Julie Cadwallader, Author at PJA

#TeamPJA promotions

A huge congratulations to those in our team who have recently received promotions.

The roles are right across the business in all service areas and locations:

Joshua Pope to Assistant Engineer
Andrea Nelmes to Associate
Catriona Swanson to Associate Director
Ben Coleman to Associate Director
Matt Wykes to Consultant
Lianne Brook to Principal Consultant
Jane Overton to Principal Consultant
Barney Irlam to Principal Engineer
Julio Manchon Campillo to Senior Consultant

We’re proud to have you as part of Team PJA.

New Welsh 20mph speed limit welcomed by PJA’s Phil Jones

20 mph is the default speed limit on most urban roads and streets in Wales following a vote by the Senedd.

The historic change is aimed at preventing accidents and improving air quality and comes after 20mph pilot schemes ran in eight areas of Wales.

Moves to introduce the speed limit gained traction in 2019, when PJA’s Chairman Phil Jones was appointed by Lee Waters MS, Deputy Minister for Climate Change, to head up the Welsh 20mph Task Force Group.

Phil said: “This is of huge significance – Wales will join Spain as only the second nation in the world to set 20mph/30kph as the default speed limit for built-up areas. Overnight it will mean that most roads in Wales will be set at 20mph without local authorities having to make thousands of costly traffic orders. This will lead to significant reductions in casualties and more liveable communities right across Wales.”

The new speed limit will take effect on September 17 2023 and will apply to restricted roads – those with street lights at least every 200 yards.

Rod King, founder of the campaign group 20’s Plenty For Us, added: “This is a Welsh nation daring to do something smarter than the UK government. The Wales Act 2017 empowered it to set national limits so that instead of setting 20mph street by street, it could make it a national default and allow local authorities the flexibility to justify exceptions for those roads where 30mph was appropriate. It meets Welsh values for future generations and liveability, whilst aligning with global best practice of a 20mph or 30km/h limit where motors mix with people walking and cycling. Well done Wales.”

The campaign for 20mph default limit was supported by several Welsh organisations and NGOs including the Institute for Welsh Affairs, Public Health Wales, Sustrans Cymru, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Living Streets Cymru and BRAKE.

Read the report from the Welsh 20mph Task Force Group here.

For more information, contact [email protected]

Made up of some of the UK’s leading transport planners, engineers and place makers we work together to create better places through great design.

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For more information please contact:

Phil Jones Email 0121 475 0234

Travel like you know them: PJA integral to the changes to the Highway Code

Following the changes to The Highway Code that came into effect across Great Britain on 29 January 2022, THINK! has launched a communications drive to encourage positive behaviour on roads and improve road safety for those most at risk.

‘Travel Like You Know Them’ aims to foster mutual respect to embed the new Highway Code rules in the day-to-day behaviour of people driving, walking and cycling alike.
The changes include clarifying cycle positioning, emphasising the priority at junctions for pedestrians and cyclists, guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking, and on opening car doors, the ‘Dutch reach’.

Our Chairman Phil Jones was instrumental in drafting these changes, including the new ‘Hierarchy of Road Users’ and the clearer rules on junction priorities.

The changes set out how the biggest responsibility rests with the road users who could potentially cause the most harm to others. For example, car drivers will be responsible for ensuring cyclists are safe, while cyclists will be responsible for looking out for pedestrians. ‘Travel Like You Know Them’ aims to foster this mutual respect to embed the new Highway Code rules in the day-to-day behaviour of people driving, walking and cycling alike.

View the campaign videos:

Here Phil talks about the research behind the change, how it happened and what happens next:

“This journey started for PJA with a trip to Copenhagen in 2015 with the then Transport Minister, Robert Goodwill, various people from DfT, Highways England and Sustrans, plus Chris Boardman of British Cycling

One of the things that struck us all was the way in which drivers turning off a main road would stop and wait for a gap in the flow of cyclists across the mouth of the side road, before completing their turn.

On return Adrian Lord and I put to British Cycling the idea of commissioning a study into why drivers did this – what were the laws and regulations, and how were they trained? British Cycling funded the study and we began by reviewing the laws in Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands. We found that this principle was clearly set out in the rules and formed a key part of the syllabus and test for new drivers.

