As innovative Surveyors in Rights of Light, Daylight and Sunlight, Neighbourly Matters, Wind Analysis and Plan Tech, we provide a more holistic perspective to planning and development. By using cutting edge technology to analyse and inform, we provide a broader and more contextual approach. Challenging current thinking, we deliver incisive solutions for every project on which we consult.

“Without hesitation, I would recommend GIA as they are unequivocally the leading innovators in their industry. While the BRE Guidelines are a good starting point, it’s clear that in a city which is constantly evolving and developing, context is king when considering daylight and sunlight. Their approach goes far beyond a simple numerical calculation of light.

Instead, their market-leading research and technology has allowed them to pioneer new ways to interpret and present a tricky subject matter to understand what the change of light is likely to be experientially. By way of example, this unique approach allowed us to produce a persuasive and successful narrative for the Inspector at a recent inquiry for which GIA produced exceptionally impressive evidence.”

Christopher Katkowski QC , Landmark Chambers

Thought leaders and initiators

Our research and our broader approach to planning through contextual studies, amenity and the use of cutting edge technology, enables us to identify significant issues very early on in the process. This ‘real life’ approach to planning, looking at problems in their widest context, allows us to be more agile and responsive for our clients, whilst considering the needs of all affected by a project.

“GIA is a team who understand the built environment. They proactively assess the development opportunity and understand our aspiration in a visionary way.”

Guiding Light publication

Our 2017 publication which provides a contextual approach to Daylight and Sunlight guidance for dense urban environments.

Daylight and Density publication

Our 2018 publication which discusses the application of the housing SPG on daylight.

Daylight and Sunlight presentation

Senior Partner, Simone Pagani, presents new ways of interpreting Daylight and Sunlight guidance.

Challenging the guidelines

With a growing population and up to 70% of us living in cities by 2050, GIA recognises the inherent tension between the need to meet development targets against the right for our citizens to have a decent quality of life. When holistically considering new development, we focus on the wider context of the urban environment, considering the different aspects of human wellbeing and amenity.

“GIA is leading the way in influencing London policy in a pragmatic and positive way, challenging conventional thinking towards densification, demonstrably improving the optimisation of Land in London”.
Attzaz Rashid Head of Design, BARRATT LONDON

Camden Goods Yard

A rigorous two-and-a-half-year project, producing a pioneering approach to density and daylight.

100 Leadenhall

Increasing density in the City of London led to this project requiring many of our assessments from a very early stage.

Whitechapel

Detailed contextual planning was required to finally gain planning for this project on appeal.

Creative thinking for planning success

At GIA, our 25 years of specialisation and expertise have allowed us to become an authority in our field, providing new thinking that’s helping to redefine the industry. Our collaborative and highly responsive approach has led us to become trusted advisors to all our clients. We pride ourselves on consistently challenging received opinion and championing creative, empathetic solutions to complex planning problems.

“GIA excels in helping the client and the Local Planning Authority understand the interdependencies and cumulative impacts associated with multiple tall buildings in close proximity to each other.”
Nick Crawford, LBS Properties

The Final Show at Earls Court

Masterplanning was crucial for the neighbouring properties to gain planning consent in this multi-billion pound development.

Cracking the Shell Centre

Planning for offices, homes, retail units and community gardens near Waterloo shows how urban density and amenity work together to produce better use of land available.

Deansgate Square Manchester

The tallest buildings in Manchester required extensive local studies to gain final planning permission.

PropTech Pioneers

As co-founders and developers of VU.CITY, we have access to the most accurate interactive digital 3D platform, of the urban environment in the world. We are using VU.CITY to help our clients make better, more informed decisions. We develop and integrate bespoke applications that merge our analysis and data into stunning 3D environments – most recently used at two major successful planning inquiries.

“Only very rarely do I come across a product that when I first see it I’m left wondering how we ever coped without it – VU.CITY is one of those products”.
Graeme Craig Commercial Development Director TfL, Transport for London

VU.CITY

A revolutionary tool for architects, developers, advisors and the public sector.

VSC Tool

Real-time, accurate VSC calculations.

Whitechapel App

A fully interactive contextual planning iPad app.

Let’s discuss your next project