As part of our Meet the Studio Holder series, we sat down with R F Gill & Associates, a structural engineering firm at Great Western Studios, to discover more about their projects and find out what’s next for them. Specialising in Structural and Civil Engineering Design, Subsidence and Insurance Claims, Party Wall Act duties, and Temporary Works, they play a crucial role in shaping safe and sustainable buildings for their clients’ lifestyles.

Can you tell us about the history of R F Gill & Associates?

Founded in 1969 by Ian Gill’s father, the firm has a long history of delivering successful projects. Ian and his late brother, Lance, built on this legacy, particularly in structural design and subsidence cases. Rob joined in 2019, bringing extensive experience across multiple sectors. Together, Ian and Rob uphold three core principles:

• Expertise: Decades of experience in structural engineering services.
• Personalised Service: Tailored solutions for unique client needs.
• Comprehensive Solutions: Covering everything from home alterations to insurance claims.

Why did you choose Great Western Studios as your base?

We have been at GWS for a number of years now and the light open building is always a source of compliment from all our clients and partners who visit. We wanted to be present in the communities we serve so that we can offer our clients the comfort of seeing that we have an acute knowledge of the area, know the buildings in the area and so know the appropriate solutions. With an office in Essex and now at Great Western Studios, we can better service London and the South East. GWS also provides a creative hub, fostering engagement with architects, homeowners, and developers.

What types of projects do you typically work on and are there any that stand out?

We are proud of all our projects and the value we provide all our clients hoping that they feel that focus and attention. We specialise in residential projects, from simple wall openings to full-scale house refurbishments, extensions, and new builds. We also offer building appraisals, party wall surveying, and subsidence investigations. Our expertise ensures homeowners get safe, practical, and future-proof solutions.

The new website is coming soon. Come take a look to find out more.

We’ve all heard about subsidence, but what are the common signs we should look out for?

Understanding the early signs of subsidence can help people take action before the situation worsens. It’s a serious issue that can cause costly repairs if not addressed early. However, it is important to know that not all cracking is a sign of subsidence — and even more importantly, that cracking is not necessarily a sign of impending structural failure.

Key indicators include:

• Cracks that suddenly appear, especially vertical or diagonal ones widening at the top or bottom.
• Movement in doors and windows, causing them to stick or not close properly.
• Nearby trees, which can contribute to subsidence, especially on clay soil. Not all cracks are serious, but if you’re concerned, we can assess and advise on the best course of action.

For more information, check out the blog section on the new website.

Party wall matters can be complex. What challenges do clients face?

Many don’t realise they need a Party Wall Award to avoid disputes. We guide clients through the process, ensuring smooth communication with neighbours and compliance with the Party Wall Act. Even if a formal award isn’t required, we always recommend a Schedule of Condition to document the building’s state before work begins.

Do you have a building project in the pipeline? Let us have a look and advise on both the structural requirements and any Party Wall implications.

How do you assist with planning applications?

There will be cases where your building project will need a structural engineer’s input in the planning application. It is important to be aware of these as you may need to factor this in in terms of cost and/or programme.

While many projects don’t require structural input during planning, some — like basements, heritage buildings, and large demolitions — demand detailed engineering reports. We help clients navigate this, ensuring compliance while supporting their vision.

Are you keen on using off-site fabrication? Or maybe you want to explore rammed earth? Get in touch and let us discuss your project and how we can help.

What trends in structural engineering are you most excited about?

• Off-site fabrication: Speeds up construction and reduces waste.
• Traditional techniques: Combining heritage methods with modern efficiency.
• Sustainability: We prioritise timber and cement alternatives to reduce carbon impact. While trends matter, we focus on solutions that truly benefit our clients and their projects.

What’s next for R F Gill & Associates? Any upcoming projects or goals you can share?

• Expanding our commitment to sustainable engineering.
• Partnering with Occupational Therapy consultants to design adaptable homes.
• Launching our new website – a hub for clients to learn and connect with us.
• Growing our team to help more clients achieve their ideal home transformations.

Want to discuss a project? Come and visit us in Studio 111 for a chat and a coffee!