We’ve mentioned before how incredibly proud we are that over half of our team have been at the company ten years or more; there are so many benefits to having skills and relationships built over this period of time – we think that makes this office a welcoming place for our new starters and apprentices, many of whom go on to join the ranks (we have a further 4 members of staff in the five to ten year bracket).
There is another special anniversary at gcp this month, as we take a few moments to celebrate the hugely impressive 19-year work anniversary of Jon Briscoe, who did his year out at gcp in 1997.
Jon studied at Liverpool University and joined gcp following his graduation in 2000. He has worked as an architect since completing his qualification in 2002.
Jon combines his role as an architect with managing gcp Consulting, a separate entity within the overall practice. gcp Consulting provides the knowledge and understanding needed to deliver sustainable low energy buildings, that meet the compliance requirements of funders and local authorities. As our lead assessor, Jon provides energy advice to clients, prepares SAP assessments for statutory compliance and prepares energy strategies to meet Local Authority targets for reductions in energy demand and carbon emissions.
Jon has also completed training to deliver Principal Designer services to meet the requirements of CDM 2015 Health & Safety Regulations.
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I think the introduction speaks for itself Jon, you really have achieved so much during your time with us. It would be really nice if you could answer a few questions about your life, career and time with gcp. Let’s start with what inspired you to pursue architecture.
Dreaming of being an architect developed out of my childhood enjoyment of drawing.
And if you weren’t an architect, what would you be?
I always fancied being a travel writer in the style of Bill Bryson. Although theme park design also sounds like a lot of fun.
That does sound fun! Maybe we should add a theme park design challenge to our staff events calendar. But on a more serious note – a 22 year association with gcp is a long time; do you think you could tell us a bit about how the office has evolved in that time?
Although some of the people are the same, the way we work has changed. When I first joined there were still some drawing boards in use and for a while the office’s only internet connection and e-mail account was through the computer I was working on. We also used to work until 6pm because that was when the pub opened.
Nowadays we try save the pub for special occasions, or Fridays.
So, in all your time at gcp, what has been your favourite project to work on?
For my favourite project I would have to pick the refurbishment of Fairfield Park Health Centre.
I’ve been doing this for a while now and I must say, I find the favourite project choices really interesting. On a more personal level, do you think you could tell me a bit about your time out in Australia?
I took a break from the world of work in 2007/8 to explore Australia and New Zealand. Of all the experiences, from cleaning out koala enclosures, snorkelling, or jumping out of an airplane, the most fun we had was enjoying life on the road in a campervan, especially if the days route took in a local vineyard!
Sounds brilliant, I’m always a bit jealous of your year out, it’s on my bucket list.
It’s been fantastic catching up Jon and hearing a bit more about your time at gcp. To finish up do you think you could tell us something we might not already know about you?
As a baseball fan I have enjoyed many trips to American ballparks, but was particularly excited to attend the two game series between the Red Sox and the Yankees in London this year.
Perfect. Pictures attached.
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Jon is a senior architect with experience working on projects in the residential, sports, education and health sectors. With involvement from initial scheme design through to completion on site, Jon has experience of working with clients, submitting planning applications, discharging planning conditions, complying with statutory regulations and working closely with contractors and consultants.
As part of his interest in sustainable design, Jon qualified as a Code for Sustainable Homes assessor, completed the transfer training for its successor, the Home Quality Mark, and is a certified SAP assessor. Extending this further Jon is accredited to prepare thermal bridging calculations.
Recently, Jon has been working predominantly in the residential sector. As a project leader he combines his architectural expertise and sustainable design knowledge to provide a design approach which delivers practical and sustainable housing solutions for Housing Association and private developer clients.
It really is a pleasure to celebrate our staff anniversaries and achievements, today is a particularly special one.
We have another staff interview coming next week and a special anniversary month in September, where we will celebrate gcp becoming another year older so keep an eye on our blog for interviews, images and reminiscing through our birthday month.