STAFF at GSSArchitecture, which has its headquarters in Kettering, will be hosting events and celebrations throughout 2019 to mark its 140 years as an architectural practice since it was founded in 1879 by the distinguished architect and scholar John. A. Gotch.
After establishing the practice that is now known as GSSArchitecture, Gotch saw the practice grow rapidly and in 1887, invited architect Charles Saunders to join him in a growing partnership which saw three other architects join as partners in subsequent years. In 1899, Henry Ralph Surridge joined the practice as an office junior, and in 1930 he was made a partner. It was at this time that the practice took on the name Gotch, Saunders and Surridge (GSS).
Across Northamptonshire, and further afield, there is a well-known reference to Kettering as ‘the town that Gotch built’ and there is good reason for this. Gotch designed and supervised the construction of shoe factories, warehouses, shops, offices, hospitals, banks, schools and a variety of sport and entertainment venues in Kettering, including the Alfred East Art Gallery.
Farther afield, the practice was responsible for the design of several WWI memorials, and the alteration and expansion of numerous historic county houses.
Since the late 19th century, the practice has welcomed the various technological and economic developments affecting the architectural and construction industry and been able to grow to become what it is now; one of the largest architectural practices in the East Midlands. In 2019, the practice operates from offices in Kettering, Gloucester, Harrogate, Milton Keynes and Newcastle to work with clients across the UK.
The events planned for the year ahead will both celebrate the practice’s history as well as demonstrate what the future holds now that GSSArchitecture employs over 60 staff, including chartered architects, technologists, quantity surveyors, project managers, principal designers and a graphics team, who are all supported by the administration and marketing teams.
To help mark such a significant milestone, all staff at GSSArchitecture will be taking part in an initiative called Volunteer 140, which is a commitment to undertaking a total of 140 hours of volunteering across the five regions where the practice is based.
As one of the longest established architectural practices in the country, GSSArchitecture is looking forward to adapting to the ever-changing needs of its clients and remaining at the forefront of technology to provide cost-effective, environmentally conscious buildings on time and on budget.
For more information about these events visit www.gssarchitecture.com or keep an eye on the social media pages on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.