meet-the-team

Meet the Team: Matt T

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Following on from Hazel’s Meet The Team interview, we have Matt Taylor, also celebrating one-year at gcp.

Matt is an Architectural Assistant who has worked for a variety of practices ranging from very small teams up to multi-office national practices. He joined gcp in 2022 to support our housing sector and is undertaking Part 3 training to register as an Architect.

Matt’s early employment enabled him to work on many small projects within sensitive areas such as Areas of Outstanding National Beauty, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Conservation Areas, and buildings with listed status. Working later for multi-disciplinary and larger practices, Matt focused on developing masterplans for housing and mixed-use schemes ranging from 10 to over 1000 unit schemes, and progressing these through to planning.

Since joining gcp, Matt has been heavily involved in Retrofit, supporting contractors with on-site works for the fabric upgrade of social housing stock.

Matt’s experience lies most particularly within the housing sector. Through his extensive  masterplanning work he brings a thorough understanding of the opportunities and constraints linked to housing development, including the impact of planning policy and sites with special designations.

Having worked with multiple housebuilders and housing associations, he is able to very quickly provide appraisals for housing sites to suit each particular client’s needs.

Matt’s masterplanning experience is balanced with rigorous technical knowledge which enables him to provide technical coordination for volume housebuilding, and support  retrofit works in the housing sector. He has particularly been involved in pilot projects for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and is working towards becoming a qualified UK Retrofit Designer to support projects delivered under PAS 2035.


Morning Matt! What we always like to ask first is, what inspired you to pursue architecture?

I had a big interest in the sciences as a teenager (mostly physics) but come from an artistic background, having two older artist siblings, architecture was what I saw to be a blending of the two interests growing up.

 

Great! And what has been your favourite project to work on at gcp, so far?

 

The SHDF wave 1 work (two Rivers) has been a high point for me as the first project ive taken all the way through from planning to completion, with the Help of Michael.

 

If you want to check our Michael Hanson’s Meet The Team: 23-year Anniversary Interview, click here.

 

This year has gone so quickly. What has been your best moment with gcp in the last year?

 

I can pin down any particular moment, but I’ve enjoyed the many social activities, Devon weekend, barbecue, even just the Friday pub, easily the most social office I’ve worked for.

 

gcp really pride ourselves on our social events and team activities, so really pleased you’ve enjoyed them. What do you like to do in your spare time?

 

I enjoy playing a lot of boardgames / DND, I also paint digitally in my spare time most days.

 

And what’s your proudest personal achievement? 

 

I once played paintball professionally (odd one I know its my dads doing) sponsored team and everything, got to play in France once .

 

Wow. So, if you weren’t an Architectural Assistant, what do you think you would be? 

 

Complete side-step but right up to when I decided on architecture I loved the idea of marine biology, so most likely that. Failing that some kind of artist.

 

Complete side-step indeed, but not surprising! You are a really interesting person with such varied hobbies. Lastly, I normally ask interviewees to tell us something we might not already know about you? 

 

I can play two instruments, bass and a bit of drums.

 

Another one for the gcp band! Thanks for your time today Matt, here’s to the next year.

 

Check out our blog to see more recent staff anniversaries, project news and round-ups of our recent social events.

 

 

Meet The Team: Hazel

It’s been a while since we’ve added any new employee anniversaries and this week we have two to celebrate. First up is Hazel Momberg, celebrating one year with gcp.

Hazel joined gcp last year as an Architectural Technologist to support projects at tender and construction stages, manage project delivery, and assist the coordination across project teams.

In previous employment with GAPP Architects & Urban Designers as a Senior Architectural Technologist for six years, Hazel worked primarily within the hospitality sector, leading projects for luxury safari brands such as Singita and Helios Lodges Company Ltd.

Hazel has experience in all stages of an architectural project including and not limited to concept initiation, design development, construction documentation, site supervision and project management. More recently, Hazel has focused on the delivery of housing developments with particularly stringent deadlines, where precise and rigorous coordination across the project team is vital to meet client targets.

Hazel has completed an APS Accredited Principal Designer Course, allowing her to support all projects under the current CDM2015 Regulations. With a keen eye for detailing and passion for the built environment, Hazel has also recently qualified as a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT) with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

Morning Hazel! Lets start with an easy one: what inspired you to pursue architecture?

I grew up in a creative family, and because of this have always enjoyed drawing and making things. In school, I developed a passion for problem solving through subjects such as Maths, Science and Technology. Architecture allowed me to combine these two fields of interest into one career path. Designing creative solutions for complex problems is something that sparked my attention at the time, and still does today.

What has been your favourite project to work on at gcp, so far?

St Peters Close in Plymouth has been a very rewarding experience because it is the first project I’ll complete from start to finish in the UK. The development focuses on providing accessible accommodation to enable residents to stay in their homes even as their life needs change.

You have a visible enthusiasm for Architecture but if you weren’t an Architectural Technologist, what would you be?

I wouldn’t mind being a National Geographic Photographer in an exotic rainforest, pursuing the perfect shot of some endangered creature with David Attenborough by my side (big dreams).

Nothing wrong with dreaming a bright future. What have you already achieved that you are proud of?

Keeping my houseplants alive!

On a serious note though, taking the leap to leave my home country, South Africa, to work in the UK was challenging, but in turn a rewarding experience. It has allowed me to develop my passion for architecture in new ways as well as make valuable new friendships along the way.

We’re really pleased you came here. You are positive and grounded member of the team. What’s been your best moment working at gcp in the last year?

One of the best things about working at gcp is the great social environment amongst colleagues. It’s for this reason that I enjoyed the gcp weekend away in Devon where we made some unforgettable memories together.

gcp’s annual staff trip to Devon

Hazel now runs our Events Team, so expect more unforgettable socials in the future!

Moving away from work, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Nothing beats a good road trip to one of UK’s AONB for a long hike and some time spent in nature. Photography is a hobby of mine, so I’ll often take my camera along for the ride too.

To finish up, I normally ask interviewees to tell us something we might not already know about you?

I can play the piano and flute.

gcp are a musical bunch! Might there be an office band in our future?

Thanks for your time today Hazel, we love celebrating our staff anniversaries and getting to know people a little better. To finish up, is there anything else you would like to share?

My favourite quote: ‘The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.’ - Nelson Mandela

Perfect. Keep any eye out on our blog for more staff anniversaries, coming soon.

Meet the Team: Michael Hanson

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, Kensington Memorial Park Waterpark

There’s a really exciting employee anniversary this month – Senior Architect Michael Hanson celebrates 23 years at gcp. As part of the celebrations, we wanted to ask him a few questions about his time here.

As one of our longest serving team members, he has a wealth of experience in leisure, community, education, regeneration and social housing projects for a range of clients including local authorities, housing associations and commercial developers.

Michael has worked on a wide range of projects as lead architect, and also in a consultancy role as assessor and expert energy advisor.

