Peter Cowsill, Independent Consulting Expert, Geologist, Forensic Technical Services
Peter talks to us about his progression from Geology student to his career as an Expert Witness in the field of geotechnical engineering, working in a wide range of sectors.
Tell us about your background and what led you to a career as a Geologist
I studied Geology and like many in the field, I had an avid interest in the outdoors - mountaineering, caving, etc. All these activities bring one into close contact with rock and landforms. Whilst at university I focused my interest on the engineering side, partly due to inspiration by a tutor and partly as it brought more contact with field geology than the oil industry, which was the largest recruiter at that time.
How did you move into Expert Witness work?
Expert witness work came as a progression from advising contractors and promoters on projects where they had experienced challenges and advising on potential routes of recovery. Problems have since been wide-ranging, from trapped tunnelling machines, through subsidence problems, stability problems, and many more. Success in this troubleshooting role led me to be asked to act as an expert witness. I think my first case was an alleged flooding risk of a proposed mine, nearly forty years ago. This element of my work has grown organically over many years, it now occupies around half of my time. I still think it is important to be involved in active construction problems to maintain a sense of perspective and keep up to date with developments and customs in the industry.
What inspires you in your chosen field of work?
I am not sure that expert witness work would be described as ‘inspiring’, but it is often intellectually very challenging and satisfying, particularly where the outcome is fair. I am strongly motivated by the fairness of outcome and have been inspired to qualify as a fellow of the Chartered Institution of Arbitrators.
Tell us about the most rewarding project you’ve worked on?
Design and construction are arguably the most rewarding work. I’m able to drive around the country boring my wife with tales of the projects that we pass, whether these be roads, tunnels or dams. I would have to say that dam construction has probably been the most rewarding as they often produce beautiful stretches of water for leisure, water supply and to harness power. There is nothing quite like looking at a reservoir several miles long knowing that I had a hand in the construction. Tunnels are very challenging jobs, the Channel Tunnel being the most renowned that I have been involved with. Tunnels are completely dependent on ground conditions, though they are not highly visible and don’t involve such a broad range of techniques as dams. I have worked on many buildings and although these can be spectacular, ground conditions represent a smaller fraction of the cost compared to dams and underground excavations.
What made you choose to consult with HKA?
Working with HKA provides me with wider ranging contacts than I can reach independently and eases the problems with international billing and insurance. HKA have also increased my international work, almost doubling the number of countries that I have worked in, particularly on the African continent. Working as part of a team, I have been involved with large projects in Guinea, Kuwait, and UAE; to add to my other experience in Thailand, Iraq, Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Romania. The range of skills in HKA allows involvement where multiple disciplines are required, meaning I can bring my exepertise to a wider team
Unsure whether ‘expert witness’ refers to a job title or someone’s role? It’s obviously mentioned quite a lot throughout so capitalisation should be consistent.
I reworded this question slightly just so there is some variance in the line of questioning
Not a major change. In my opinion using ‘I’ sounds more conversational and informal and is perhaps easier to read for non-native English speakers in this instance?