STRENGTHENING its service capabilities and national growth opportunities, leading multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has appointed a new director of civil engineering.   Max Thurgood brings with him 31 years of experience to his new role, with a background in civil engineering construction, including rail, stadia, education, healthcare and housing, as well as spending time in Abu Dhabi, where he worked as a contract manager on the Yacht Club and Harbour Masters Office, part of the Yas Marina Racing circuit.  An Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) fellowship member, Max’s responsibilities will be to lead and develop the civil engineering team, growing it nationally as well as fostering innovation and excellence for clients.  Max said: “I was drawn to Pick Everard’s values and wanted to be part of its huge growth journey. I thrive on challenges and couldn’t resist the chance to steer the civil engineering team as it continues to scale nationally.  “I am looking forward to meeting and supporting the team members who help drive Pick Everard’s ethos of delivering better together. The firm is already well situated within several of my background markets, and I want to add to its positive atmosphere and work environment where everyone learns, grows, and excels collectively. I firmly believe that the best results come from a cohesive and engaged group, where every voice is heard and valued.”   Max’s career has also seen him deliver several schemes and charitable pro bono engagements in Myanmar, supporting UN endeavours that help elevate social standing and value in the region.   As well as supporting recruitment in his new role, he will also be working alongside key partners – developing effective business strategy and enhancing day-to-day operations.  Mark Colby, partner at Pick Everard, said: “We’re thrilled to have Max on board. His expertise, dedication, and passion will undoubtedly complement our senior leadership team. His commitment to excellence also aligns perfectly with our ambitions at Pick Everard. We’re very much looking forward to making great strides in our journey together.”  For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Multi-disciplinary consultancy, Pegasus Group, is pleased to announce the addition of urban designer Colin Pullan as senior director in its London office. This appointment adds a new dimension to the Group’s established London office, which has acted across a wide variety of sectors since it was opened over 10 years ago. Based out of Soho, the team serves clients across London boroughs and the south-east. Colin will join an established office of 15 professionals who, together, advise clients on planning, heritage, environment, landscape architecture and now urban design matters. Colin has more than 35 years’ experience as an urban designer in the private sector, covering all design matters. He studied at the Oxford Polytechnic Joint Centre for Urban Design (now Oxford Brookes), one of the most distinguished urban design universities, before moving into private practice. Colin joins us having been Head of Masterplanning and Urban Design at Lambert Smith Hampton and prior to this an Urban Design Director at Lichfields. Colin brings with him considerable experience working on various projects throughout the UK including some 15 years as an expert urban design witness. Barry Cansfield, senior director, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Colin to the Pegasus team. Colin joining us demonstrates the company’s commitment to invest in the London office. It’s part of our planned growth strategy to capture the huge potential for increased workload in the capital and the south-east as well as continuing to serve our existing clients.” Henry Courtier, director, added: “Colin is a great addition to the Pegasus team. Working in such a high-density and complex urban environment, Colin’s design expertise will be invaluable across all the office’s projects, whether on our retail and hospitality projects, urban regeneration schemes or housing delivery.” Pegasus continues to grow its London team will enable it to continue meeting its clients’ needs while also expanding into new areas for further growth opportunities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Gordon Ingram to move to Chairman role and Sam Wallis promoted to CEO GIA, the leading surveying consultancy, today announces its new leadership structure and new investment from Lonsdale Capital Partners, in readiness for growth.  With specialist teams covering rights to light, daylight and sunlight, wind analysis, as well as building consultancy, measured survey and neighbourly matters, GIA aims to improve the planning and design of the built environment. Over its 30-year history, it has been involved in some of the UK’s most complex and significant projects, from The Shard, Chelsea Barracks, and 20 Fenchurch Street to Tottenham Hotspur stadium, Manchester’s Northern Gateway, Media City, and the Central Mental Hospital redevelopment in Dublin. The firm is supporting clients as they navigate the complexity of development in a fast-changing policy and technological environment, amid climate change and other global factors. The advisory work GIA does is integral to successful placemaking: daylight and sunlight, rights of light and wind are some of the issues that matter most to the public amid new development. Being able to provide greater clarity and certainty in these areas can also support engagement and consultation – as well as reduce the risk for the client. Gordon Ingram, who founded the business in 1993, becomes Chairman in the newly integrated business, following the incorporation of GIA and GIA North. Sam Wallis, formerly the managing partner of GIA North, has been promoted to CEO. Michael Beatty takes over from Sam to lead GIA’s Manchester office.  Gordon remains central to the business and its future; his time will be focussed on strategic direction and technological development. Sam is now responsible for GIA’s growth across the UK and Ireland, as well as retaining its market leading position in London. The new leadership structure also sees promotions and new responsibilities for Equity Board Directors: Stephen Friel, Simone Pagani, Jerome Webb and Kevin Francis. The investment from Lonsdale Capital Partners will enable GIA to accelerate its growth across its offices in London, Bristol, Manchester, Belfast and Dublin.  Expansion will focus on its existing services such as wind analysis, building consultancy, measured surveys, the expansion of GIA’s investment in technology, as well as continuing to be at the forefront of daylight, sunlight and rights of light.  GIA’s vision is “Unlocking potential for a better Built Environment”. The company has been a pioneer of ‘PlanTech’, through its investment in the formation of smart cities platform VU.CITY and the development of ‘Phoenix’, an app which allows complex daylight, sunlight and overshadowing analysis to be undertaken within minutes. Sam Wallis, Chief Executive Officer, GIA, comments:  “Our new leadership structure, substantial investment, and a fresh strategy enables our future-facing business to confidently step forward as our technology advances and capabilities evolve.  “We are now in an exceptionally strong position to make the most of the leap in the quality of information that digitisation offers, and to support our clients to meet the challenges the property sector is set to face in the years ahead. The ability to integrate large amounts of data and make accurate, speedy assessments will bring huge benefits to our clients and the industry more widely.” Gordon Ingram, Chairman, GIA, adds: “It’s exciting to be turning the page to a new chapter. GIA’s digital capability enables our clients to best manage risk – it is a game-changer. This is in part because it can save client time and money, but also because we’re enabling greater transparency by democratising planning through data.” For more information see www.GIA.uk.com.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals