News & insights
Updates and practical engineering guidance.
Read project notes, company updates and practical guidance from the JMS Engineers team.
Showing 18 of 108 articles.
Structural Engineering
After the UK Heatwave: Are Those Cracks Just Cosmetic, or a Sign of Structural Movement?
Hot, dry weather can make cracks and movement more noticeable in UK homes. Learn when cracking may be cosmetic and when to seek structural advice.Read insight
Insights
Buying a Development Site? 7 Engineering Checks Before You Commit
Before buying or planning a development site, seven structural and civil engineering checks can reveal flood, drainage, access, ground and buildability risks that affect viability.Read insight
Structural Engineering
Georgian Charm or Structural Alarm? What Every N1 and E8 Homebuyer Needs to Know
The property market in North and East London remains electric. From the leafy squares of Islington (N1) to the industrial-chic warehouses of Hackney (E8), homes are often under offer before the "For Sale" sign even hits the pavement.Read insight
Structural Engineering
Annex Refurbishment Near Completion in Essex
Work is now approaching completion on our annex refurbishment project in Little Maplestead, Essex, where JMS Engineers has been providing structural engineering support throughout the build.Read insight
Structural Engineering
Two-Storey Basement Construction Update - Stamford Hill
Works are progressing well on a two-storey basement forming part of a replacement synagogue in Stamford Hill, where JMS Engineers is providing both structural and civil engineering services.Read insight
Structural Engineering
Cracks, Extensions and Red Flags: A Structural Engineer’s View for Ipswich Homebuyers
Buying a house in Ipswich often means buying history. Victorian terraces, 1930s semis, post-war housing and well-meaning extensions are all part of the local property landscape. But behind the charm, there can be structural issues that only become obvious once you know where to look.Read insight
News
We're Hiring Structural Engineers in East Anglia: Careers at JMS Engineers
JMS Engineers is currently recruiting Structural Engineers to join our growing team across East Anglia, offering opportunities to work on real projects that move from design to construction. If you are searching for structural engineering jobs in Suffolk, Ipswich, Colchester, Bury St Edmunds, or the wider East Anglia region, this could be the next step in your career.Read insight
Civil Engineering
SuDS in 2026: How Sustainable Drainage Design Is Changing for Homeowners, Architects & Developers
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are set to play an even bigger role across the UK from 2026, bringing meaningful changes to how rainwater is managed on new developments. With increased rainfall, surface water flooding, and pressure on existing drainage networks, SuDS Design is no longer a “nice to have” – it’s becoming a fundamental part of responsible development.Read insight
News
The Biggest Challenges Facing Construction Projects in 2026
As we enter 2026, I’ve been reflecting on conversations I’ve had over the past year with developers, contractors and architects across the industry. While the construction sector has always faced pressure, the challenges being discussed today feel different. They are less about single issues in isolation, and more about how multiple constraints - programme, regulation, sustainability and coordination - collide on live projects.Read insight
JMS Engineers
JMS Engineers & GC Robertson Christmas Party Night at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall 2025
The JMS Engineers and GC Robertson annual Christmas party is always a highlight in the calendar, and 2025 was no exception. This year, the teams came together at the ever-popular Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, providing the perfect setting for a festive evening away from drawings, calculations, site visits, and Teams calls.Read insight
Civil Engineering
Why Do Christmas Markets Flood? A Festive Look at SuDS in the UK
Every December, the UK transforms into a cosy patchwork of Christmas markets, mulled-wine stalls, and festive pop-ups. But there’s something else we all notice at this time of year - the mud, the puddles, the soggy walkways, and the sense that we should have worn wellies instead of our nice winter boots.Read insight
Structural Engineering
What Christmas Markets Can Teach Us About Keeping Your Home Structurally Sound This Winter
Every winter, the Christmas markets in London and Manchester draw thousands of people with their lights, wooden stalls, mulled wine, and festive atmosphere. But while most visitors are admiring the decorations, very few realise something surprising: those charming winter structures have a lot in common with the homes we inspect every day.Read insight
Structural Engineering
Complex Engineering in Action: Progress on a Landlocked London Site
Following a recent site inspection in London, our team at JMS Engineers is pleased to report excellent progress on the steel frame for Phase 2 of this challenging urban development. Over 2 kilometres of steel have been successfully installed through a passageway no wider than a van - an impressive logistical achievement that reflects the determination and collaboration of everyone involved.Read insight
Structural Engineering
Structural Design for Kennett Place, Reading: Transforming Offices into Modern Homes
JMS Engineers is delivering the structural design for the redevelopment of Kennett Place on Kings Road, Reading - a project that will see an existing office building converted into new residential apartments.Read insight
Civil Engineering
Flood Resilience in England: Facing a Systemic Challenge
Flooding in England is no longer a localised hazard - it is a national systems challenge. Recent parliamentary reports, including the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee’s latest Flood Resilience in England (HC 550, October 2025), deliver a blunt assessment: the country remains “locked in a pattern of reactive flood management” despite escalating climate risk and growing social and financial costs.Read insight
News
Autumn Newsletter 2025
It's been a busy year and we have continued to evolve, expand, and collaborate across our companies. From new office locations to growing teams and exciting educational initiatives, we’ve had a busy and rewarding autumn season. Here’s a look at what’s been happening across JMS Engineers, GC Robertson, MJ Consulting Engineers, and our wider group.Read insight
Structural Engineering
On Site in Swindon: 89 New Apartments Opposite the Station
Work is progressing rapidly on a major residential project in Swindon. Located directly opposite Swindon train station, this five-storey development will deliver 89 new apartments, contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the town centre. JMS Engineers has been appointed to provide the full structural and civil engineering design, ensuring a buildable, compliant and efficient scheme from the outset.Read insight
Structural Engineering
Structural Engineering for Solar Installations: Supporting Norfolk’s Energy Sector
As solar and renewable energy installations accelerate across Norfolk, the demand for structurally sound, regulation-compliant solutions is rising. Solar and energy firms need more than just panels and inverters - they need trusted partners to ensure their installations are safe, efficient, and long-lasting. JMS Engineers, based in Norwich, specialises in supporting the energy sector with expert structural engineering tailored specifically to solar projects.Read insightStart a conversation
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