For over 15 years, Michael has had particular interest in the issues of conservation and sustainable environmental design, he has undertaken research and energy modelling to help clients optimise design and construction specifications for low energy housing, including researching  renewable  technology  impacts  and  cost-benefits  for  clients  and  occupants.

Michael is an accredited SAP & EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) assessor.

As part of his interest in developing a deeper understanding of building physics and energy in buildings, in 2011 Michael completed an MSc in Environmental Design of Buildings at Cardiff University, achieving a distinction. This included research into the impacts of domestic retrofit measures, which was published in his dissertation; “The Risk and Reward of Implementing Zero Carbon Retrofit to UK Dwellings: Studies of Implemented Measures and Analysis of Outcomes.”

As a project lead, Michael has particular experience of running the construction stage of projects, involving the discharge of planning conditions, Building Regulation compliance and detailed design co-ordination. In recent years Michael has developed particular experience in works to existing buildings. This has included complex conversion and refurbishment of commercial buildings and residential low and high-rise buildings.

As part of this experience Michael has been responsible for consultation with existing occupiers and management of the complexities of working in occupied buildings and the close coordination this requires. His most recent projects continue this, but focus on whole building low energy retrofit and decarbonisation initiatives, delivering stepchanges in resident experience and energy demands.

Michael  has  completed  training  to  deliver  Principal  Designer  services  to  meet  the requirements of CDM 2015 Health & Safety Regulations.

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Well Michael, I think your experience speaks for itself. Let’s give our followers the chance to get to know you a bit better with a few quick-fire questions.

We’ll start with the easy one: what inspired you to pursue architecture?

Several aspects; my father was a carpenter, and he had a background of a long running multi-generational family business, in the model of general builder and funeral directors. Construction and buildings were a fact. When I was a child we’d investigate local sites if we came across one on a walk (before current levels of health & safety secured sites!) and I remember trying to piece together the part-finished buildings in my head. Additionally my secondary school art teacher was a good encouragement.  

Thanks for sharing that. If you weren’t an architect, what would you be?

Hmmm. Perhaps I would have pursued art – I did art to A-level, enjoyed painting in oils, mainly landscapes at that point. But essentially I gain joy in creating things – so I guess I would have ended up in some sort of creative endeavour.  

You’ve been here for such a long time, do you think you could narrow it down to your favourite project to work on at gcp?

There have been many really, I enjoy each one as they come along – and can get very focused in the detail. But Hengrove Leisure park was an early one, as well as work on the major parks in London for RBKC, particularly at Kensington Memorial Park, and then various community centre and old school site works. Always good to see the benefit for the client & users. There are others that I've enjoyed at concept stage which were never realised in the end – several schemes which would have had dramatic interventions for residents such as proposals for refurbishment of highrise towers in Exeter and Swindon, all unfortunately suffered the fate of local authority financial difficulties not pursuing project delivery.

And what’s been your best moment at gcp in the last year?

I would say some of our staff social events. Gathering again with colleagues and their families down in Devon at the start of this summer was a particular highlight.

Anything Else?

Staggered by way time flies. Time with gcp has been a blend of various different experiences – always with very good people.

Couldn’t agree more and with this anniversary marks the end of another calendar year. Where did 2022 go? Just a few final questions to finish up.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

There never seems to be much of it, but if it is just my time, then cycling and gardening bring satisfaction peace and joy.

When it is longer time with my family we like to get out and visit historic places, to explore or visit new places and do activities – we don’t do static holidays – the act of journeying is part of the experience.

What’s your proudest personal achievement?

My family - My daughters.            

Norfolk Coast, 2020

And to wrap up – my favourite questions to ask! - could tell us something we might not already know about you?

Hmm. Should that be I’m a quarter Italian?

È molto gentile da parte tua!

Narrowboat Steering, 2019

Thanks so much for your time today Michael. It really is a pleasure to celebrate our staff anniversaries and achievements and today was a particularly monumental one.  

We have an exciting month of Christmas fun coming up in December – keep an eye on our blog to see what we doing throughout the month to bring some festive joy to the office.

Meet the Team: Tom M

We’ve mentioned before how incredibly proud we are that over half of our team have been at the company ten years or more; today we are celebrating the nine year anniversary of Tom Mellor, who has recently been promoted to the Board of Directors at gcp.

There are so many benefits to having skills and relationships built over a period of time – we think that our staff retention makes this office a welcoming place for our new starters and apprentices, many of whom go on to join the ranks. Read Tom Hubbard’s interview where he talks about making teas in the office back in 2006 and then joining us as an architectural technician in 2019!

Today’s interviewee Tom Mellor is an experienced architect who has worked and lived in Bristol since 2006. He worked for five years with Childs & Sulzmann Architects gaining a broad range of experience in a number of sectors including hotels & leisure, education, community centres and residential.

Tom joined gcp Chartered Architects in 2011 and has worked as a project architect on a number of schemes continuing to gain a broad experience in all aspects of the profession.

Tom has a particular interest in renovation and working in complex constrained sites where innovative creative solutions are required.

Tom has worked on many projects with a particular focus on those that involve refurbishing and extending existing buildings, sometimes with a heritage or listed status. Most recently this has included the extension and refurbishment of the Bristol Water Headquarters bringing new life to this iconic 1960s office building.

Tom has recently completed work on a project to refurbish and extend an office in central London. The project doubled the size of the building only accessible via a pedestrian archway, by addition of rear and two-storey roof extension. Tom has extensive experience of complex projects such as this which require extensive coordination with all consultants and contractor to find the best construction methodology, and excellent technical skills.

Tom has completed training to deliver Principal Designer services to meet the requirements of CDM 2015 Health and Safety Regulations.

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Wow Tom, well I think your experience about speaks for itself. Let’s give our followers the chance to get to know you a bit better with a few quick-fire questions.

We’ll start with the easy one: what inspired you to pursue architecture?

Travelling in Africa and being fascinated by how the different ways people design their homes affects the way that they live. The decision was made while sitting by the banks of the River Niger for several weeks waiting for our broken-down Land Rover to be fixed, wondering what we would do when we eventually got home.

Sounds like the plot to a film. So, if you weren’t an architect, what would you be?

Better paid but bored.

Funnily enough, not the first person to say that! Tell us, what’s a favourite project that you’ve worked on to date?

Elizabeth House, working closely with a really good project team to resolve many complex issues to deliver this project in central London to refurbish and extend an office building accessed through a small pedestrian archway. An interesting project with lots of learning involved on subjects including party walls, rights of light, unexploded bomb risk and detailed construction methodology. I won’t miss the 5am starts to early site meetings, however.

tom mellor director

And what’s been your best moment at gcp in the last year?

Being asked to become a director.

Tom, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Surfing with my two boys, early morning escapism in the lanes around Bristol on my bike.

