Gavin Thompson - Managing Director
BEng CEng MCIBSE

Born in 1965, Gavin became a Principal of Buro Happold in 2000, one of a group of younger directors whose contribution has been significant in the growth of the practice. He became Managing Director in 2005. A chartered building services engineer, Gavin's first experience with Buro Happold was as a placement student in 1987 as part of a sandwich degree at Northumbria University. Having ventured so far south from his beloved Newcastle, Gavin chose to return to work for Buro Happold in Bath full-time in 1988.

Gavin's passion and enthusiasm for building services engineering has been key in promoting the growth and development of this field. His thorough and practical knowledge of both mechanical and electrical systems give him the confidence to pursue solutions that are out-of-the-ordinary, while at the same time allowing younger engineers to understand the scope of possibilities available. A long-term interest in low-energy design has come to fruition recently as clients become increasingly concerned about energy issues, and Gavin has acquired a deserved reputation for delivering environmentally responsible design without compromising on the programme or budget.

After a period working in Saudi Arabia between 1990 and 1992 Gavin returned to the UK, taking the role of design team leader. He has always retained an interest in overseas work, successfully overseeing the building services engineering design for a corporate HQ in Germany as well as two major middle eastern projects. Gavin has helped to nurture new building services ventures for Buro Happold in Germany, Poland and Ireland, lending support and his experience to these fledgling offices, and inspiring them with his enthusiasm and commitment to good design. Gavin also has a strong commitment to building services education, spending time with course leaders and students alike, in trying to raise standards and understanding of the building services discipline.

Before becoming managing director of the practice, Gavin led our education sector work, which led to a series of commisions to design schools under the Building Schools for the Future programme.