How I work
Three engagement modes, clear expectations, predictable delivery.
Phase 0: Definition & Scoping
Clarity first when the problem is still forming
Typical shape: 1.5 ~ 5-day time-box
Defined-scope sprint
Fixed-scope delivery when the work is stable
Typical shape: pre-staged blocks
Ongoing support retainer
Fast support for ongoing decisions & delivery
Typical shape: monthly time allocation
Phase 0: Definition & Scoping
Clarity first when the problem is still forming
Best for: Ambiguous or disputed engineering problems with mixed stakeholder views
Typical overview
Outputs
- Investigation report
- Early-stage paths
- Option report
Time-box
- 1.5 ~ 5 days effort
- Delivered over 1 ~ 2 weeks
- Fixed-scope, diagnostic
Working Rhythm
- Kick off review call
- Regular progress updates
- One review loop for deliverables
Inputs
- Problem statement + known context + assumptions
- Reference documents – anything possibly relevant
How reviews work
- Review loop = draft > minor mods > final
- Changes scoped / handled as new
- Aim for certainty over expansion
How we size work
- Minimum sensible size ~ 1.5 days
- May uncover new paths / options
- Valid sprint shape = new stage
What I need from you
- Constraints: context, existing product
- Existing docs: CAD, PDFs images etc.
- Current stakeholder concerns
Ideally, we’ll have all inputs available from the start. If new info surfaces mid-way we’ll try to consider the new info within the allocated time-box.
Mini case study
This phase 0 diagnostic delivered X, Y, and Z for a steel fabricator in Chesterfield who had been struggling for many years with complexity involving A, B and C.
Defined-scope sprint
Fixed-scope delivery when the work is stable
Best for: Pre-defined work packages that won’t change mid-flight
Typical overview
Outputs
- 3D model
- Technical drawing pack
- Calculation report
Time-box
- 40 ~ 80 hours effort
- Delivered over 2 ~ 4 weeks
- Fixed-scope, time-boxed
Working Rhythm
- Kick off review call + progress updates
- Regular progress updates
- One review loop for deliverables
Inputs
- Agreed brief / specification
- Reference documents – limited to what’s relevant / constraining
- Clear acceptance criteria
How reviews work
- Single client review loop per stage
- At least 48h review turnarounds
- Changes discussed first, incorporated after agreement
How we size work
- Opt for small blocks 40-80h
- Initial cap for new clients
- Simple scope changes absorbed at our discretion, major ones need new time-box
What I need from you
- Ref. Sketches, Drawings, or Models
- Photos, Videos, Mock-ups, Renders
- Component specs or datasheets
- Standards, acceptance criteria etc.
If new info surprises us mid-way, we’ll pause work and propose how to handle the revised scope.
Mini case study
This defined-scope sprint delivered X, Y, and Z for a steel fabricator in Chesterfield who had been struggling for many years with complexity involving A, B and C.
Ongoing support retainer
Fast turnaround support for ongoing decisions and delivery
Best for: Responsive client teams who need a regular cadence of proactive engineering input and deliverables
Typical overview
Outputs
- Engineering checks + feedback (3D models, drawings, calcs)
- Evaluation & answers to technical queries
- Technical notes (decision support)
Time-box
- Pre-agreed hours allowance per month (e.g. 5h, 10h)
- Logged as ½ hourly blocks + unused time expires at month-end
- Pre-agreed response time (e.g. same day, next working day)
Working Rhythm
- Priority support via email
- Support via phone / video-call by appointment
- One review loop for deliverables
Inputs
- Prioritised backlog / tasks list
- Reference documents – supplied with each micro-task
How reviews work
- Fast turnaround, prioritises momentum
- In-depth verification, if needed, handled as a separate sprint.
How we size work
- Micro tasks (vs monthly allowance)
- In-depth tasks kept separate (handle via defined-scope or phase 0 arrangement)
What I need from you
- Rolling list of top priorities
- Required inputs up-front
- Pre-discuss timescales & any add-ons
Any required changes are new work – we’ll discuss, estimate, then crack on as agreed.
Mini case study
This ongoing support retainer delivered X, Y, and Z for a steel fabricator in Chesterfield who had been struggling for many years with complexity involving A, B and C.
FAQ’s
Quick answers on what I help with — and which mode fits.
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Contact
If you need to solve a problem and you’d like to explore whether I can help, drop me an email:
What to include
To help me give you a useful reply, please mention…
- What you’re building or dealing with (one or two sentences)
- What’s going wrong, or what decision you’re trying to make
- Key constraints (budget, timescale, materials, interfaces, standards)
- What information you already have (CAD, drawings, photos, etc)
- Desired outcome (e.g. options report, CAD pack, calcs, FEA etc)
- Any deadlines and why they exist (so I can reality-check them)
Attachments
Attachments are welcome:
- All enquiries and attachments are treated as confidential by default
- If attachments are over 2MB, please use a file-sharing service such as Dropbox or WeTransfer and include a download link.
What happens next?
I’ll usually reply with a quick fit-check…
If it's a fit:
- I’ll tell you whether and how I can help
- I’ll give you some options for how we could move forward
- I’ll ask for the minimum info needed to scope it
If it's not a fit:
- I’ll say so and tell you why
- I may suggest an alternative route, if appropriate