What’s your proudest personal achievement?

My family. Crossing the Sahara with a leaking fuel tank patched up with a bar of soap (possibly my most stupid moment too!)

One final question – any followers will know this is my favourite thing to ask! – Tell us something we might not know about you?

I can juggle and make chocolate cakes (not at the same time).

Well chocolate cake is on you then, once we are back in the office together! The juggling you can prove on Teams. Thanks for your time today Tom, really enjoyed it.

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It really is a pleasure to celebrate our staff anniversaries and achievements, today was a particularly fun one.

We have an exciting announcement to make in September, where we will celebrate gcp becoming another year older so keep an eye on our blog for more interviews, images and reminiscing through our birthday month.

Meet the Team: Tom H

Tom Hubbard joined gcp last summer as an architectural technologist experienced in housing, leisure, education, care, refurbishment, and healthcare projects for a range of clients including local authorities, housing and commercial developers.

For over 10 years Tom has been driven by an interest in how buildings are put together and delivering the best technical solutions to provide a high quality outcome for his clients.

Tom has worked for several architecture practices, as well as pursuing other interests which led him to live and work in China teaching English for a year and a half.

Tom has experience working from design conception and planning all the way through to completion and enjoys each stage for its own challenges and processes. He has had experience in a range of architectural practices throughout his career and is comfortable working from small extensions all the way through to large commercial projects.

Since joining gcp, Tom has been involved in producing design and technical information for a community hub in Bristol and has joined teams working on large residential schemes.

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Hi Tom. As it’s your 1-year anniversary at gcp, here are a few questions so we can get to know you a little better. You have an interesting history with gcp, could you tell us a little about that and how it has evolved over the years?

Tom Hubbard

My first ever job in architecture was with gcp, which I started in my first year of Uni back in 2006. I worked one and a half days a week and holidays and it is probably the reason I am still in architecture to this day (curse you all).

Jeremy very kindly offered me this as I mentioned my strong tea making abilities which I am still known for now. (Been a very sad time only making tea for myself every 2 minutes during lockdown).

Jumping forwards 13 years and here I am back at gcp.

Firstly, I was surprised to see just how many faces I still recognised which I think is testament to what a great company gcp are to work for and have been for a long time. With that being said there are good amount of new, young and very talented architects here now and I feel gcp has a very strong team with a fantastic range of experience which I have already learnt so much from.

Personally, when I first started with gcp all those years ago I wasn’t much more than a glorified paper folder and teas maid. I now have the experience and knowledge to hopefully be a worthy member of the team and strive for the excellence expected of me from gcp.

So far, my favourite project I have worked on was a doctors surgery and community hub. Unfortunately, this project didn’t come to fruition but I hope more like this come up in the future.

gcp’s residential sector work and experience is also fantastic and I love being part of building future family homes knowing my work really contributes so positively to our society.

Quite a trip down memory lane! I was brand new back then but am one of those old faces now! So, what’s been the best moment at gcp for you in the last year?

Winning bronze with my team at Go-karting.

And what are you looking forward to in the next one?

I want to become chartered with CIAT this year. The lockdown has taken the wind out of my sails but I hope to achieve this by the end of summer.

Let’s hope the pandemic doesn’t put you behind on that achievement. It’s been a wild and busy few months.

What do you like to do in your spare time, Tom?

Painting, hiking, wild camping, and Kayaking.

And one last thing – always amazes me – tell us something we might not know about you?

I can speak a little German and Madarin.

And there you have it folks! Thanks for your time Tom, hopefully it won’t be too long until you’re making me tea again.

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Keep an eye on our blog for more staff interviews over the coming weeks, the summer is a popular time to join our team!

If you’ve been following us for a while you might also remember that September is the company’s own birthday. We have some exciting news to announce during our own anniversary month …

Meet the Team: Owen

Owen Faunt joined gcp last year as an Architectural Apprentice. He calls himself a “thirty-something photography graduate and a father of two young children” and had previously made a career for himself as a Commercial Insurance Underwriter. 

A creative at heart, this part-time photographer and lover of sustainable design embarked on a career change and set about pursuing an Architectural Apprenticeship Degree with London South Bank University. Owen attends Uni 1 day a week and spends 4 days in the practice.  

This was an exciting prospect for both Owen and gcp; we are incredibly supportive of opportunities to accommodate personal and professional growth. 

To celebrate Owen’s 1-year anniversary, we asked him a few questions. 

From Owen’s Portfolio

Hi Owen. So, what’s your role in gcp?

I’m an Architectural Assistant (Apprentice). I’m told I also make good drinks

I can’t believe it’s been a year! 

Nor can I! Tell us, what has been your best moment at gcp in the last year?  

Handing in my first-year coursework pieces. Managing university alongside full time work and two young children (now 2 & 3 years old), has been incredibly challenging. I’m extremely lucky to have an extremely supportive family.  

And what are you looking forward to in the next year? Personally, or professionally. 

Personally: Getting out on the bike, perhaps getting away on holiday with the family.  

Professionally: Hopefully getting a good result back from Uni but more importantly making myself more useful to the team over the course of the next year.  

You mention your bike and your family, tell us a little about what you like to do in your spare time.  

Obviously, my family are my main interest and occupy the majority of my time. I also like cycling, (particularly mountain biking). I’m a keen photographer, (having previously studied the subject for my first degree). I hike (sometimes) and I love anything food and drink related.  

So, what’s your proudest personal achievement? 

Honestly, I’m still amazed that I’ve managed to change my career to pursue architecture in my mid-thirties. I couldn’t have done this without my wonderful wife Lisa pushing me and making me believe in myself but after a year with gcp, I’m now able to look back on the sequence of events that led to this point with huge pride. I’m under no illusion that there’s still a long way to go on this journey but I now feel like I’ve got the momentum required to carry me through to qualification.  

I personally find it incredibly brave and inspirational. You have such enthusiasm and determination to do a good job – it was the right move. Could you tell us something we might not know about you? 

I spent my formative years playing ice hockey (predominantly as a netminder) and was even (very briefly) selected as part of the British Universities National Team. If they ever finish building the new Bristol rink, I’ll no doubt be back on the ice at the first opportunity.  

Wow. Very cool. That’s always my favourite question to ask! 

One more: if you didn’t work at gcp what would your dream job have been?  

I joined gcp at the age of 36 having spent a good deal of my working life in general insurance. I’d yearned to do something more creative for a living for a long time and as I mentioned before, it was Lisa that really gave me the encouragement and belief that I could make this career a reality. Therefore, I’ve found myself in a very privileged position, doing a job that I really enjoy as well as being paid to study. I believe that as we age we inherently tend to become more insular and an unexpected side effect of my career change has been that I’m expanding my mind in ways I never really thought could.  

Of course, I would also really have liked to have been an F1 driver, pro mountain biker or NHL hockey star, who wouldn’t? 

