Desi Ksiazek

I joined Aegaea in April 2024 as a graduate flood risk consultant and became a flood risk consultant in early 2026. I carry out Flood Risk Assessments and hydraulic modelling for a wide variety of developments in Scotland.

How I can help you

• Producing Flood Risk Assessments tailored to the requirements of the NPF4 and the Local Authorities in Scotland. I undertake Flood Risk Assessments for wide variety of developments in Scotland, from single dwellings to larger residential developments and essential infrastructure projects.
• Interpreting Scottish Flood Risk Policy on a national and local level: I help clients interpret the likely vulnerability classification of their development and the applicable flood risk policy in relation to the nature of the development.
• Identifying the need for flood risk analysis on different levels: Based on the comments of the Local Authority or SEPA, as well as the information available for the area, I can help the client on the likely complexity of the flood risk assessment required (for example, whether the flood risk assessment would require site specific modelling)
• Liaising with SEPA and Local authorities on flood risk requirements on client’s behalf: For some developments, consultation with SEPA and the local authority are needed to better understand whether certain proposed mitigation measures would be accepted, or the best way to address comments of a proposal has been rejected on flood risk grounds.
• Site-Specific Hydraulic Modelling: I produce 1D, 2D and linked 1D-2D hydraulic models which are adapted to SEPA’s guidance. The outputs of the models are used to inform the flood risk extents and flow paths impacting the proposed developments.

Expertise in action

Flood Risk Assessment and Flood Evacuation Plan (Oban, Argyll and Bute Council, planning application reference 21/01584/PP)

In October 2025 I undertook a Flood Risk Assessment and Flood Evacuation Plan for a proposed holiday accommodation in Oban, Argyll and Bute, with the site indicatively shown to be within SEPA’s coastal flood risk extents.

I undertook a site-specific topographical analysis, to identify any areas bordering the site, which could connect the site to an area free of coastal flooding and provide a safe and dry access and egress. The proposed development itself was deemed as generally permitted under Policy 22 of National Planning Framework 4.

The Flood Risk Assessment demonstrated that the requirements for permissible development under NPF4 were met. The proposed mitigations for the development were tailored to the specific requirements of the Argyll and Bute Council to consider the impact of wave action.

A flood evacuation plan was prepared as part of the flood risk assessment, in line with SEPA’s latest advice and guidance on actions to be taken before, during and after a flood event. The flood Evacuation Plan was accepted by the Argyll and Bute council’s flood risk team. The Flood Risk Assessment resulted in SEPA withdrawing their previous objection on flood risk grounds.

Flood Risk Assessment for Auchenbowie, Stirling Council, October 2024. Planning application reference 24/00747/FUL

In October 2024 I prepared a Flood Risk Assessment in support of a proposed holiday development south-west of Auchenbowie, located within the remit of Stirling Council. The proposed holiday development was found to be located well outside the indicative fluvial and pluvial flood risk extents. A major issue for the above-mentioned development were safe and dry access and egress. The indicative extents within SEPA’s flood maps and the subsequent overland flow route analysis which I undertook confirmed of potential shallow water flooding at the site’s pedestrian and vehicle access. Any local topographical features were included in the overland flow path analysis and were informed from the site visit as part of the project. A pedestrian access path to provide dry access and lead the future site users outside users to an area free of flooding extents was proposed following the overland flow path analysis. Following the submission of the FRA the proposed analysis and access arrangements were approved by the Stirling Council.

Surface Water Modelling for a Data Centre in Chapelhall, North Lanarkshire. Planning application reference 25/01294/S42

I constructed a 2D surface water model by utilising TUFLOW to understand the pre and post development flood risk to a proposed expansion of a Data Centre in Chapelhall, North Lanarkshire. The development proposal included a realignment of a portion of the existing drainage channel, which also included a relocation of the point at which it becomes culverted. The suburban area surrounding the proposed development had undergone a fairly recent refurbishment of a key road network (part of the “M8 M73 M74” project), as well as a number of new industrial developments. This required a detailed catchment investigation to define the areas draining into the channel, which was informed by a site visit and a detailed investigation into publicly available drainage information for the area. An integral part of this project was a continuous consultation and updates to the client and their engineering team to ensure that the final design would not result in an increase of the flood risk elsewhere.

Fluvial Modelling for a Residential Development in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. Planning application reference 24/01268/FUL

In February 2025 I constructed a 2D fluvial model of the South Calder Water in the area of Ravenscraig, Motherwell. The purpose of the model was to investigate whether the proposed development would be at risk of fluvial flooding from the watercourse, as well as whether a blockage of the culvert at South Calder Water could impact the site of interest. Blockage scenarios of structures are always required by SEPA, where it must be demonstrated that an appropriate blockage proportion would not impact the proposed development. The culvert was not taken into consideration in SEPA’s fluvial maps for the area. The hydraulic modelling results demonstrated that 75% blockage of the existing culvert entrance approximately 600 metres upstream of the site would not result in increased flooding extents.

A bit about me

When I’m not at work, I spend my free time with my family enjoying the great outdoors with long walks in nature, hiking and foraging for wild edible foods. Then there is the never-ending list of garden jobs and house renovation projects which keep us busy and in motion when we are at home. During the rainy days (a frequent occurrence here in Scotland!) we spend a lot of time playing board games.