Ongoing Support Retainer may be appropriate. Retainers generally work best after earlier Phase 0 or sprint work has established the context, direction and working relationship.

In simple terms: ambiguity points to Phase 0, a bounded package points to a sprint, and a recurring flow of smaller requests points to a retainer.

Most defined pieces of work start from around £1,000 + VAT, with fees increasing according to the scope, complexity and level of technical responsibility involved.

For Phase 0: Definition & Scoping and Defined-scope sprints, I usually propose a fixed fee based on the agreed scope and deliverables. This provides a clearer commercial basis than open-ended time charging.

Ongoing Support Retainers use a pre-agreed monthly time allocation for smaller standalone tasks and ongoing support.

Very small pieces of work are not always economical once the time needed to understand, frame, deliver and review them is taken into account. A short email summary is usually enough for me to advise what kind of engagement is likely to make sense.

Usually, the first step is to send me a short email summary, together with any drawings, reports, photos, specifications or other material that may help explain the job.

It does not need to be a complete or fully resolved brief. Many projects begin with incomplete information, legacy drawings, unclear constraints or design intent that has not yet been properly documented. I can help structure the available information, identify the gaps that materially affect the work and make any assumptions or outstanding questions explicit.

I then review the information and respond with clarifying questions, a suggested next step or a proposal if the work is already clear enough to scope commercially. Where the uncertainty is too great to define the main work reliably, Phase 0: Definition & Scoping is usually the appropriate first step.

That initial review and exchange usually takes at least a few days. New work is scheduled around existing commissions, so for a new client, around 10 business days from first contact to the earliest practical start date is a sensible working assumption, but is subject to availability. Existing clients can sometimes move faster because the relationship, background and commercial arrangements are already established.

I take responsibility for the engineering services and deliverables included in the agreed commission and carry them out with reasonable skill and care.

Where the commission includes assessment against identified legislation, regulations, standards or acceptance criteria, the applicable basis, required evidence and limits of that assessment will be defined in the proposal.

I also apply proportionate checking and verification to my own outputs. Any requirement for independent checking, specialist review, certification, client approval or downstream validation is identified and assigned as part of the project arrangements. Where suitable, I can help scope or arrange that additional assurance.

Formal sign-off or certification is included only where expressly agreed and where the necessary evidence and authority are available.

Overall compliance or approval of a wider product, system or project may also depend on work, information, manufacture, integration, testing or decisions outside my control. Those wider responsibilities and any required third-party approvals therefore need to be allocated appropriately within the project arrangements.

For the same reason, I cannot guarantee approval by a particular date where that decision rests with a third party.

My responsibility is to deliver the agreed work with reasonable skill and care, not to guarantee that every problem has a viable solution within the original constraints.

Most engineering problems are bounded by cost, time, geometry, performance targets, existing interfaces and manufacturing limitations. Usually those constraints can be worked through. Occasionally they conflict, or the available information shows that the original brief needs to change.

If that becomes clear, I will say so plainly rather than continue into open-ended iteration. I will set out what appears to be preventing a satisfactory outcome, what has been established through the work, and the most sensible options for moving forward.

This is why the engagement mode matters. A Defined-scope sprint works best where the problem and route to completion are already sufficiently clear. Where significant uncertainty or possible roadblocks remain, Phase 0: Definition & Scoping is usually the better starting point because it allows the problem, constraints and viable next steps to be worked through before committing to a larger design package.