Um, not sure I’m with you on that one. All that driving round in circles makes me dizzy! Thanks for your time today Owen. Good luck in your studies – we will catch up with your progress on the blog over the coming months. 

hockey.jpg

Keep an eye on our blog for more staff interviews over the coming weeks, the summer is a popular time to join our team!

If you’ve been following us for a while you might also remember that September is the company’s own birthday. We have some exciting news to announce during our own anniversary month …

Meet the Team: Natalie

Hi - Natalie here! This year marks my 13th year at gcp so to celebrate (!) I was asked to turn the Dictaphone on myself and answer a few of the questions I’ve given to my colleagues over the last year.

What is your role in gcp?

I provide administrative support to the Directors, team and the office. My job title is Practice Manager, which tries to encapsulate what I would term as “high level” administrative support such as running our Quality and Environmental Management System, writing and implementing our marketing strategy and managing our current to future pipeline. 

To provide administrative support in any small team is a funny business. There is always a steady flow of procedural work and reporting that is easy and repetitive, but most days I find myself with “special projects” which offer different challenges. This means the work is also often varied and interesting. No two weeks are the same; the tasks use a variety of skills, many of which don’t appear in my CV!

Admin always feels like too bland a description for what I consider to be a fast-paced, forward-thinking, multi-skilled, under-valued section of office work. Not everyone has what it takes to successfully do this job with ease and good humour, though in isolation the skills can seem quite easy.

Someone once said to me that you only notice admin staff when you have bad ones. That’s stuck with me over the years.

I value high-quality support staff and consider myself extremely lucky to work alongside Maria at gcp. 

How have you seen gcp change in the years you have been here?

I joined gcp back in 2007 as Office Manager & Admin Assistant and the memories I have of those days are of time spent on the print room floor folding piles of drawings for a planning submission. And of blurry old fax machine receipts. Drawing tanks. Ring bound presentation folders. A QA system with about twenty lever arch files of paperwork.

To say technology has moved on in that time is probably an understatement but the rise of social media in particular has given me a whole new set of skills for our marketing strategy.

The other thing I’ve seen a change in globally is flexible working and the work life balance. There has been quite a buzz in the media lately with regards to inventive working strategies – Microsoft’s month-long trial of a four-day week back in August 2019 found that their employees were “happier” and “significantly more productive” during the Work-Life Choice Challenge.

I think gcp has always been ahead of the curve with this offering alternative working arrangements and supporting family commitments but nowadays we see more members of staff actually using 4 day weeks, 9 day fortnights, earlier start and finish times etc.

I’m quite lucky in that I often get to be at the front of championing new initiatives.

This interview was drafted before Lockdown 2020, but I’m interested to see how this shapes the new office environment going forward!

Best moment at gcp in the last year?

For me, it has been the opportunity to mentor and support other members of the team through marketing subgroups which we created about a year ago. It’s been really inspiring to watch different members of the team take responsibility for parts of our marketing strategy and succeed brilliantly.

I also had a particularly fun December 2019. I devised and ran a festive schedule in the office for the second year in a row – including games, quizzes and hot chocolate – though I had a bit of a moan about the headspace it took up, it did liven up the office and made me feel very Christmassy.

This was topped off with a very entertaining afternoon out for our Christmas party. The team we currently have is incredibly diverse and genuinely a really nice bunch of people to hang out with.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to write and to read. I aspire to be arty though I am often more interested in the planning and daydreaming than the execution. Daydreaming is my meditation. I’m obsessed with Pinterest.

I have more hobbies than anyone I know, and I am always learning something new and forgetting it in favour of something else. 

I enjoy knitting, kneading bread, listening to music, laughing at my husband, cups of tea, cuddles with my kids, gin, autumn walks, frosty mornings, being near the water, meditation, picnics, sushi and going to farmers markets.

What is your proudest personal achievement?

Getting two poems published in the same edition of my university magazine. The head of the English department was a published writer, eloquent speaker and crazy, post-apocalyptic theorist. Its validating as a writer when someone who’s own work you regard as interesting, feels the same way about yours.

I was incredibly proud to be chosen back then because writing is a bit like putting your heart out there for other people to break. I imagine it’s much worse these days with social media. For me, it has gotten scarier as I’ve gotten older too. To be young is to be fearless when you are a creative.

Tell us something we might not know about you?

This is tricky! I am an open book and a bit of a chatter, which probably winds up some of my more introverted colleagues. I strive for authentic connections with people so try very hard to be honest in my interactions.

My party trick is that I can say the alphabet backwards. Oh, and did you know at one time I was a qualified personal trainer and exercise to music instructor?

If you didn’t work at gcp what would your dream job have been?

A writer.

Do professional readers exist? Perhaps a book editor.

I have been writing creatively since I was in primary school, short stories, and poetry. My degree was in English Literature and my dissertation was a creative writing portfolio for which I received First Class marks.

I absolutely love the written word, language and reading aloud and these things still take up a large part of my time away from work even if I am not getting paid for them!

Meet the Team: Sarah Makroum

Images from Sarah’s scenery making at church holiday club (left & right), middle is a group shot from the Brecon Beacons hike for Mind

Sarah graduated from the University of Bath with First Class Honours in 2014 and joined gcp shortly after.

Prior to joining gcp, she worked with private clients on one-off houses, often within sensitive contexts such as the Green Belt and Conservation Areas. At gcp, Sarah has primarily been involved in feasibility, design and delivery of residential schemes, including a small award-winning affordable housing development in Mark, Somerset, and a 128-home scheme in Lawrence Weston, Bristol. Additionally, Sarah has worked alongside community organisations to carry out public consultations and develop high level strategic briefs. 

Sarah has worked on the development of gcp's BIM protocols, developing drawing and BIM standards as well as specific components and families for our housing work, enabling gcp to work efficiently and collaboratively with other consultants.   

With the support of gcp, Sarah is currently undertaking an Office-based Part II accreditation with the RIBA Studio, where, as well as obtaining the professional qualification, she is pursuing her interest in the relationship between the built environment and wellbeing. Her present research project focuses on designing places for people with ASD. 

To mark Sarah’s five-year anniversary with gcp, I sat down to ask her a few questions.

Hi Sarah – welcome! – by now you know the format, so lets start with what inspired you to pursue architecture? 

The realisation that I didn't want to be boxed in. Architecture offers so much variety.

And, if you weren’t an architectural assistant, what would you be? 

A psychologist, a set designer, a teacher, an outdoor pursuits instructor, a translator...! All at the same time, preferably 😉 

It’s true you have an amazing variety of interests! How about you tell us a little about what you like to do in your spare time. 

sarah_makroum

Well, I'm currently studying for my RIBA Part II alongside working in the office, so spare time feels hard to come by!  Having said that, I prioritise spending time with my church family in various ways, e.g. Sunday services, by helping at youth group, by designing and making scenery for our church holiday clubs etc.

