Why Early Fire Engineering Involvement Matters

Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy (FEC) has contributed an expert insight article for Construction Week Middle East, exploring the critical role of early fire engineering involvement in modern construction projects across the Middle East.

Gareth Piper

Elangovan Panneerselvam

The article shares the expertise of Tenable FEC’s Gareth Piper, Associate Director, and Elangovan Panneerselvam, Director of Fire & Life Safety, reflecting practical experience gained from delivering performance-based fire and life safety strategies across complex regional developments.

As projects become taller, denser and more architecturally ambitious, fire and life safety strategies can no longer be treated as a late-stage compliance exercise. The article outlines how early engagement of fire engineers supports stronger design decisions, reduces programme and approval risk and enables performance-based solutions that are both compliant and commercially viable.

Drawing on live project experience, the article highlights how early fire engineering input helps align architectural intent, regulatory requirements and operational realities from the outset. It also addresses common challenges that arise when fire strategy is introduced too late in the design process, including redesign, cost escalation and compromised safety outcomes.

The article reinforces Tenable FEC’s collaborative approach to working closely with developers, architects and project teams from the concept stage, ensuring fire and life safety considerations are embedded into the design rather than retrofitted later. This methodology supports safer, more resilient buildings while maintaining design flexibility and efficiency.

Read the full article on Construction Week Middle East: https://www.constructionweekonline.com/business/insights/early-fire-engineering-op-ed