We then went on to craft a series of steps by which such behaviour could become a requirement in the UK. This is a really important problem to tackle, as more cyclists are injured at junctions than anywhere else and the so-called ‘left hook’ and ‘right hook’, where drivers turn across a cyclist going ahead, are a particular cause of casualties. Pedestrians face similar problems, even though the old Highway Code did say pedestrians had right of way across side roads.

We also found that there was no clear official view on who had right of way at a set of traffic signals between an HGV turning left and a cyclist going straight on – a conflict that has led to numerous fatalities, particularly of female cyclists.

Our report, ‘Turning the Corner’, funded by British Cycling, was published in December 2016 and recommended three stages of intervention:

Stage 1 – change the Highway Code to clearly state what the expected behaviour is at junctions; that the cyclist going ahead always has the right of way (just like any other vehicle).

But the Highway Code is only advisory, so further steps would be needed:

Stage 2 – change the traffic signs regulations to allow a simple road marking to show a cycle route continuing across a side road, establishing a legal obligation for the driver to give way

Stage 3 – bring the UK in line with other countries by introducing a ‘Universal Duty to Give Way’ on turning so that this behaviour is legally required at every junction.

The report received substantial publicity and British Cycling organised a petition supporting the changes. This attracted over 27,000 signatures and led 5000 people to email their MP asking for the Highway Code to be updated.

This all paid off in 2018 when the then Transport Minister Jesse Norman announced a review of the Highway Code in relation to cyclists and pedestrians. Not surprisingly British Cycling welcomed the announcement.

DfT’s document setting out the possible changes didn’t just include clarifying rules at junctions – it also talked about a ‘Hierarchy of Users’ where more vulnerable travellers would be given some kind of overall protection by the Code.

The various stakeholder groups promoting active travel had formed WACA (the Walking and Cycling Alliance) and this group spoke with a common voice in response to this significant opportunity. I was invited to work on a pro-bono basis with Roger Geffen of Cycling UK and Joe Irvin of Living Streets to develop detailed proposals for the changes to the Highway Code. DfT very much welcomed this initiative and pledged to work with us.

All three of us contributed to the draft changes; mine were based on the junction priority principles recommended in the Turning the Corner report. Roger led on the cycling changes, such as passing distances and the Dutch Reach, while Joe worked on changes to pedestrian issues such as the need to give way to people waiting to cross side roads.

I felt that the ‘Hierarchy of Users’ envisaged by DfT was too imprecise – what was needed was a clear overarching statement of the behaviour needed to protect vulnerable users on the public highway. I therefore came up with the idea of the ‘Hierarchy of Responsibility’, which as the final wording in the Code says:

“…those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others”.

This to me is the biggest change in the new Highway Code.

It took several months for the WACA team to develop the detailed content, during which time we spoke to numerous organisations to get their views – the RAC, AA, Freight Transport Association, disabled groups etc. By the time we took the final draft text to DfT in 2019 we had thoroughly tested it, and it meant DfT were able to take it to formal consultation in July 2020 with only minor changes.

DfT received nearly 21,000 comments on the draft and it took them a year to consider them. Nearly 80% of respondents agreed with the new rule on the Hierarchy of Road Users.

DfT continued to work very closely with Joe, Roger and I in finalising the wording of the Code to reflect the comments received, and I’m very pleased that the final document is largely the same as the one we took to them in 2019.

The new Highway Code won’t be a magic bullet, and as we set out in Turning the Corner, more changes will be needed. But it does represent a significant change in the way in which our roads should be used, and that can only make it safer and more pleasant to walk and cycle.”

For more information, contact [email protected]

PJA were the lead author of LTN1/20, the Government’s cycling infrastructure design guidance which was published alongside ‘Gear Change’, and co-authored the guidance on Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans published in 2017. We are now helping to establish Active Travel England, which manage the national active travel budget, inspect local authorities and their schemes, and be a statutory consultee on planning applications.

