News
Remembering Alan
It is with great sadness that we share the news that our colleague, Alan Lace-Evans, has passed away.
Alan dedicated almost 35 years to Perega, joining the business in 1991 when it was known as Thomason Partnership. Over the course of his career, he became a highly respected structural engineer, trusted adviser and mentor, making an enormous contribution to both the business and the people within it.
A Chartered Engineer, Alan was recently congratulated for 40 years of membership with the Institution of Structural Engineers. His technical expertise and breadth of experience earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike.
Throughout his career, he worked across the UK and overseas, building a loyal client base spanning the commercial, education, retail, healthcare and leisure sectors, while developing particular expertise in the restoration and refurbishment of historic and listed buildings. As an Associate Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, he was passionate about preserving the character of heritage structures while helping to reimagine them for modern use.
Alan was also recognised as an expert witness, providing independent technical expertise across a wide range of structural engineering matters for more than two decades.
Among the many notable projects during his career, Alan spent nine months in Bangladesh following the Rana Plaza collapse in 2013, assessing the structural condition of 100 garment factories supplying major high-street retailers. He also worked on numerous commercial refurbishment projects for CBRE Global Investors, helped deliver projects for Turtle Bay Restaurants and carried out extensive survey work for Avison Young, including projects at Millennium Mills in the Royal Docks and the Palace of Westminster.
While Alan’s professional achievements were significant, it was the impact he had on those around him that will be remembered most. Over many years he mentored countless engineers, generously sharing his knowledge and experience while encouraging others to develop their careers. He was warm, thoughtful and approachable, with a great sense of humour, a strong sense of purpose and a determination that inspired those who worked alongside him.
“Over the past 35 years, Alan made a substantial contribution to the business and to the people around him. Those who worked closely with him learned a great deal from him, and many saw him as a valued colleague and friend. He was my mentor as I worked towards becoming Chartered and I will always be grateful for the guidance and support he gave me. It helped shape my career and played a significant part in getting me to where I am today.”
Fraser Robb, Managing Director
“Alan and I met in the late 1970’s while working at R Travers Morgan & Partners. He was a perfect gentleman and had that rare ability of being able to talk to anyone about anything. His ability to sketch his ideas for clients using just a pencil and paper were legendary and to which few can aspire. People like Alan come along just once in a career and he will be very much missed.”
Nick Russell, Consultant (Retired Director)
“Having worked with Alan over the last 10 years, his enthusiasm and passion for engineering was clear to see. Not only was he an excellent engineer, but he was extremely kind and welcoming. He had time for everyone and was always happy to sit down and pass on extensive knowledge to younger engineers like myself. His wisdom, company and cheery ‘Hellos’ will be greatly missed by all.”
Chris Fewson, Senior Structural Engineer
Alan leaves behind a remarkable professional legacy, but more importantly, he leaves behind the respect, gratitude and friendship of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Our heartfelt condolences are with his wife, Virginia, his daughters, Olivia and Florence, new grandson Alfie and all of Alan’s family and friends at this difficult time.
