At GC Robertson, we are pleased to welcome Holly Peirson to our structural engineering team. With nearly a decade of experience working on structural projects across Suffolk, Holly brings a wealth of knowledge, hands-on expertise, and a passion for sustainability. Her commitment to environmentally responsible design and her advocacy for women in engineering align perfectly with our values at GCR.

Recently, Holly had the opportunity to contribute to an All-Female Design & Build project in East Anglia – a unique initiative that highlights the contributions of women in engineering and construction. The project, which was featured on ITV News Anglia, demonstrates the power of collaboration and innovative thinking in the industry.

 

A Sit-Down with Holly Peirson

We sat down with Holly to learn more about her journey, her experience on recent projects, and her aspirations at GC Robertson.

How has your experience been settling into GC Robertson, and what are you looking forward to achieving with our team?

“I have had such a warm welcome to the GCR team – everyone is so lovely and supportive. I feel right at home already and can’t wait for what the future holds for me here. I’m particularly looking forward to collaborating with colleagues, sharing my knowledge of sustainable design, and continuing to push for environmentally responsible solutions.”

Reflecting on your career so far, which project has been your favourite, and what aspects made it particularly rewarding or challenging?

“I’ve had the privilege of working on some incredible projects, from railway structures at Waterloo Station to historic building restorations like the Bury St Edmunds Station Hotel. However, the All-Female Design & Build project stands out – not just for its technical and sustainability aspects but also for the impact it has had in showcasing the role of women in construction.”

Can you share more about your experience with the All-Female Design & Build Project?

“Being involved in this project has been amazing. To be able to represent and showcase women in engineering and construction to aspiring young women and girls has been a privilege. The clients had a vision that surpassed all expectations, incorporating sustainability and innovative design solutions. What’s truly inspiring is how women in the industry support each other – your biggest cheerleaders are other women in the field.”

What inspired you to pursue a career in structural engineering, and how has your journey evolved?

“From a young age, I was always creative, with an eye for problem-solving – I was a big fan of Lego! Initially, I wanted to be an architect, but after exploring my options, I pursued a civil engineering apprenticeship. That led me through various sectors, from highways to rail, before I found my passion in structures. Studying part-time while working full-time was a challenge, but earning my degree with a First and being named Student of the Year made it all worthwhile.”

What are your aspirations for your career at GC Robertson?

“I want to harness my strengths in client engagement, problem-solving, and sustainable design to make a real impact. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important topic in engineering, and I aim to share my knowledge on reducing embodied carbon with my colleagues, clients, and other disciplines. While there’s no formal legislation on this yet, as structural engineers, we need to stay ahead of the curve and be ready for when it comes into force. Above all, I’m excited to keep learning and growing with the talented team at GCR.

In the future, I would also love to visit schools and colleges to talk to students about careers in structural engineering. I never had that kind of opportunity when I was starting out, but I know how valuable it would have been. I want to give students the chance to ask questions, gain insight, and feel confident about reaching out to someone in the industry.”

Looking Ahead

Holly’s dedication to structural engineering, sustainability, and teamwork is inspiring, and we are proud to have her as part of the GC Robertson team. We look forward to seeing the impact she will make as she continues her journey with us.

Click here to watch Holly and her fellow collaborators discuss the project on ITV News Anglia