We understand the challenges faced by developers: helping them shape their approach to navigate the UK’s planning process. Made up of some of the UK’s leading transport planners, engineers and place makers we work together to create better places through great design.

Find out more about our services here

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For more information, please contact:

Phil Jones Email 0121 475 0234

PJA People: Brian Norman

Our wonderful team are our greatest asset. Not only experts in transport, engineering and placemaking but also committed to delivering better places for people through high-level-service client experiences.

We’re very proud to continue to celebrate the faces behind the fast-growing international consultancy that we are today in our monthly feature ‘PJA People’.

Next up in our series is GIS Manager, Brian Norman, based in our Reading office:

Tell us what you do at PJA

As the GIS Manager at PJA, I am lucky to work with every discipline and office across the organisation. With a vast range of GIS needs and users across PJA, I help to ensure everyone has the appropriate tools, software, training and most importantly suitable data to help inform their project needs. We prepare spatially referenced site forms for data capture which can be as simple as georeferenced images to customised intelligent forms with pre-configured pick lists to ensure the process is as efficient as possible. We support every aspect of planning and development which may include constraints plans, land use, land ownership, transport assessments in support of our Transport, Placemaking and Engineering departments.

What’s your career path so far?

Having started my career as a trainee cartographer, I quickly learned to appreciate the importance of using the media of a map to tell a story. Simple things like colour schemes, symbology, labels and scale can make a big difference in the story you are trying to tell. I worked for global consultancies for over 20 years using GIS to support the Environment Agency with flood risk assessments and National Highways, utilising LiDAR and imagery captured from mobile mapping devices to update the Strategic Road Network. I’m now utilising my knowledge and experience of data management and GIS in support of public transport schemes, cycling improvements, planning developments both in the UK and overseas, all with the ambition of creating better places to live and work.

Over my career, it has been fantastic to witness the increase in value of spatial data and the development of technology and skills to help manage, interpret and understand the uses of spatial information for pretty much every project on the planet. The establishment of the Geospatial Commission in 2018 has been a key driver in the promotion of location data and it is becoming evident that central government investment and the work they are doing is making data more accessible, usable and reliable, helping us to respond to the world’s major challenges.

With digital ways of working developing at a significant pace, as geospatial professionals, we find ourselves in exciting times, moving from traditional, static reports and plans to interactive web maps, incorporating dashboards to provide summary information and storymaps to link narrative directly to the geography. We take pride in developing new solutions and taking our clients on the digital journey so that everyone can benefit from the additional insights that this can bring.

What do you enjoy when you’re not working?

While I’m not working, I spend a lot of time ferrying my daughters to various sports training or cricket matches, keeping on top of our garden and allotment. I do manage to play golf occasionally and love a music concert.

Are you a dog or cat person?

My mornings usually start with one of our 4 Bengal cats jumping on the bed for their breakfast, they all very entertaining and enjoy following us on the school run.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

I’m currently listening to Beatles albums having discovered so many songs I didn’t know existed.

Claim to fame?

My claim to fame is owning two pairs of Bear Grylls hiking boots, I feel fitter just putting them on!

Brian Norman, GIS Manager

Brian is a senior data consultant with over 20 years’ experience in the capture, analysis and integration of spatial data within transport, water and environmental projects having worked for global engineering consultancies.

He has a successful track record as a technical manager with experience in the successful leadership and delivery of national data capture projects for public sector organisations, championing the use of location-based data to support the effective management of assets.

He has developed and led high performing teams, implemented efficient technical workflows and quality assurance procedures to maximise access to GIS systems and data, utilising new technology to analyse and share quality data across teams and organisations, improving collaboration and enabling more effective planning and decision making.

Get in touch with Brian: [email protected]

Find out more about our GIS services here

Read more in our PJA People series here

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PJA celebrates move to new headquarters

Our head office has moved to a bigger and better space as we celebrate having our headquarters in Longbridge, Birmingham for over 10 years.

Established in 2003, PJA moved to Longbridge in 2009. Fast forward 13 years and we have grown from a team of six to 110 and had two previous office changes in Birmingham to keep up with the growth of the company. This latest move sees us acquire over 7,500 square feet in the iconic Park Point building within the Longbridge development.

