Conservation Accreditation : Project Approach
At the start of the year, David Johnson finally gained his accreditation in conservation architecture with the RIAS. Here is an extract from his submission, setting out his approach to projects. It could be argued that conservation architecture should not be limited to a few special properties. Many lesser buildings are important and worthy of […]
18 months of GLM’s Highland Office
It seems like only yesterday that I was writing in celebration of the Highland Office’s first Birthday in the midst of lockdown and a whole dose of uncertainty, unknowns and, quite rightly, disappointment at our summer being kyboshed by covid. Today I write as we sit on the edge of a second wave, a […]
Historic Buildings Dance : A Building Surveyor’s Analogy
I am a fan of analogies. I use them all the time. I see them as very handy to illustrate lots of situations when speaking to work colleagues, clients and contractors. As English is my second language, they help me to easily communicate technical information in a more friendly way. Here is one of my […]
Helping It Happen Awards 2020 : Winners Announced
Scottish Land and Estates organise the Helping it Happen Awards to recognise those estates, farms, rural businesses and individuals who make rural Scotland thrive. Despite all that has happened in 2020 the awards have gone ahead, shining a spotlight on incredible projects. They received a global audience when premiered online today. GLM are delighted to […]
Project Reflections : 1 Grosvenor Crescent
This once magnificent Victorian townhouse had been for many years the headquarters of the Land Tribunal (Land Court). As a government building the external fabric, the ashlar walls and slate roof were in excellent condition and had been well looked after over the years. Internally, the rooms had been altered to accommodate as best as […]
Congratulations to all Finalists in the Helping It Happen Awards 2020
Scottish Land and Estates organise the Helping it Happen Awards seeking to celebrate rural Scotland and those who are helping it thrive through sharing and recognising good news stories from up and down the country, both big and small. Despite all that has happened in 2020, these awards are going ahead and GLM are delighted […]
Building Surveys
What is it? The term “survey” meaning an inspection of a building followed by a report is peculiar to Britain and countries that have been connected with Britain. To Americans “surveying” more usually calls to mind the process of measurement and mapping. One of GLM’s specialism is “building surveying” and this too can give rise […]
Islands on the Edge
Following coverage of the open letter from Hebridean communities regarding the economic pressure on housing for locals, our Chartered Building Surveyor Eilidh Walker – herself a Hebridean – felt a particularly personal connection to the issues raised. Here she gives her own view on the challenges faced on Scotland’s western islands: “This year’s pandemic has […]
Project Reflections : Netherby Hall Stables
Four years, thirty plus progress meetings and four variations to listed building consent later, the restoration works of the Victorian Stables at Netherby Hall are finally complete. They say all projects are unique and in many ways they are, but I’m not sure I will ever have the privilege of overseeing a special project like […]
Project Management
One of my great uncles was a Brigadier General in the Royal Engineers, a long extinct rank. As an engineer before the First World War he was responsible for a large portfolio of military buildings including the construction of brick stables in Chatham, having in mind that they might be repurposed for motor vehicles which […]