Once I've finished the Part II, I'm hoping to be out and about much more - I love most things outdoorsy! 

Sounds lovely, but exhausting! What has been your proudest personal achievement? 

I really enjoy seeing the kids' reactions to the scenery at church holiday clubs. Really makes you smile. 

I think it’s fair to say it’s been a busy year in the office. What’s been your best moment at gcp in the last year? 

My favourite moments in the office are those times when, maybe just for a few minutes, the stress of deadlines and difficult relationships (yes, it's all not hunky-dory in the world of architecture!) eases and the whole office engages in good-humoured chatter, or a little game. We haven't done so many recently, but I do really enjoy our five-to-four quiz slots.   

If I had to pick just one thing, then it would be managing to get a good gang of us hiking through the Brecon Beacons back in August, in support of Mind. 

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Such a fantastic achievement for everyone involved, for a brilliant cause. I’m sure you and the events team have lots more fun (!) things planned for us next year. 

Before we finish up, perhaps you could tell me a bit about a favourite project that you’ve worked on to date? 

This would have to be the affordable homes we designed at Northwick Road, Mark. We had a great client, South Western Housing Society, who is really serious about social responsibility and open-minded as to how we can create places that meet the needs of communities.  I was given a level of responsibility which would be hard to come by at my age in other practices; I did spend most of the time feeling completely out of my depth! It was a fantastic project for me and I am thrilled with the result.  

Thanks Sarah. One last thing I always like to ask is can you tell me something people might not know about you … 

Mmmh, this is tricky. I like to think I'm quite open? Or maybe just quite boring. I am a serial sleeptalker/walker, and my right ear is 5mm longer than my left!

Gets me every time! Though, as to why you have measured your ears … perhaps we should leave that until the next interview!

Sarah has worked on a wide range of housing jobs whilst with gcp including Northwick Road, Mark, Henacre and Clover Place a private family home designed to passivhaus principles. She is currently preparing a planning application for a tennis pavilion for a local club. 

Outside of her architectural work, Sarah is a prominent member of the events team and, along with Esther Brown, instigator of weekly volleyball matches and daily five-to-four quizzes! 

If you haven’t already, why not check out more staff interviews in our meet-the-team series.

Meet the Team: Jonathan Platt

Graphics: Leyton summer & winter sporting options; St Pauls Sports Academy; The Trinity Centre


September is a special month here at gcp as it marks the company’s birthday! This year is our 32nd anniversary and to celebrate we will be reflecting on past staff events over on social media.

As part of this celebration, we have conducted Director-interviews to add to our meet-the-team series. Next up is Jonathan Platt, Architect and Director who, joined gcp in 1995 and became a director in 1997.

Upon qualification in 1989 Jonathan worked for the progressive JT Design Build in Bristol, the county’s first integrated services contractor. From 1992 Jonathan worked for the regional offices of a couple of London based commercial architectural practices before joining gcp in 1995.

Jonathan has developed the practice expertise in both inner city and rural regeneration projects through his understanding of the funding environment and by tailoring the businesses services to support clients accordingly. This work has included community consultations and engagement, site identification, planning analysis, partner brokerage and capital funding appraisals.

Alongside this, Jonathan pursued his interest in sport, resulting in the combination of inner-city regeneration with the development of new sports facilities. This included England’s first BREEAM Excellent sports centre in central Bristol, as well as The Urban Cricket Concept for the England & Wales Cricket Board, conceived to unite communities through sport.

Parallel to his speciality with community and sports related projects, Jonathan has supported the development of gcp Consulting, an environmental assessment and design service that supports both internal and external projects. Jonathan consequently has a wealth of experience regarding successful sustainable development, from both a social and a political perspective. Jonathan has also worked as an expert assessor for Innovate UK on several competitions including: Retro fit for the Future (domestic energy reduction competition), Climate of Future Climates (climate change adaptation to build in resilience) and Information & Computer Technology knowledge transfer between manufacturing and construction.

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Morning Jonathan! I think your introduction and career history speak for themselves really, such a fantastic and diverse portfolio. I hope you don’t mind me asking you a few questions today so that the readers of our blog can get to know you a little better. This year marks 24 years with gcp, a tenure that has built you much respect within in our team, particularly your expertise in delivering schemes in areas of Bristol which need some improvement. Can you tell us what inspired you to pursue architecture?

Despite my dad and his uncle being architects, my path into profession was a reactionary one. Not having taken secondary school too seriously for whatever reason (the usual distractions if I am honest and a bit of dyslexia, but no real excuse there), and then given my predicted results and being presented with the career options that were a bit of a shock, and without giving it any more thought I immediately declared I was going to become an architect - much derision from teaching staff etc. I then started to work.

It's an unconventional start to an architectural career! If you weren’t an architect, what do you think you would be?

The army or a fireman were the options presented to me as career options at school. Nothing wrong with them, but if I wasn’t an architect and if was to have forged a different path, it would have had to involve the outdoors, wood and making things. I had always been really practical, helping my dad with minor building projects around the house and creating mini projects of my own such as building fitted wardrobe etc in my bedroom from scrap wood.

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

We have just completed the delivery of the first Urban Cricket Centre on behalf of the England and Wales Cricket Board in partnership with London Borough of Waltham Forest. This has been a fantastic scheme, and is perhaps my favourite because it is fresh in my memory, but it is the culmination of many things I have been passionate about throughout my career: sport as a catalyst of regeneration; repurposing of existing buildings and facilities by making them relevant for economic use today; working in partnership with multiple stakeholders and agencies to deliver more benefits greater than the sum of the part and finally blending funding from many sources to deliver a fantastic outcome for the local community.

Could you tell me what your best moment at gcp in the last year has been?

Within the last year the best experience at gcp must be seeing the staff take on new responsibilities with zest and gusto. It is just fantastic to see colleagues grow and flourish, even when it means I am more accountable to other than ever before.

Couldn’t agree more – it’s been lovely to see our team members take on new responsibilities and really embrace the challenge with such enthusiasm. Speaking about change, do you think you could tell me a bit about how gcp has changed over the years?

We have learnt how to build a culture of working together that is supportive and inclusive that has created a fantastic team. This didn’t happen overnight but started when as directors we realised, we could do everything, and things needed to change. This was around the time of the Egan Report that we embraced and used some of the culture change tool kits to redesign the business decision making structure.

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What’s your proudest personal achievement?

My proudest achievement is helping to deliver schemes that brings investment into the relatively deprived area around any city or town centre. In Bristol I have been intrinsically involved with bringing forward investment into three major schemes in east of the city, where investment is always hard to come by.

