Protecting and shaping the built environment starts below ground. It requires deep technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and a clear understanding of how geology, structures, and construction sequencing interact in the real world. It also requires robust investigation, inspection and engineering assurance to help clients manage risk, demonstrate compliance, and deliver safe, sustainable developments. Few professionals embody this integrated approach as clearly as Joseph Birnie, Associate at CGL.
Based out of CGL's London office, Joe is part of the Southeast team, working across London, Billericay, Dublin, and Havant. His role spans what he calls the "three pillars" of geo-structural and ground engineering: ground investigations, geotechnical engineering, and temporary works design and construction sequencing. Together, these pillars allow CGL to deliver a true end-to-end service, from early feasibility through to construction and live monitoring, providing the testing, inspection, certification and compliance (TICC) expertise, along with engineering proficiency that helps clients satisfy planning conditions, meet design standards and comply with construction and health and safety requirements throughout a project's lifecycle.
A passion for geology sparked early
Originally from Dudley in the West Midlands, Joe's interest in geology and engineering began at a young age, influenced by the area's mining heritage and geological landmarks. This early fascination led him to study Geology at Royal Holloway, University of London, followed by a Master's in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Birmingham.
While at university, Joe gained hands-on experience with specialist instrumentation and movement-monitoring contractor Geotechnical Observations, working on major infrastructure projects, including the Northern Line Extension. That early exposure to live construction environments proved formative, cementing his passion for below-ground engineering and shaping his practical, solutions-led mindset.
Delivering one-stop-shop geo-engineering solutions
At CGL, Joe plays a central role in delivering integrated geo-engineering services. His work ranges from specifying and overseeing bespoke ground and structural investigations to advanced numerical modelling, construction sequencing, and temporary works design.
These services provide clients with the technical evidence needed to make informed engineering decisions, reduce construction risk and demonstrate compliance with relevant industry standards, including the Eurocodes, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM), and project-specific planning and regulatory requirements.
Joe is known for his ability to think beyond standard approaches, supporting clients with value-engineered solutions, innovative methodologies and pragmatic design decisions. Over his nine years at CGL, the London team has secured seven prestigious Ground Engineering Awards, reflecting the calibre and impact of its work.
Alongside his technical responsibilities, Joe is also heavily involved in project management, tendering, contract reviews and the Southeast team's commercial leadership.
Engineering with sustainability and reuse in mind
A key focus of Joe's work is sustainable geotechnical engineering, particularly foundation and sub-structure reuse. Under his leadership, CGL's London office has now delivered more than 40 foundation and basement reuse projects, significantly reducing carbon, cost and programme impacts for clients while maintaining the technical assurance required for safe redevelopment.
A standout example is the 65 Crutched Friars project, a £105m transformation of a former office building into student accommodation and the future home of London's Migration Museum. As Project Manager and Team Lead, Joe helped deliver a highly innovative scheme that reused existing basement walls, slabs and structural elements, avoiding the installation of 180 piles, saving more than 1,100 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent and reducing disruption to surrounding assets.
Achieving this required detailed investigation, structural assessment and engineering verification to demonstrate that the retained elements could safely perform in their new role, providing clients with the confidence and evidence needed to satisfy design, regulatory and construction requirements. The project was a finalist at the 2025 Ground Engineering Awards and exemplifies CGL's pragmatic, low-carbon approach to construction.
Innovation shaping the future of ground engineering
Joe is particularly excited by the role of live construction monitoring, data feedback loops and advanced sensing technologies in shaping smarter, more resilient engineering solutions. From integrated geophysical sensing and remote monitoring to LiDAR, InSAR and advanced 3D numerical modelling, these technologies provide continuous inspection and verification during construction, enabling teams to identify potential issues early, reduce risk, demonstrate compliance and deliver more sustainable outcomes.
He also sees climate change as a defining driver of future engineering, increasing the need for resilient, adaptable, and reuse-led design approaches across the sector.
Stronger through collaboration with Phenna Group
Being part of Phenna Group enhances CGL's ability to deliver multidisciplinary solutions across the full project lifecycle. Joe and the Southeast team regularly collaborate with sister companies, including GSTL, SWG, Mason Evans, CTS, In Situ, and Concept, combining ground investigations, laboratory testing, materials testing, and structural services under one group.
This collaborative model reduces interfaces, improves risk management, and delivers better outcomes for clients, while also supporting the development of well-rounded engineers exposed to every stage of a project.
Mentoring the next generation
Beyond projects, Joe is passionate about developing people. He actively supports undergraduate internships, early-career engineers, and chartership candidates, helping to build the next generation of geologists and engineers within CGL and across the wider industry.
No two days are ever the same, and that variety is exactly what Joe enjoys most. From site visits and client meetings to design reviews, tender strategy, and mentoring.
Outside of engineering, Joe is also a commissioned artist, specialising in pen-and-ink drawings of buildings and urban landscapes — a skill he brings into his professional work through hand-drawn construction sequences that help clients visualise complex ideas.
Expertise That Makes a Difference
At Phenna Group, our strength lies in the expertise of our people. Professionals like Joe combine technical knowledge with practical experience to help clients solve complex engineering challenges, manage risk and deliver more sustainable outcomes. As part of our Meet the Expert series, we're proud to showcase the talented individuals across our businesses who are helping shape the future of testing, inspection, certification, compliance and engineering. Explore more expert stories and discover the knowledge, innovation and collaboration that underpin everything we do across Phenna Group.
Explore our wider Infrastructure expertise
CGL's expertise is strengthened by being part of Phenna Group's global Infrastructure Division. Working alongside complementary specialist businesses, CGL provides clients with access to a broad range of ground investigation, geotechnical engineering, structural assessment, laboratory testing, materials testing and engineering consultancy services. Together, our companies support projects from initial site investigation and design through to construction, monitoring and long-term asset management.