Structural and Civil Engineering Consultants covering Dorset and surrounding areas

Discover more about us. Graham Garner and Bob Hairsine founded Graham Garner and Partners in 1971 as a civil, structural, and geotechnical engineering consultancy. They later established Computer and Design Services (CADS), whose design and analysis software is now used by engineers worldwide. This legacy ensures we continue to leverage advanced computer design tools and modern engineering technologies.

Operating from Broadstone, Dorset, we serve clients nationwide — from multinational companies to individual homeowners. Although the founders have retired, our directors and staff remain committed to upholding and enhancing the firm’s original standards of quality, design excellence, and client service.

Meet the Team

Tony Dilke
Director
BEng DMS CEng MIStructE

Tony studied at the University of Bradford before joining GGP in 1983. He was appointed Director in 1996 and achieved Chartered Structural Engineer status in 1997. Alongside his leadership responsibilities, Tony oversees the day-to-day running of the business, guiding its strategy, operations, and technical delivery.

As our in-house Civils & Drainage specialist, he brings decades of experience across a broad spectrum of projects from small and large residential developments to sports facilities, leisure venues, and healthcare and education buildings. Tony is involved at every stage of the design process, from initial concept and detailed planning through to flood risk management, ensuring practical and robust engineering solutions.

Outside of work, Tony enjoys spending time with his family and grandchildren and, when time allows, a relaxing round of golf.

Paul Hamilton
Director
BSc CEng MIStructE

Paul studied at Portsmouth Polytechnic before joining GGP in 1983. He became a Chartered Structural Engineer in 1991 and a Director in 1996, managing business development, IT operations, scheme design, and overall technical output.

Paul’s experience spans residential, industrial, water parks, climbing structures, leisure, healthcare, and education projects. He has an instinct for practical, efficient design and a deep appreciation for the technical detail that makes complex structures work.

Outside work: Paul enjoys DIY, following F1 motorsport, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Chris Hampton
Director
IEng IMIStructE

Chris joined GGP straight from Poole College in 1997 as a junior draftsman, later continuing his studies part-time at Southampton Institute before achieving Incorporated Engineer status in 2010. In 2025, he became a Director, leading projects from conception through to completion while maintaining a strong focus on design efficiency and project delivery.

Chris has an eye for detail, especially when it comes to company finances and taking things apart and putting them back together. He has a particular passion for older buildings, enjoying the challenge of remodelling them.

Outside work: Chris loves live sports, keenly watching all his son’s football matches as he supports from the sidelines.

Darren Piper
Director
BEng (Hons) CEng MIStructE

Darren studied at the University of Plymouth before joining GGP in 1996. He is a Chartered Structural Engineer with 30 years of professional experience and was appointed a Director in 2013. In this role, he leads on ensuring the technical quality of projects and evaluating both new and existing structures.

Darren thrives on building long-lasting relationships with clients and collaborators. His project portfolio covers a wide variety of sectors, with specific expertise in structural steelwork and reinforced concrete design for aviation developments, commercial buildings, housing, and care home developments.

Outside work: Darren is happiest on his mountain bike, catching live music gigs, or enjoying family time.

Tim Shoebridge
Associate
BEng (Hons) CEng AIStructE

Tim studied Civil Engineering at Loughborough University and became a Chartered Engineer in 2024. He joined GGP in 2008 and was promoted to Associate in 2025, leading projects from concept through to completion.

Tim is known for his precision and attention to detail, especially in reviewing complex designs. He has extensive experience delivering projects of various sizes and has specialised in retirement construction, working on multiple developments for one of the country’s leading retirement home providers. Tim also enjoys structural surveys, relishing the detective work involved in assessing both domestic and commercial buildings.

Colleagues know him as methodical, curious, and someone who approaches every project like a puzzle waiting to be solved.

Outside of work: Tim enjoys skiing and snowboarding and is very much a devoted family man. He also likes to set himself life goals — one of which is keeping his now-classic 2009 VW Passat on the road… very much a Trigger’s broom scenario.

Vicky Stone
Senior Engineer
BEng (Hons)

Vicky joined GGP in 2022 after graduating from Kingston University with a First Class Honours degree in Civil Engineering. At GGP, she prepares structural calculation packages and 2D technical mark-ups for a wide range of projects, from residential extensions to large commercial developments. She especially enjoys tackling intricate challenges, finding the most effective solutions, and has a particular passion for crafting a really good spreadsheet.

Outside of work:, Vicky loves nothing more than a proper fry-up, several cups of tea, and a cherry bakewell to finish. She’s also passionate about hiking, camping, travelling, exploring different countries and cultures, as well as spending time with her family.

Ben Cox
Technician

Ben joined GGP in 2018 and brings extensive technical experience in structural and civil engineering projects across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. He has expertise in RC and steel fabrication draughting, producing precise and detailed drawings that support the delivery of intricate projects.