St Paul’s Sports Academy is just off the M32, when built in 2003 was the first major investment in sport in the inner city for many years, the 1st BREEAM Excellent sports centre and the 1st duel-use sports centre on a primary school site. We undertook extensive community consultation that was key to attracting investment from both Sport England and the SWRDA (forerunner of WECA). Now well over 15 years old, the building looks almost as good as it did the day it was opened by Olympic sprinter, Tessa Sanderson. It also won a Bristol Civic Trust Award.

The development of the Junction 3 project, again just off the M32 was a significant milestone for the business and sense of significant personal achievement. This project was the culmination of two previous failed attempts at developing the site (just 32 legal titles to acquire) and took a great deal of courage from our clients (Bristol City Council, SPAN and Knightstone housing – now LiveWest) to have faith in the idea and see it through to completion. The scheme has completely transformed an area of Bristol that was blighted by antisocial behaviour and was generally a no-go area. It is now a thriving commuter intersection used as a meeting and reference point in the city.

The Trinity Centre in the Old Market district of the city is a converted Grade II* Listed de-consecrated church repurposed as a community arts centre. We have worked with Trinity over the last 15 years, where we have helped facilitate multiple phases of redevelopment as funding has come available (over £1M investment secured to date). It has been fantastic to see the organisation and staff grow and thrive, moving from a rather shambolic rave and live music venue into a respected community arts centre with multiple partnerships. We helped the set out a development master-plan in 2009 that provides a template to complete the redevelopment – only a further £1.9M is needed to finish the job which I hope to see completed before I retire!

 What are you looking forward to in the next year?

 On the back of the phenomenally successful summer of cricket, I am really looking forward to delivering the next two pilot projects as part of the ECB’s Urban cricket Centre programme. It is just a great time to be associated with cricket and sport in general.

Finally, could you tell us what do you like to do in your spare time? 

Play sport, watch live music and sport, plan active holidays, take active holidays, see my family and cooking.

Thanks for your time today Jonathan!

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As part of the interview Jonathan was asked to pick his three most iconic projects with gcp. Mentioned in the answers above are two of those: The Trinity Centre and St Pauls Sports Academy.


The third was Leyton County Cricket Ground where phase 1 has just been completed. See our cricket fixed story on Instagram to see the progress made at Leyton (and Bristol). As was the case with The Trinity Centre, many projects that are funded have a long term plan where the improvement works will be phased to ensure there is enough funding and support for each stage.

Phase 1 of this project focused on the reconfiguration and fit out of the sports hall, outdoor changing provision and creating a link to the George Mitchell Arts building. Phase 2 will involve the redevelopment of that Arts building to create a cricket focused sports facility. These works are funded predominantly by the ECB, English Cricket Board and the redevelopment works are to be in line with their guidance and standards.

There are possible further phases which could include improving the parking, new sports boards, and general improvement of the grounds capabilities. The above graphics show a summer and winter version of the possible capabilities of the site, allowing for not only a cricket ground but also a mix of sports and athletics that can be used by the local school and the community.

Leyton Cricket Ground was the first of hopefully many cricket based projects for gcp. We are currently also working on works to Bristol and Bradford Cricket facilities.

 

 

Meet the team: Colin Powell

Photography by Colin Powell

September is a special month here at gcp as it marks the company’s birthday! This year is our 32nd anniversary and to celebrate we will be reflecting on past staff events over on social media.

As part of this celebration, we have conducted Director-interviews to add to our meet-the-team series. Next up is Colin Powell, Architect, PassivHaus Designer and Director who, joined gcp in 1995.

For the last 10 years Colin has worked particularly with residential development clients in the public and private sector, developing projects from early feasibility and inception through planning and delivery stages, acting as lead consultant to manage the design process and coordinate the inputs of other consultants and specialists.

As director responsible for gcp Consulting, Colin has undertaken research and energy modelling to help clients optimise design and construction specifications for low energy housing. This has included modelling energy performance, overheating risks and researching the impacts of renewable technologies, analysing their costs and benefits for clients and occupants.

Colin studied and worked in commercial practice in London for 12 years before moving to Bath in 1989 and joining gcp in 1995. He is an experienced architect with knowledge in housing, education, hotel and leisure, health, commercial and industrial design. Colin has worked on a wide range of projects as both lead architect and in a consultancy role advising on sustainable and low energy design. This experience provides him with a good understanding of technical and construction issues as well as the need for a pragmatic approach on how to deliver low energy buildings that are cost effective and easy to operate.

As part of an interest in developing a deeper understanding of building physics and energy in buildings Colin completed an MSc in Environmental Design of Buildings at Cardiff University in 2006 achieving a distinction. Extending this interest he completed training with The Building Research Establishment and passed the International PassivHaus Institute examination to become the first chartered architect in the West of England Region to be a Certified PassivHaus Designer. 

 Hi Colin. So this year marks 24 years with gcp and I think your impressive professional experience and qualifications in the introduction back up why our clients and colleagues think so highly of you. It’s going to be hard for me to cover all of that this afternoon but it would be good if the readers of our blog could get to know you a little better on a personal level.

Let’s begin with what inspired you to pursue architecture?

I didn’t have much idea of what I wanted to do when I was 16; my dad organised a summer job for me working at Leominster Council Architects Department. I helped surveying properties, preparing some (very basic!) drawings and had my first exposure to design and how architects use their imagination to visualise problems. This is when I first realised that somebody had to think up what buildings looked like and how they work which sparked my imagination for a possible career.

It's so interesting to find our that someone with your passion and skill for great design stumbled into this industry almost by chance! If you weren’t an architect, what do you think you would be?

I was nearly a firefighter (!) and I’ve always liked the idea of being a National Park Ranger. (Hmm… maybe I’m attracted to being in uniform?)

I’m afraid I’m going to have to put my foot down and give a hard no to a gcp uniform!! Moving swiftly on … what has been the best moment for you at gcp in the last year?

The opening of our rural housing project in Mark for Southwestern Housing Society. This project had a challenging early design process involving some very difficult local politics. It was great to see the original members of the Community Land Trust cutting the ribbon on a project that represented their vision for local housing in this community and to see how pleased the first families were with their new homes.

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And could you tell me a little about a favourite project that you’ve worked on to date?

I don’t think I can select a single project as each has had its own satisfactions; I like the work I did for The Leadership Trust in Herefordshire which involved working with some lovely old farm buildings and creating sensitive new insertions. I am proud of the Fairfield Park Health Centre refurbishment as this has had such a positive impact on the doctors and patients who use the building every day. My favourite projects are the ones where our clients have high expectations – this means we have to do our best work to meet their aspirations – and I get great satisfaction from feeling we have delivered our best projects for these clients.

Colin, you speak so passionately about doing your best to meet a client’s expectations and it is really inspiring to hear. Could you share with me a special memory or moment from your 24-years at gcp.

As part of our 30th anniversary year in 2017, we arranged a dinner in Bristol and invited past employees to join us. It was lovely to see so many old friends, catch up with their news of families and careers and hear them speak so warmly of their time with gcp.

