WELCOME
With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, I work internationally as an independent construction disputes expert, specialising in delay, disruption, claims and the resolution of complex project issues. My work combines detailed forensic analysis with practical experience of project delivery, helping clients and legal teams understand what happened, why it happened, and the resulting contractual and commercial consequences.
I am an accredited Expert Witness and Expert Determiner with The Academy of Experts. As an Expert Witness, I provide independent opinion evidence in arbitration and other dispute proceedings, supported by clear technical analysis and reasoned conclusions. As an Expert Determiner, I can be appointed by agreement between parties to independently determine construction disputes and other matters falling within my professional expertise.
My background spans design, project management, contract administration, planning and programme management, giving me a broad understanding of the technical, contractual and commercial factors that influence project performance. I have worked on major projects and disputes across the Middle East, the UK and Europe, South East Asia and Latin America, acting for employers, contractors, consultants and legal teams.
Alongside formal expert and dispute appointments, I provide strategic advisory support on claims, programme performance, emerging delay and disruption, and project recovery. Whether the requirement is independent expert evidence, Expert Determination, claims and dispute support, or practical intervention on a troubled project, my approach is focused on providing clear, independent and well-supported analysis suited to the circumstances of each assignment.
Dr Stuart Carmichael
PhD. MSc, BArch, BSc, PGCert, FCIOB, MAE
Independent Construction Disputes Expert
Delay & Disruption | Expert Witness | Expert Determiner
WhatsApp:
+971 (0)56 307 3232
Email:
Locations:
UK, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific.
Experience
30+ years in construction, including over 20 years in international arbitration and disputes.
KEY AREAS OF EXPERTISE
EXPERT & DISPUTE RESOLUTION
PROJECT & CLAIMS
EXPERIENCE
2021-Current
Managing Director
2019-2021
Managing Director
2006-2018
Managing Director
4Sight International
Working on international projects in both an advisory and expert capacity.
FTI Consulting
Working on Expert assignments across the middle east.
Critical Path Ltd/ LLC
Founded a specialist planning consultancy focused on project planning and controls, as well as resolving time-related disputes both in the UK and internationally.
2005-2006
Driver Group
Senior Delay Analyst
Analysing project delays and disruptions in complex construction projects in the UK.
2003-2005
Freelance Consultant (Forensic Planning/ Research)
Forensic Delay Analyst
Freelance delay and disruption assignments working with select major consultancies. Also working on a research project with a leading Univeristy research centre.
2002-2003
Senior Consultant
Knowles Management
Working on NHS LIFT Programme and undertaking consulting in Partnering and collaborative contracting.
2001-2002
Delay Analyst
Pickavance Consulting
Working as assistant to a leading delay expert.
EDUCATION
1997-2002
Ph.D. Collaborative Contracts and Risk
University of Salford, Manchester, UK
Thesis entitled “The Development of Implementation Processes for Partnering in Construction”.
1993-1994
MSc. Construction Project Management
South Bank University, London, UK
Thesis: “The Realignment of the Architects Role through the use of Integration and Communication Technologies”.
1990-1992
Bachelor of Architecture (Hons)
University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
Undergraduate RIBA Part 2.
1985-1988
BSc.(Hons) Architecture
University of East London, London, UK
Undergraduate RIBA Part 1.
2006-2008
Post Graduate Certificate in Construction Law (Merit)
UCLAN, Preston, UK
One Year Post Graduate Construction Law Course.
1982-1984
Marlborough College,Marlborough,UK.
3 Advanced Levels
KEY CLIENTS
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Whilst much of my work focuses on expert appointments and dispute resolution, I also offer a range of specialised services that support effective project delivery, strengthen collaboration, build capability within project teams, and help reduce the risk of disputes. Drawing on experience in planning, project controls, claims, contractual support, and professional training, I help clients develop practical, well-supported solutions tailored to the needs of each project, working alongside legal teams and other specialists where appropriate.
Contractual Support
With extensive experience of standard forms of contract, including FIDIC and NEC, I provide practical contractual support grounded in project delivery, contract administration, planning, and claims analysis.
I do not provide legal advice or legal opinion. Where legal interpretation is required, I work in tandem with qualified lawyers to help develop clear, fact-based and contractually informed positions.
This approach assists clients and legal teams in understanding entitlement, assessing the effect of project events, and preparing robust positions for negotiation, claims management, and dispute resolution.
Project Controls & Claims Mitigation
I support project teams and stakeholders in establishing robust programme governance and disciplined record-keeping to improve project visibility and reduce the risk of claims developing into formal disputes.
By strengthening project controls, contemporaneous reporting, and analytical review of progress and delay, I help identify emerging issues early and provide the factual clarity needed for timely intervention.
My focus is on ensuring that delay, disruption, and change events are properly understood and supported by reliable project data, helping clients manage risk, protect project delivery, and reduce unnecessary commercial exposure.
Training and Workshops
I provide tailored training and workshops for construction professionals, legal teams, and industry stakeholders on topics including claims management, delay analysis, project planning, and dispute resolution.
These sessions are designed to combine technical understanding with practical application, helping participants apply key principles directly to live projects and real-world situations.
Workshops can be tailored to specific organisations, project teams, or areas of interest. For further details on bespoke training options, please get in touch.