Ben works closely with engineers, ensuring that all designs are accurate, practical, and easily interpreted on site. His careful attention to detail makes him a reliable and valued member of the team.

Outside work: Ben enjoys art, live music, and spending quality time with his family.

Julie Hammond
Financial Administrator

Julie joined GGP in 2017, bringing over 20 years of accounting and administrative experience to the team.

As an AAT-qualified accountant, Julie is responsible for the day to day running of the accounts side of the business. With a passion for spreadsheets and often found surrounded by lists and post-it notes, she ensures the smooth operation of the practice.

Outside work: you’ll often find Julie practising yoga, heading out for peaceful walks, or spending quality time with family.

Cyndie Hounsell
Secretary

Cyndie joined GGP in 2000 and plays a central role in the day-to-day running of the administrative side of the business. Often the first voice clients hear when calling the office, she is known for keeping everything running smoothly and ensuring that both the team and clients receive the support they need.

Outside work: Cyndie enjoys travelling, spending time with her large family, and taking part in long walks. She brings the same warmth and positivity to her free time as she does to the office.

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What Our Clients Say

We’re proud to work with a wide range of clients across projects. With over 50 years experience in structural and civil engineering you can count on us to deliver exactly what you need.

“McCarthy & Stone have collaborated with GGP on multiple projects over the past 30 years.They’re approachable, honest, and provide high-quality information, while keeping pace with often tight schedules.

I’m very much looking forward to working with GGP and their team moving forward on current and future projects across the region.”

Simon Broomfield , Development Director – McCarthy Stone

We purchased our duplex apartment in 2011. It was originally structurally designed by Graham Garner Partners.

“To future proof our apartment, we are now planning the installation of a private internal lift and were very glad that GGP had retained the original drawings. Using GGP has helped us to provide assurance and confidence to our neighbours. Retro-fitting a lift is not easy.

 GGP has helped us enormously in assessing the correct size, height, and weight in preparation for installation compliant with necessary building regulation and legislation.

 GGP have been extremely responsive and helpful in dealing with the complexities of the matter as it was far from the largest project for GGP. We are very grateful and confident in the services provided by GGP.”

Paul Coleman , Homeowner

“We have generally found Graham Garner and Partners to offer effective and timely assistance as part of our project teams, engaging proactively and collaboratively towards cost effective and compliant endings. We value their services highly.

Personally, I have worked with GGP for over 20 years and find myself returning to them again and again, in the knowledge they have the expertise and capacity to get things done.”

Simon Andrews , Westcoast Developments

“Having worked with GGP over that last 16 years or so on various projects, all the team at GGP have the same ‘can-do’ ethos followed up with a high quality & professional service.

We have thrown some challenges at them over the years and they have always provided us with workable and practical solutions in terms of structural engineering or complex drainage design.

They are all very approachable, don’t ‘blind you with science’ and are exceptionally good value.”

Paul Maher, Construction Manager & Associate Director Harry J Palmer (Broadstone) Ltd

“McCarthy Stone has partnered with Graham Garner and Partners for over 20 years now, relying on their engineering expertise to help deliver high quality retirement apartment buildings across the South of the UK. Their efficient and collaborative approach has consistently ensured our projects meet the demanding build programme. We value their responsiveness and professionalism, always providing timely support whenever additional assistance is required.”

Garry Whitham , Senior Technical Manager McCarthy Stone

“I’ve been working with Graham Garner and Partners for over 25 years on increasingly complex and technical projects. Their professional and considered approach to all the challenges our projects and designs pose has seen our business portfolio grow. We are now the market leader in our field.

I have complete confidence in our structures and designs thanks to Graham Garners and can’t thank them enough for their help and patience over the years! I repeatedly recommended them to businesses and partners, and will continue to do so.”

James Mittins , Director - JM Adventure Ltd

“Graham Garner and Partners Ltd (GGP) was an important part of the Kier team on our project to transform Bournemouth and Poole College’s Lansdowne Campus. The upgraded campus will create bespoke teaching facilities for a range of courses, including catering, tourism and construction.

Alongside a new build, this project included the careful restoration of Grade II listed buildings. GGP provided invaluable expertise on the restoration work – advising on the structural engineering and associated heritage repairs. GGP provided a great service to our team – as a local firm, they were able to respond to queries at speed and visit site as needed.

 Their input resulted in our team being able to accelerate the programme for this critical part of the project – a fantastic result.”

Matt Wilkes,, Project Manager, Kier Construction Southern

“We truly appreciate the exceptional service from GGP. The design work is always well thought out, detailed, professional and delivered on time. They explain structural issues in a way that is easy to understand, which significantly helps with our construction. A reliable team we’d recommend without hesitation.”

Darren Goodland , Senior Technical Coordinator – Morrish Homes