An architect in practice for more than 40 years, and an arbitrator, adjudicator, mediator and expert witness.

Why the person matters

In a building dispute the question is often technical before it is legal: what was drawn, what was specified, what was built, what was certified and who instructed what. A neutral or expert who has designed buildings and overseen their construction for four decades is familiar with those records. That is the combination Eugéne brings to LEMEG Resolve.

In summary

As arbitrator

Eugéne obtained the Diploma in Arbitration of the Association of Arbitrators of Southern Africa, where he received the Abe Hymen Award, and was admitted as a Fellow of the Association in 1994. He has since acted as arbitrator in many disputes, particularly in the building industry, in matters between private parties and with government bodies.

As adjudicator

Adjudication calls for a prompt, informed decision after hearing the parties. Eugéne is a member of the Construction Adjudication Association of South Africa and lists adjudication among his areas of experience from 2012.

As mediator

Eugéne qualified as a mediator in 2015 through a Certificate in Mediation of the London School of Mediation, together with the Association of Arbitrators of Southern Africa. He has mediated disputes since qualifying.

As expert witness

Expert witness work on architectural and building matters is listed among Eugéne’s areas of experience from 1992 to date.

Standing in the architectural profession

• South African Institute of Architects (SAIA): member of the Practice Committee since 1994, and its chair in 2008 to 2015 and 2020 to 2021. Member of the Board in 1996 to 1998, 2008 to 2015 and from 2020. Chair of the Constitutional Drafting Panel, 2012 to 2015.
• SAIA Life Membership, awarded in 2017, as an Award of Service.
• Union of International Architects: member of the Professional Practice Commission, 2008 to 2015.
• South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP): member of validation boards at various universities, 2011 to 2017; moderator of the Professional Practice Examination, 2013 to 2014; member of the CPD Subcommittee, 2017 to 2018.
• Council for the Built Environment: member of the Appeal Committee, 2020.
• Presenter of the inaugural Ian Alexander Memorial Lecture, 2024.
• SAIA Awards of Merit in Architecture: Medical (1994), Residential (1997) and Offices (1999).

Experience as an architect

Eugéne has designed and supervised buildings ranging from educational institutions, medical facilities and civic complexes to religious structures, commercial and residential developments and houses of all sizes. He has overseen the construction of most of them. His healthcare work, recorded in his CV, includes the new Tshilidzini Regional Hospital in Thohoyandou, the Letaba, Jane Furse, Nkhensani and Mankweng hospital projects, and the Zoutpansberg Hospital extensions.

He has also run a professional practice since 1984, which includes managing staff, putting quality systems in place and guiding a practice through economic cycles.

Why this experience counts in a dispute

• Four decades of designing buildings and overseeing their construction as the architect, including contract administration and principal agency.
• Experience of public-sector and private projects, including large hospital projects with many consultants.
• Training as arbitrator and mediator, and a record of acting as arbitrator, adjudicator, mediator and expert witness.
• Long service on the boards and committees of professional bodies, including the SAIA Practice Committee.

In his words

“I regard the process of achieving built form as important as the built form itself, interpersonal relationships as important as technical processes.” (Eugéne Barnard, Curriculum Vitae, October 2024)

Capacity in which he acts

Eugéne acts as a neutral (arbitrator, adjudicator or mediator) or as an independent expert witness, but not in more than one capacity in the same matter.