Mike Edwards, Midlands Regional Director said: “I couldn’t be more proud of the growth we have achieved at PJA over the last ten years. This move to a much bigger space meets the needs of our growing team whilst retaining the accessibility and central location which we value highly.

“We support hybrid working and having the office space for our team to use as a creative, collaborative and supportive environment only adds to the innovative solutions we create for our clients. We are excited for this next chapter”

The new office, located at Park Point at Longbridge, is part of the regeneration of the former MG Rover Car Factory. The modern, light and airy offices include a large break out space and is close to public transport links and local facilities. Longbridge itself boasts an array of shops, cafes, event space and parkland for our team to enjoy. Herbert’s Yard is the latest addition. Hosted by multi award winning Digbeth Dining Club, the venue brings offers year round events and brings a café, a deli and independent food operators to the town centre.

Full address: Park Point, 17 High Street, Longbridge, B31 2UQ

Sound like somewhere you’d like to work? We’re particularly interested to hear from transport planners from consultant to associate level based in the West Midlands.

Find out more about us and the rest of our current posts here or get in touch: please send a CV and covering letter to [email protected] setting out what you think you can bring to the business.

We have a talented, committed and driven group of people waiting to welcome you.

Find out more about our services here

Sign up for more news from PJA here

Photos courtesy of Visit Longbridge, Work, Live & Stay here – Longbridge Birmingham

Spotlight: Tom Spencer

We pride ourselves on being innovative and forward-thinking, and offer a supportive environment with space to learn here at PJA. This combined with having some of the industries finest transport planners, engineers and place makers to be influenced by and we’re in the best place to offer opportunities to those at the beginning of their careers.

We spoke with Tom Spencer, a student studying engineering at UTC Reading who’s currently gaining experience working with our team in Reading. We asked him about his time at PJA:

What is your background and what led you to a placement at PJA?
I am a student currently studying for a Level 3 BTEC in engineering at UTC Reading. I was looking to gain work experience within civil engineering to ensure that this was an area that I wanted to focus on after my course had finished. My mum has a friend in construction who introduced me to Sam Goss, Associate Director at PJA and we arranged to do a week’s work experience. However, I enjoyed working there so we came to the agreement that I could continue working with them during the holidays to learn and gain more experience.

What skills do you feel you’ve gained from your time at PJA?
During my time at PJA I have gained industry experience and have even made small contributions to live projects, my AutoCAD skills have also greatly improved as I have learnt how to use the program more effectively using different commands and shortcuts. As well as technical skills I have also learnt communication skills, time-management and team work.

What has been the highlight of your time at PJA?
The highlight of my time at PJA has been working with the team, as they are all supportive and explain concepts in a clear and easy to understand way, I have also enjoyed learning about the processes that go into designing projects and they work as a team in order to complete goals effectively.

What’s next for you?
I would like pursue a career in civil engineering by either doing an apprenticeship or a degree apprenticeship once I have left college.

What would you say to someone else who might be thinking about doing a placement?
I would say “go for it”. Work placements help you gain valuable skills and experiences that are relevant and can be transferred and used in other aspects of your life, it also helps you to understand what the workplace environment is like and how important team work is to be able to get a job done.

Find out more information on our services here

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New office for the Manchester team

Our fast-growing Manchester office has welcomed two new team members and moved to a bigger office as it celebrates its second year in the city.

Transport planning specialist Eddie Jackson has joined as Associate and Senior Engineer Matt Shanly has relocated from our Birmingham office.

The new space, located in Hilton Square in the Northern Quarter, is close to public transport links with the cities main rail, bus and metrolink interchanges within a five-minute walk.

Chris Sibthorpe, Director of the Manchester office, said: “I couldn’t be more proud of the team here in Manchester. Since we launched in June 2020, our office has gone from strength to strength in what have been really challenging circumstances.

“We made a conscious decision when restrictions were eased to encourage hybrid working and having face to face contact has had a hugely positive impact on creativity and the team’s energy levels whilst still maintaining the flexibility that working from home provides.

