CA 30 July 1986. Appeal by architects (A) against decision finding them negligent in design of surface water drains and damp-proofing for a new church and hall. A had been employed by the plaintiffs to design and supervise construction. A contended that claims against them were statute barred by the Limitation Act 1939 . Practical completion was achieved in January 1970. By August 1971 the beginning of a series of floodings occurred. By mid 1975 the hall had been flooded 11 times. Further damage was caused by damp because A had failed to insert damp proof courses. The plaintiffs issued a writ against A in February 1977 claiming damages for negligence , including economic loss . The point at issue was whether the limitation period should be taken as running from the date when the damage occurred, i.e. August 1971, or the date when the buildings were completed, i.e. January 1970 and therefore statute barred as A contended. Relevant cases were referred to in the judgement, the most infl