Ahh that was a lovely evening, hopefully we will be able to all get together like that again soon. On a more serious note where do you see the future of the industry, in general terms?

I would like to see the industry being better at tackling the issues of climate change, positively engaging with this issue, designing and building much higher quality sustainable buildings, and playing our part in tackling this major threat to our children’s future. 

Couldn’t agree more.  

I hope you don’t mind if I ask a few more personal questions now – let’s start with something easy like, what you like to do in your spare time. 

I like to be outdoors; drawing and painting or taking photographs. 

We have some of Colin’s fantastic photography attached to this post and here is the link to his photography Instagram, if you want to see more. And what about your proudest personal achievement? 

My (twin) daughters, my MSc in Environmental Design of Buildings and achieving my qualification as a Certified PassivHaus Designer. But mostly my lovely daughters! 

Anyone who knows you won’t be surprised to hear how proud you are of your lovely daughters! On that note, do you think you could tell us something we might not know about you?

I was once part of the Oxford University Underwater Archaeology Team, surveying a Greek wreck on the seabed 35 meters deep, off the island of Panarea, in the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

If I had an emoji keyboard, I’d be inserting the gobsmacked emoji in here. I absolutely love the answers to that question! That sounds equally interesting and petrifying (I’m scared of being deep under water).  

Thanks for your time today Colin, I’ve really enjoyed chatting to you. To finish up could you tell me what are you looking forward to most in the next year?  

My Daughter Harriet getting her professional qualification as an Architect (no pressure was applied – it really was what she wanted to do.)

As part of the interview, Colin was asked to pick three favourite projects that he’s worked on. He chose:

Leadership Trust Foundation, a project in Herefordshire which involved working with some lovely old farm buildings and creating sensitive new insertions. 

gcp established a close working relationship with training organisation Leadership Trust Foundation, helping support the trust’s growth plans over a 10-year period. gcp has managed projects to provide the Trust with new offices, seminar rooms, a 150-seat lecture theatre and a 24 bedroom residential centre with conference facilities. 

Set in a rural location, all the new buildings emphasise energy-efficient design using sustainable, locally sources materials. 

The next project on the list is Homelands, Dundry, one of our Passivhaus schemes in a lovely location with views over Bristol, to the Bristol Channel and the Welsh hills beyond.  

This was an exciting project for gcp as, along with it being built to Passivhaus standards, it was also a self-build project with a client who has an eye for detail and is passionate about creating a low energy home. 

The main structure is built with Nudura insulated concrete form work (ICF) as it is quite easy to use, suiting the self-build nature of the project. The results on the project have been great, achieving an air tightness test of 0.45 the best performance of any previous gcp project. 

The aesthetic results are also brilliant. The ground floor facade is built from stone quarried on site and is complemented by the render and grey roof and grey windows. 

Last up is Coopers Court, Tiverton. This project rejuvenated a visually important, contaminated brownfield site. Creating 13 new, affordable homes in a conservation area, adjacent to a Grade I listed building.  

Colin said his favourite projects are the ones where the Clients have high expectations - this means we must do our best work to meet their aspirations. Coopers Court was a complex project needing a high-quality finish, which is exactly what we got.

 

Meet the Team: Jeremy Pilling

“Sky” Photographs taken by Jeremy

September is a special month here at gcp as it marks the company’s birthday! This year is our 32nd anniversary and to celebrate we will be reflecting on past staff events over on social media.

As part of this celebration, we have conducted Director-interviews to add to our meet-the-team series. First up is Jeremy Pilling, Architect and Managing Director who, since completing his professional qualifications in 1984, has lived and worked in the Bristol area.  Jeremy has a wide network of local contacts and was a Council Member for the Avon Branch of the RIBA between 1992 and 1998.

Jeremy worked for eight years with JT Design and Build, a Bristol based construction company specialising in development through Design and Build.  This experience provided Jeremy with an excellent understanding of commercial design and cooperative working between design and construction teams.

In 1987 Jeremy founded gcp Chartered Architects with Graham Carruthers, initially established in Bath. Jeremy has led the company through its growth, incorporation in 1994 and relocation to Bristol in 1998.  Jeremy is the senior Director and majority shareholder of the company with principle responsibility for financial and business management.

Jeremy has delivered a wide range of projects, managing complex developments through all project stages. Jeremy is passionate about finding new uses for redundant buildings and giving tired buildings a new lease of life. He is particularly knowledgeable about planning regulations and has helped to achieve consents on some complex and sensitive sites in a range of settings.

Jeremy is always keen to consider multiple options for a project weighing up their relative feasibility in terms of cost benefit, whilst striving to achieve the best possible outcomes in terms of the quality and practicality of the design.  Sometimes the solution may be to challenge the problem and rewrite the brief. Frequently his advice has been to reorganise a building or a site in a smarter way, build less from scratch and achieve a viable solution well within a budget.

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Morning Jeremy. Considering your impressive CV and professional experience, not to mention leading gcp for 32 years I think it would be difficult to capture everything in one interview! Today I’d like people reading this to get to know you a little better on a personal level, so could we begin by hearing about what inspired you to pursue architecture?

My dad was a local authority planner and being an architect was the only thing I wanted to do from the age of about 14 apart from be a footballer of course!

And apart from professional footballer, if you weren’t an architect, what would you be?

Rich – Ha ha!

Well you managed a smile from me, self-confessed hater of cheesy jokes, so perhaps comedian might have been an option as well! Why don’t you tell me some of the things you like to do in your spare time.

Playing golf, learning to play the piano, skiing, swimming, cycling, drinking, cooking and gardening and I do like seeing new places – sorry – I wish I had some more spare time!

Fantastic. My favourite thing to ask in these interviews is “tell me something we might not know about you” – do you think you could?

I collect cigarette cards and have nearly thirty thousand of them.

Wow. This one gets me every time. Considering I’ve worked alongside you for twelve years now, spending most of that time sitting in the same section maybe I need to start paying more attention!

As much as I like the jokes and fun facts, I hope you don’t mind if I ask a few more serious questions about your time in charge of gcp. I’d really like to hear about a favourite project that you’ve worked on to date.

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There have been so many projects that I have really enjoyed but probably Lisson Grove Medical Centre in Plymouth in the 1990s. Life was a bit simpler then!

I can agree with that – I was still at school then (and it’s not often I get to say that, believe me !). Moving on quickly before I get a pencil thrown in my direction, what’s your proudest personal achievement?

Not quite a personal achievement but I am proudest of my children and their strength and independence.

Lovely and it’s thirty-two years old for the company this year – older than your children. How has gcp changed over the years?

 It is better organised and has developed systems which allow staff to work efficiently and to their strengths.

And what has been your best moment at gcp in the last year?

Resolving the roof construction at Swindon Town Football Foundation pavilion and a staff ‘camping’ weekend away down in Devon.