“We’re working on some thought-provoking transport planning, engineering and placemaking projects from town centre masterplanning to helping shape national walking and cycling guidance and successfully assisting clients in bidding for funding.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve this year as a team of eight. Working in a vibrant part of the city and in the collaborative and supportive environment we have, the opportunities for further growth here in Manchester are really exciting.”

Get in touch: [email protected]

Full address: 8 Brewer Street, Hilton Square, Manchester, M1 2EU, UK

Thinking of a career move? Find out more about us and our current vacancies here or get in touch for a chat: [email protected]

Find out more

For more information please contact:

Chris Sibthorpe Email 0161 553 1521

INWED 2022

International Women in Engineering Day gives a platform to engineers around the world to show young people what engineering is about, and why it’s a great career for anyone.

Women are hugely under-represented in the engineering profession with figures as of June 2021 showing that just 16.5% of engineers are women. 29.4% of our technical service teams at PJA are women – way above that average.

We are proud to employ a wide range of people from diverse disciplines and backgrounds and recognise that there is a life outside work for everyone in the team – we’re flexible and supportive.

We want to encourage young women who are considering a career in engineering by helping them to feel represented in the field, so some of our 29.4% shared what great reasons there are to become an engineer:

“As an engineer, two days are never the same. We have to work as a team to approach challenges in innovative ways, always problem solving and trying to think creatively. I am able to walk onto the street and see the real life impact my designs have on people’s lives, knowing I had a part to play in changing the landscape. I love being an engineer, I love making a difference.”

Abbie Smart, Principal Engineer

“I love being able to see the projects I have worked on come to life. Most recently, I have been working on the re-naturalisation of the River Rea, right outside our Longbridge office and it has been really satisfying to see the designs I have completed for the new river channel being constructed.”

Phoebe Ryding, Senior Flood Risk and Drainage Engineer

“It’s incredible to see a project through from conception to construction – to see the concept develop on paper in meetings to a computer CAD drawing to a physical asset on the ground which has both engineering integrity and can also be made to look good and have value added.”

Amy Evans, Principal Flood Risk and Drainage Engineer

“Being a transport planner means I get to use a whole range of skills: writing reports, building models, designing junctions, and so much more. We are currently at a pivotal point in the evolution of transport, with significant changes to the current ‘norm’ needed to respond to issues such as climate change and congestion. I’m excited to see what the next few years brings!”

Lucy King, Senior Consultant

“A career within the engineering industry has allowed me to work on a variety of interesting projects across the country in relation to flood risk and drainage. I feel my role allows me to network with other likeminded individuals to create unique and sustainable strategies for the future.”

Charlotte Turner, Graduate Flood Risk and Drainage Engineer

“Every project we work on presents a new challenge which requires a unique solution. This makes every day interesting and seeing the outcome of your design work is really rewarding.”

Samantha Furey, Engineer

“One of the best things about being an engineer is seeing your hard work come to fruition when a scheme is built. There’s nothing quite like cycling or walking a route you have designed, or even better seeing other people enjoy it! It’s so rewarding and really motivating. I enjoy working in the build environment, and engineering is a great way to make a difference to the world around you.”

Rebecca Jones, Principal Consultant

Find out more information on our services here

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New starters of 2022

A huge welcome to the 14 new members of staff who joined us over the first half of this year.

Our new faces have taken up roles right across the business in all service areas and locations.

We are so pleased to have you all on board and part of Team PJA.

Read more about our newest members of the team:

Lucy Briggs, Bristol, Transport Planning, Senior Consultant

[email protected]

Lucy is a Senior Transport Planner in our Bristol Office with over 6 years’ experience in development planning within the public and private sectors. Lucy has a wide range of experience in all aspects from site feasibility, pre-application and post-application discussions, through to discharging conditions and implementing Travel Plans as a Travel Plan Coordinator. When called upon, Lucy has also supported senior colleagues at appeal and has prepared written representations.

She has led and provided support to her team on projects in fields such as mixed-use developments, industrial, renewable energy, defence, education, health care and residential.

