Duncan graduated from the University of Leeds in 1964 and carried on at the university to obtain an MSc, then moved over to Edinburgh University to obtain a PhD in 1969, lecturing at the University during this period. He then joined Herbertson’s Structural Steelwork Designers and Fabricators and became Technical Director followed by Joint Managing Director. During this period he joined the Institute of Structural Engineers in 1986.
At this point in his career Duncan decided to expand his consultancy knowledge in 1896 and left contracting to establish onsultancy company Associated Structural Consultants in Wolverhampton and went on to design and manage many high profile projects in and around the City.
Experienced in all market sectors and with all building materials, Duncan has acted as Expert Witness for Local Authority, structural Engineer for various clients in Legal Actions involving steelwork design, subsidence, damage to canal banks, and also acted as Joint Structural Engineer appointed by claimant and defendant and reporting to court.