News & Insights

The GC Robertson and JMS Engineers annual Christmas party is always a highlight in the calendar, and 2025 was no exception. This year, the teams came together at the ever-popular Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, providing the perfect setting for a festive evening away from drawings, calculations, site visits, and Teams calls.

On Monday, representatives from the Reuse Engineering Forum East Anglia (REFEA) - Mark Weston from JMS Engineers and Holly Peirson from GC Robertson – attended the East of England Sustainable Building Networking (EESBN) event in Norwich. The event brought together professionals from across the construction and engineering sectors to explore how the region is preparing for a more sustainable future.

Suffolk and the wider East Anglia region are home to some of the UK’s most distinctive heritage buildings. From medieval timber-framed cottages to flint churches and Georgian brick townhouses, these structures form a vital part of the area’s architectural identity.

Two of the region’s leading engineering firms, JMS Engineers and GC Robertson, have joined forces to launch the Reuse Engineering Forum East Anglia (REFEA) – a new sustainability initiative promoting innovative, environmentally responsible practices in structural and civil engineering.

Our GC Robertson team, joined by colleagues from JMS Engineers, hit the road bright and early last week for the East of England Sustainable Building Network in Norwich. We set off at 7am in our trusty electric car, ready for a smooth journey… until the sat nav had other ideas. Instead of the main road, we found ourselves winding through fields on the outskirts of Norwich. The upside? Some unexpectedly stunning countryside views. The other upside? Knowing that when we arrive,

At GC Robertson, we take pride in delivering structural designs that are practical, buildable, and increasingly carbon-conscious. Our work often involves: Retaining and adapting existing buildings rather than demolishing Designing for longevity and material efficiency Collaborating with architects and developers to make low-impact choices early

GC Robertson is proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement by one of our own. John Davis has been recognised by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) for 50 years of membership – a true testament to his long-standing contribution to the civil engineering profession.

In the heart of East Anglia, the conversation around construction is changing. Where once new-builds dominated planning conversations, developers and architects are now looking up – and back – at the region’s wealth of historic structures. But this isn’t nostalgia. It’s a strategic move towards sustainability, value, and identity.

GC Robertson recently attended the Suffolk Joint Construction Committee’s Charity Dinner & Awards Night, hosted at Trinity Park Events. The evening brought together professionals from across Suffolk’s construction sector to recognise industry achievements and raise funds for a local cause.

GC Robertson recently took part in the Women in Construction event at Suffolk New College, a day focused on celebrating achievements and encouraging more women to explore careers in construction and engineering.

What happens when GC Robertson takes a break from designing infrastructure and joins JMS Engineers for a night of ten-pin chaos? A lot of laughs. A few pints. And at least one bowling technique that defied both logic and biomechanics.

From Steel to Stands: A Bold Collaboration with Box Worx At GC Robertson, we’re passionate about rethinking how structures serve people – and that’s exactly what our latest collaboration is all about. We’re working with Box Worx, a company known for converting shipping containers into imaginative, practical spaces, on an exciting new project.

GC Robertson provided the structural engineering expertise for this innovative low-energy new build in a Suffolk village. Designed by Lucy Mobbs of Mobbs Architects, the 197m² timber-framed dwelling was built to achieve exceptional fabric efficiency and airtightness.

At GC Robertson, we are pleased to welcome Holly Peirson to our structural engineering team. With nearly a decade of experience working on structural projects across Suffolk, Holly brings a wealth of knowledge, hands-on expertise, and a passion for sustainability. Her commitment to environmentally responsible design and her advocacy for women in engineering align perfectly with our values at GCR.

Over the years, we’ve seen countless properties where homeowners decide to remove chimney breasts to create more living space – it’s one of the most common alterations in renovation projects. But every time we come across this, the same question comes to mind...

Learn how to identify, understand, and resolve structural issues with insights from industry expert John Davis, a structural engineer with over 30 years of experience in East Anglia. This exclusive podcast series is designed for architects, construction professionals, and engineers looking to enhance their expertise in building diagnostics and defect remediation.

GC Robertson is proud to contribute to the Level Two Youth Project, a transformative initiative located at Felixstowe’s Beach Street, where shipping containers are reimagined as dynamic community spaces. Collaborating with architect Robert Allerton, we provided structural and civil engineering expertise to support the creation of a hub that includes common rooms, consulting areas, and music studios.

Seckford Hall, a Tudor-period house near Woodbridge, Suffolk, showcases the craftsmanship and architectural ingenuity of the 1530s. Built for Thomas Seckford, the hall features a distinctive E-shaped plan constructed from locally sourced brick. The symmetrical nine-bay frontage and two-storey design reflect the Tudor emphasis on proportion and balance. The structural integrity of Seckford Hall has endured centuries, despite periods of neglect. During its restoration in 1946

Timber is a versatile and sustainable building material, but its durability depends heavily on proper moisture management. Here are five tips to ensure timber constructions are built to resist moisture-related damage.

GC Robertson are proud to maintain our membership with the Association for Project Safety (APS), reflecting our ongoing commitment to upholding the highest standards of health and safety in every project we deliver.