Images taken by Siobhán of her adventures outside of the office

We are incredibly proud 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 this 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).

Today we are taking a moment to celebrate the work anniversary of Architectural Technician Siobhán Tarr, who has been with gcp for eleven years.

Siobhán works primarily within the technical team of gcp Architects, predominantly within the Housing sector and has an in depth understanding of Design Standards, Regulations and the importance of how these interact with Client Requirements. She has extensive experience of working at technical design stage on a range of complex projects, preparing technical Planning submissions, Building Regulation packages and coordinating Construction Stage information.

She worked and trained within the design team for Sheltered Housing developers McCarthy and Stone for 5 years before joining gcp in 2008. Most recently she has completed her training to become a Domestic SAP and Energy Assessor, joining the gcp consulting team.

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There is so much I could say about your time here, but I think it would be best if you answered some questions in your own words! So, Siobhán if you weren’t an architectural technician, what would you be?

I really wouldn’t want to be anything else; my friends think it’s weird that I genuinely love my job even if the week is filled with challenges and deadlines.

What’s your favourite project that you’ve worked on to date?

Surprisingly, my favourite project has been Torpoint! This project had a lot of firsts, it was my first large project to manage, first time with a new client, first time with a new in-office team and my first project using Revit. That combined with a very complex topography meant that every day was a new challenge, with something to figure out and incorporate across the drawing package. The end result looked amazing and was really successful.

What’s been your best moment at gcp in the last year? Or longer.

Finally establishing our Revit standards – it took a long time but I’m really happy with what we’ve produced!

So, 11 years is a long time, why do you think you’ve stayed with gcp all this time?

I am not a job-hopping type - I like to settle in, build relationships and then grow – I don’t plan on leaving! I enjoy establishing my expected role and then learning new skills in order to broaden my own development whilst also being able to offer more to the team. The teams have changed a lot over my 11 years which brings new development opportunity which is always really exciting.

Having worked with you for all of that time Siobhán, I found that answer genuinely moving.

Back to the interview … what’s next for you?

I’m hoping to finally complete my chartership and become a Chartered Architectural Technologist – there have been a few stumbles in my application, but I think I’m almost there. Even in just researching the requirements, and joining the CIAT community, I have found so many amazing resources and potential topics to pursue in the future.

Fantastic. If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask a few personal questions now. Tell us what you like to do in your spare time?

Lately I’ve been focussing on hobbies that bring some calm – I enjoy walking my pups, travelling with my boyfriend, occasional crafting and gardening. Currently we are trying to tame our new allotment plot, which I share with my best friend - we are in our first year and every season brings a new challenge, I think we underestimated how long it would take to get established but it’s getting there!

You mention travelling. Favourite place you’ve visited?

There are still so many places to visit but my favourite places so far have been San Francisco and Amsterdam – I love exploring the diverse neighbourhoods and finding weird little pockets of personality! I’ve been to both twice and could visit again – its always changing and is always interesting! My boyfriend travels for work and we just managed to fit in the rooftop tour of the Duomo di Milano which was amazing!

Thanks for your time today Siobhán, I’ve really enjoyed it. I didn’t expect to find your answers so touching. As I know you like your music, could we finish with you telling us your favourite album?

Feeder – Yesterday Went Too Soon, is and will always be my favourite album! Guaranteed to give me pep and make me sing (in my head if at work!).

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Siobhán has worked on many projects in her time with us including some of our award-winning housing projects, such as the above-mentioned Torpoint.

Her experience includes working closely with contractors on Design-Build contracts and she brings a detailed understanding of the needs of contractors to her work. This has included working onsite in a Design Coordinator role as a part of the contractors team on a complex housing project in Bath.

Siobhán has taken responsibility for developing technical drawing and BIM standards within gcp and is accountable for coordinating CPD events, as well as ensuring the team are kept up to date with Health and Safety matters and emerging office protocols.