Pictured: James Thomson
Derby-based GCA (UK) Ltd, one the region's leading firms of
consulting engineers, has announced the appointment of James
Thomson to its team of structural engineers.
James joins GCA from international engineering consultancy, Buro
Happold, where he spent five years, progressing from trainee to
structural engineer whilst working on major international
projects.
James returns to his home city after gaining a wealth of
experience in the field of structural engineering. he has worked on
a number of high profile buildings, including the King Abdullah
Finance District in Riyadh, The new Library of Birmingham, The
Midlands Arts Centre in Edgbaston and The UCL Academy SEN School in
London.
James specialises in structural design for public buildings,
including architectural structures with complex geometry,
non-standard materials, artworks and sculpture along with
education, office and retail developments.
He is a keen supporter of sustainable building design, and
recently curated the 'Future of Building' Exhibition at Birmingham
Museum and Art Gallery.
James was also commissioned by the Birmigham Bullring to provide
a piece of public artwork, which was displayed for six months at
Spiceal Street restaurant development.
He has been involved in a variety of other projects as a public
artist; his most recent work is on display in Derby's Market Place
as part of the Derby: City of Invention series which celebrates
Derby's history of innovation. He also supports activities to
encourage young people into the engineering profession.
In his new role at GCA, James will continue to provide
engineering and structural services to a diverse range of clients,
but will also have a wider remit, which will include business
development.
He will be based in Derby, but will also serve the company's
four other regional offices in Leicester, Stafford, Warwick and
Worcester.
Commenting on James' appointment, Nicky Collett, director at GCA
said:
"I would like to welcome James to the team at GCA. He has a
tremendous track record in the field of structural engineering and
joins us at a very exciting time, following a number of new
contract awards, including the London Road Community Hospital in
Derby."
James added:
"I am delighted to be back in Derby and taking on a more diverse
role with such a forward looking firm as GCA After working on some
major national and international projects, I am excited to be
working more locally and making a difference to the region. I aim
to support GCA in becoming the engineers of choice for construction
clients in the Midlands."
GCA UK was established in 1975 and now delivers civil,
structural, highway & transportation engineering services to
clients throughout the UK from its offices in Derby, Leicester,
Stafford, Warwick and Worcester.