Mason Lelliott, Reading, Engineering Technician

[email protected]

Mason is an Engineering Design Technician with 4 years’ experience as an engineering consultant working on a variety of projects under different disciplines. Mason is based in our Reading office offering CAD support to the engineers and consultants and is working towards becoming an engineer.

Ryan Jagpal, Birmingham, Engineering Graduate Engineer

[email protected]

Ryan graduated from Birmingham City University with a first class honours degree in civil engineering before joining the infrastructure team in our Birmingham office as a Graduate Engineer.

Ryan brings his experience as a Setting Out Engineer on residential buildings in Birmingham where he assisted the Site Engineer and Senior Engineer.

Catherine Phillips, Birmingham, Transport Planning, Associate Director

[email protected]

Catherine has 20 years’ worth of experience in landscape architecture. She has worked on a range of development projects including highway and flood defence schemes, public realm and infrastructure projects and residential and commercial developments on brownfield and greenfield sites.

In recent years, she has acted as lead landscape architect on several projects for the Environment Agency including site based work, acting as Landscape Clerk of Works. This builds on a wider range of landscape experience including green and blue infrastructure, infrastructure landscaping and town centre public realm.

Alan Lewis, Reading, Transport Planning, Associate Director

[email protected]

Alan has over 30 years’ experience in transport, infrastructure, environment and planning. He has worked on many private and public sector projects at a variety of scales from a few dwellings to new settlements as well as a multi-billion entertainment complex. He has supported local authorities with their Local Plan evidence, delivered business cases and contributed to national and local design standards and policies.

Jane Geoghegan, Birmingham, Administration Receptionist

[email protected]

Jane assists with the day-to-day running of the Birmingham office, welcomes our visitors and is the first welcoming voice you will hear on the telephone. She brings extensive team-based experience to the role and ensures people are at the centre of everything she does.

Ralph Hitchman, London, Transport Planning, Associate Director

[email protected]

Ralph is a Transport Planner who works with public and private sector clients to plan and deliver meaningful active travel infrastructure to grow pedestrian and cycle traffic. Since joining PJA, he continues to grow as a trusted advisor to ambitious authorities who want to tackle our most pressing crises – our climate, our health and our housing.

Abbie Smart, Birmingham, Engineering Principal Engineer

[email protected]

Abbie benefits from 16 years of experience in the civils and development infrastructure sectors. She has previously delivered highway and earthworks projects and secured technical approval of technical design schemes, led on Local Authority adoption processes and managed the implementation of the design through the construction stages.

Abbie is keen to incorporate sustainable design solutions within her designs and passionate to deliver work to a high quality for clients. Her knowledge and skills will seek to complement cycling and walking design considerations.

Lucy Small, Birmingham, Administration HR Assistant

[email protected]

Lucy assists our HR Manager to implement HR strategies and provide HR support and guidance to our team.

Daniel Evans, Birmingham, Engineering, Geo-Environmental Engineer

[email protected]

Dan is a Geo-Environmental Engineer with approximately 5 years’ experience in geo-environmental consultancy and has a range of experience working on a variety of geo-environmental and geotechnical projects across the UK.

Samuel Jones, Birmingham, Engineering Engineer

[email protected]

Samuel is a Civil Engineer working in the Birmingham office with over 3 years’ experience. He is experienced in highways, drainage and on-plot external works design for both residential and commercial schemes. The design elements that Samuel has conducted work for are both private and adoptable in nature, and where necessary, he has obtained the relevant S104, S106, S38 and S278 approvals from various adopting authorities.

Currently a graduate member of the ICE (GMICE), Samuel is working towards becoming a Chartered Civil Engineer.

Chris Oliver, Birmingham, Engineering, Geo-Environmental Engineer

[email protected]

Chris is an environmental professional with multiple years of experience in consultancy, undertaking both geo-environmental and geotechnical investigations for a large variety of clients. Chris undertakes consultancy on any geo-environmental and geotechnical issues our clients face, and the creation and examination of data, reports and other supporting documents in order to assist any of our clients’ requirements.

Samantha Furey, Birmingham, Engineering Engineer

[email protected]

Samantha is a Civil Engineer working in the Birmingham office with over 3 years’ experience.

