I have been working with Fouad El Chikhani and his team for over two years. My colleagues at Naylor Love enjoyed a successful, long-term, collaborative relationship with FC International before I joined the company. Naylor Love is a nationwide Tier One building contractor and I have sought the advice of FC International on several projects which have required expert extension of time claim advice and adjudication consultancy. I have found that the team at FC International has an in-depth knowledge and excellent understanding of the principles of assessing and analysing project delays and providing sound guidance on extension of time claims. As they represent both clients and contractors, they have the expertise to seamlessly articulate the merits of each claims from either party’s position. They have proved easy to deal with and extremely approachable, Fouad always provides realistic and workable advice on what the issues are in layman’s terms, and how one should best address the issue to enhance the potential for a positive outcome. I am incredibly impressed with the latest 4D planning services that FC International is offering. The 4D modelling provides an excellent visual representation of how the building was actually built compared to how it was planned to be built. This cutting-edge service is extremely useful for all stakeholders involved, especially those from a non-technical background, and clearly demonstrates where the sequencing of individual project activities has been impacted.

FC International was engaged to undertake independent review and assessment of Extension of Time claims on Christchurch International Airport Integrated Terminal Project. The findings of FC International were invaluable, consequently the Airport decided to retain FC International for the remaining duration of the project on an advisory role on time related matters and to assist with programming and analysis of the actual progress and how to achieve the completion date within the specified time frame. FCI worked very closely with myself and the team for nearly two and a half years. We were thrilled at the level of attention they gave us, and the collaborative approach that was placed into solving all time related matters with the main contractor. FC International was very successful in managing the claims in an economical and timely manner, which was extremely valuable to us. What we appreciated most about working with Fouad was his availability to us, attention to details, and the level of professionalism given to deciphering the issues for us. We now know for next time how FC International can minimise/eliminate disputes.

I have known Fouad El Chikhani for approximately 5 years, during which time I have come to respect his considerable ability as a construction programmer. He has had extensive work experience in this area in the United States and New Zealand and is very competent in this field of expertise. I have been directly involved in a major matter where he assisted one of New Zealand’s largest corporations in a dispute with a joint venture contractor, including a major contractor from Australia. I have also had to consider expert evidence which he has given on behalf of a party in an arbitration where I was the sole arbitrator. From those experiences and a number of discussions with him, I am in no doubt that he holds considerable expertise in the field of construction programming.

Ebert Construction engaged FC International to provide independent expert opinion with respect to our Extension of Time claim on Project Paragon, Te Aroha. With respect to both the Extension of Time claim and disruption and delay costs, Fouad's evidence was persuasive and led to Ebert's claim being upheld by the adjudicator. Fouad was quick to understand the key issues and, following a meeting interrogating the basis of our claim, Fouad laid out his summary and findings in a clear and concise manner. We would definitely recommend FC International Ltd and would not hesitate to work with Fouad again in the future, should the need arise.