About AMS
Our Story
Our Inception
AMS was founded in 2011 in Ireland by our Managing Director and Principal Archaeologist, Ed Danaher. Having carved out a distinguished career, Ed spotted a niche in the market to bridge the gap between archaeology and development. With a vision to manage the archaeological components of major projects, AMS quickly became a trusted partner of government agencies, local authorities and engineering consultancies.
Ed focused on building a team of highly skilled and experienced heritage professionals who worked directly for state agency heritage teams and managed numerous UK and Irish infrastructure projects from inception to completion.
Expansion Into The UK
A period of rapid growth followed, leading to our expansion into the UK in 2016. In 2021, we became an ISO-accredited company, and in 2023, we launched dedicated geophysical and coastal, marine and inland waterway services.
AMS Today
Today, with offices in York, England and Perth, Scotland, AMS has delivered archaeological expertise across a wide range of infrastructure, renewable and utility projects around the UK. We have expanded our services to include excavation, geophysics and marine archaeology, creating a comprehensive archaeological solution as both consultant and contractor. We are preparing the National Application Annex for the updated Design Manual of Roads and Bridges on behalf of Transport Scotland.
As trusted advisors to public bodies like Transport Scotland and the Office of Public Works, we continue to shape best practice in archaeological project management.
A Message From Our Managing Director
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved since 2011. Our reputation as a trusted advisor and reliable partner is a testament to our brilliant team—experts who combine deep knowledge with a collaborative, problem-solving mindset.
We make archaeology straightforward for our clients, by offering support at any or all stages through the planning process, whether we’re working on large-scale infrastructure projects or small-scale developments.
We take a consistent approach: We listen, we identify risks, we collaborate, and we deliver results that matter to our clients and the communities we serve.”
Ed Danaher
Managing Director and Principal Archaeologist
Ed Danaher
What Our Clients Say
At AMS, we believe the best measure of our work is what our clients say about working with us. We’re proud to be more than just specialists in archaeology and heritage—we’re trusted partners, valued team players, and clear communicators.
Whether we’re working on a nationally significant infrastructure scheme or helping navigate the sensitivities of a listed site, we approach every project with care, collaboration and commitment. These testimonials speak to the relationships we’ve built, and the results we achieve together.
AMS role: Historic Environment Advisor between April 2024 and September 2024
“The role is to provide an advisory service to TS projects. This is undertaken to an exceptional standard, providing expert knowledge and experience to ensure the statutory requirements are met. Very proactive in identifying the needs of TS ahead of time to ensure that programmes run smoothly with no delays.
Excellent ability to work collaboratively, particularly with TS staff, environmental regulators and consultants. Shows great flexibility and able to pick up TS requests quickly to ensure programmes are met. Has shown excellent ability to share knowledge and support different TS Directorates and projects.”
Transport Scotland
AMS Role: Archaeological Consultant Cross Tay Link Road
“Thank you to everyone for your efforts on a really exemplar excavation of a difficult site. GUARD/AMS have delivered an incredible piece of work that is a huge contribution to what we know regionally and nationally of this site type. Also, thanks to PKC and BAM for your continual support to the archaeology programme and excellent public engagement.”
Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust
ACoW services on the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet (2023-2025)
“AMS has provided excellent advice on the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet scheme to ensure that the Archaeological Mitigation Strategy was executed as intended. AMS capably engaged with a wider variety of stakeholders, including but not limited to Historic England and local authorities, as well as facilitating site visits as required with the client for the scheme, National Highways”
Skanska
A46 Newark Bypass Archaeological Evaluation (2022-2025)
“The prompt efforts of AMS are really appreciated. Good quality report too.”
Skanska
Our Commitment To Sustainability
We are dedicated to preserving the past while shaping a sustainable future. By balancing development with conservation, we create thoughtful solutions that protect and respect cultural and historical assets. Our mission is to safeguard our shared cultural heritage for generations to come.
Social Values & Giving Back
Internally, we strive to make AMS an exceptional workplace where our people feel valued and are free to be themselves. A key part of this is promoting an inclusive culture and building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve.
Social Values & Giving Back
Internally, we strive to make AMS an exceptional workplace where our people feel valued and are free to be themselves. A key part of this is promoting an inclusive culture and building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve.
Our Values
Collaborative
We work in partnership to deepen our understanding of clients’ needs, create time savings and increase client satisfaction.
Knowledgeable
With every project, we offer a safe pair of hands offering peace of mind based on expert knowledge and proven experience.
Accountable
We deliver on agreed client budgets and programmes by being upfront on project requirements, pricing and methodologies.
Professional
We set industry standards and always deliver outstanding quality.
Innovative
We are solutions-driven, using out-of-the-box thinking to meet client needs.
Sustainable
We prioritise people and our planet, measuring and reporting on project impacts.
Our Accreditations
Registered CIFA Organisation
Living Wage Employer
Prompt Payment