I’ll link out to the Swindon Drone footage for anyone who’d like to see the complex shape of the pavilion. As for the staff camping pictures – check out our Instagram page for fixed social stories.

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It’s been a colourful 30 years. Looking forward for a moment, where do you see the future of the practice?

I am going to work hard to usher in employee ownership in 2020 and believe the business has now developed a core strength which will enable it to thrive irrespective of minor or temporary vagaries of the market.

Thanks Jeremy, I couldn’t agree more. We really have a strong, diverse and dedicated team here and I think we are all looking forward to seeing what 2020 brings. I won’t keep you for much longer, but maybe before you go you could tell us what you are looking forward to in the next year? 

Seeing my daughter move into her first house, manage the transition to employee ownership and plans to visit New York and New England again next September.


Exciting! To finish – and this is a tough one considering there will be lots to choose from – could you share a special memory or moment from your time at gcp? 

Probably the effort everyone put into our 30th year events in 2017 but over the years definitely the people who I have had the pleasure of working with – you know who you are!

Lovely, what a nice thing to end on. It really sums up what is at the heart of our successful team, the people who we work with and the relationships we have forged over the years.  

As part of the interview, Jeremy was asked to pick three, favourite and  iconic projects that he’s worked on. He chose:

Junction 3, a regeneration scheme comprising a new library, crèche, work space units, apartments and houses. The bold shapes and bright colours brought a new lease of life to the area which had suffered from neglect.


He chose this because it was very challenging to build but a huge achievement and the project went on to win several awards. 

Filwood Green Business Park was designed by Stride Treglown through to planning stage and then we took on technical design stage working for Midas Construction. This is one of Jeremy’s favourites because of what the building provides - small units for start-up businesses where they can develop and grow.

Jeremy’s final choice was Bristol Water HQ.

Bristol Water’s offices were in desperate need of refurbishment when we were instructed. gcp’s relationship with Bristol Water goes back to 1999 when we embarked on the design of a new fishing lodge at Chew Valley Lake. The relationship continued and in 2010 we were asked to prepare a feasibility for a refurbishment of the head office building. 

The iconic 1960s office building was revived with a new extension, over-cladding of the existing envelope and full internal refurbishment. On completion, two hundred network staff joined their colleagues under the same roof for the first time to enjoy the stunning new facilities.

This is one of Jeremy’s favourite projects because it is the perfect example of recycling old buildings and creating something new and improved. The finished article is hugely successful.

Meet the Team: Esther Brown

Esther joined gcp in 2017 after completing her Part 2 studies in Canterbury and moving back home to Bristol. Prior to this, Esther worked in a global practice in Bristol, gaining experience on large, multidisciplinary projects. She also had the opportunity to work in UAE and Qatar on large, fast-paced Rail projects developing her Revit skills greatly.

Esther is currently at the University of the West of England completing her Professional Practice qualification to become a fully qualified Architect. She is hoping to qualify in 2019.

This month marks Esther’s second-year anniversary at gcp, so what better time to ask her a little more about herself.

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So Esther, by now you know the format! Tell us, what inspired you to pursue architecture?

I always liked designing, creating and rebuilding. From a really young age I started redesigning my bedroom and rearranging my furniture!  

If you weren’t training to become an architect, what would you be doing? 

Although I’ve always wanted to be an architect, I have also loved the idea of joining the police force. 

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

I would probably say Malvern as it my first opportunity to really understand the construction side of the project and get to see the progress as it is being built. 

Also favourite non-project is setting up the Instagram account with the Media team. 

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Esther has been instrumental in getting gcp’s Instagram account up and running this year. Her boundless enthusiasm really shows on our account. Check it out here. 

So what’s been your best moment at gcp in the last year?  

Being able to wear my Santa onesie to work on the last day before Christmas! 

(Photographs NOT available, unfortunately!) Moving on … tell us about a happy moment from your personal life. 

Meeting my nephew when he was just a day old. 

Ahh! We love seeing all the cute pictures and videos you take of him here in the office!  

Tell us something we might not know about you? What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I like to learn instruments. So far I’ve taught myself drums, guitar, bass, ukulele, banjolele and I’m currently learning the piano and harmonica. 

Wow. You really have surprised me with that! Thanks Esther, it’s been a pleasure. Just to wrap up, how about you tell us about a favourite place you’ve visited? 

I went to do a volunteer house build project in Costa Rica which was amazing then travelled around the country after. It has some stunning beaches and lots of cute monkeys and sloths.

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Esther has worked on a wide range of housing jobs whilst with gcp including West Road, Lympsham; Station Road, Brent knoll; Malvern and of course, Corbet Close, which was featured this week on Instagram.

Outside of her architectural work, Esther is a prominent member of the media team and, along with Sarah Makroum, instigator of weekly volleyball matches and daily five-to-four quizzes!

August has been a busy month for staff interviews and we’re not done yet! Keep an eye on our blog for what’s to come.

Meet the Team: Jon Briscoe

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?

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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.

Meet the Team: Siobhán Tarr

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!

siobhan-tarr

 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. 

Images: Siobhán’s trip to Milan, images from award-winning housing project Torpoint

It really is a pleasure to celebrate all of our staff anniversaries and achievements, today is a particularly special one.  

We have many more to come over the next weeks so keep an eye on our blog!

Meet the Team: Matt Bonney

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matt bonney

Architect Matt Bonney is celebrating his first-year anniversary with gcp. He joined us last year from 360 Architecture in Glasgow. Matt graduated Strathclyde University in 2016, where his studies focused on developing sustainable buildings with inter-seasonal energy storage.

We wanted to get to know Matt a little better, so asked him a few questions!

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So Matt, what inspired you to pursue architecture?

Meccano, K-nex and Lego along with a desire to create and an infinite imagination.

and if you weren’t an architect, what would you be?

Set designer or carpenter.

Can you tell us what’s your best moment at gcp in the last year?

The build up to Christmas!

Matt joins a long list of gcp employees who have a competitive streak - in the run up to Christmas last year we ran several games and challenges amongst the team to win chocolate, wine and - more importantly - glory!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Cycling or anything sporty really (not sure if appropriate but I also create beer pong tables as a side project).

Certainly interesting though! So, what’s your proudest personal achievement?

A-level art – creating a full-sized grand piano out of match sticks and coloured PVA (photos available)

And attached to this blog! Thanks for your time Matt, just to wrap up could you tell us your favourite project that you’ve worked on to date.

Leyton Urban Cricket Hub.

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Matt has worked on some interesting projects since starting with gcp, including Bristol County Ground, Bristol Tower blocks and the Urban Cricket Hub in Leyton. Outside of his architectural work in the office, he is on both our media and events groups; personally, he has just returned from a cycling expedition through the Alps.

 

Keep an eye on our blog for more staff interviews over the coming weeks.