Working predominantly on private sector projects delivering residential schemes from outline planning through to detailed design. Samantha is experienced in highway, drainage, and earthworks design, obtaining all relevant approvals from adopting authorities. Samantha is working towards becoming a Chartered Civil Engineer.

Eddie Jackson, Manchester, Transport Planning, Associate

[email protected]

Eddie is an Associate Transport Planner with over 15 years’ experience across both public and private sectors, and is based in our Manchester office.

Eddie has a wide range of experience across transport planning disciplines, and specialises in the development of active travel schemes and strategies and engaging with stakeholders to find the right outcomes for clients and communities.

Would you like to be the next member of Team PJA?

We have a talented, committed and driven group of people waiting to welcome you, get in touch: please send a CV and covering letter to [email protected] setting out what you think you can bring to the business.

Or view our current posts here

Find out more about our services here

Sign up for more news from PJA here

From knee deep in mud to suited and booted and everything in between

From being knee deep in mud on construction sites to overseeing the delivery of a major highways programme for Wokingham Borough Council, Sam Goss has worked on nearly every stage of the development process during his career.

The Chartered Civil Engineer joined PJA just over two years ago as Associate Director in our Reading office and leads on the design of our highways-based civil engineering and public realm schemes which largely involve retrofitting and amending existing built environment.

He says that in PJA he has found a company that matches his holistic approach to design, attention to detail and pushing the boundaries of accepted practice.

“Myself and our engineering team are quite uniquely placed in that we have had exposure to delivering schemes from conception to completion. Having worked in consultancy and local authority positions, we understand the drivers and challenges of local authorities and developers, such as financial pressures, resourcing, and maintenance issues, and we’re also well aware of the common problems that can arise during the construction process”.

“Because we’ve been in our clients’ shoes, we can help steer their projects in the right direction, minimise risks and ensure schemes are not only delivered on time and to budget, but delivered to the highest standard. We continually look to innovate to improve places for all users and, most importantly, design schemes that will last.”

So what is Sam’s top advice to local authorities and developers looking to design and deliver a successful new scheme?

“Obtain the necessary engineering data as early in the design process as possible to highlight potential issues and reduce the risk later. Topographical, utility, drainage and ground investigations provide an accurate picture of the existing situation so that you can shape the design around key constraints and develop it with confidence. You can then be confident that the initial concept and masterplan designs being used for public consultation will be realistic and won’t need to be pared back or significantly amended later in the design process, which can undermine stakeholder buy-in and public confidence.”

“I know first-hand that without this critical information, designs are likely to change significantly when the information becomes available, and in some cases, schemes even end up being shelved.”

And what is Sam working on right now?

One of Sam’s current projects is designing improvements to key areas of public realm in Wincanton town centre. The aim is to enhance the attractiveness and safety of the town centre to encourage more people to visit, helping boost footfall and dwell time.

Sam and his team’s package of improvements include the re-design of the historic market place incorporating planting schemes, widening footways and improved crossing facilities.

“We were commissioned alongside an architect to work on the designs through RIBA stages 2 to 6 of concept design, spatial coordination, technical design, manufacturing and construction and handover. We have prepared detailed technical designs for the scheme, around a number of complex below ground constraints including utilities and building basements. We have also had a key role in supporting the client with advice about contracts, procurement and construction stage planning and phasing of works which has been really valued.”

What’s next for Sam, and where can he see it going over the next twelve months?

“I’m excited to see what I can achieve over the next year alongside the team, and how we can push those boundaries further to develop stand out design schemes and successful developments for the clients we work with.”

For advice on your scheme, get in touch with Sam at [email protected]

Sam Goss, Associate Director

Sam is an Associate Director based in our Reading office and a Chartered Civil Engineer with 20 years’ experience in both the private and public sector with a focus on highway and public realm design.

He has worked on a wide range of projects from Section 278 schemes to large strategic highway infrastructure and public transport schemes, undertaking the design, delivery and management of all project stages including extensive construction stage experience. Sam is passionate about good quality design, with an eye for detail and believes that building good relationships provide the foundation for project success.

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For more information please contact:

Sam Goss Email 0118 359 2764