GMS congratulates our Principal, Tim Barnard, on his retirement and celebrates his remarkable career in structural engineering.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Tim began his career in London after earning a Bachelor of Science and Technology from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology. His professional journey eventually brought him across the Atlantic and led him to GMS, where he spent nearly 30 years shaping the firm and its legacy. With over four and a half decades of experience in structural engineering, Tim’s portfolio spans high-rise office towers, public institutions, schools, retail renovations, residential buildings, and hospital projects across the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe.
Tim joined GMS in 1996, when the firm was a close-knit team of just 15 people. Since then, his leadership, steady presence, and technical expertise have played a vital role in the firm’s growth and success. He has always had a passion for renovation and adaptive reuse—embracing the challenge of transforming historic buildings to meet modern needs while respecting their original character. His deep knowledge of New York City’s architectural landscape made him a trusted resource to both clients and colleagues.
Renovation projects across New York City were especially close to Tim’s heart. A standout project for him was the Downtown Community Television Center, located in a historic firehouse on Lafayette Street. Creating a community media hub while preserving the building’s heritage was especially fulfilling. Tim often spoke about the satisfaction he found in revitalizing older buildings through thoughtful design and engineering.
One of Tim’s most memorable projects was 330 Jay Street in Brooklyn, completed in 2006. At the time, it was GMS’s largest undertaking—a 32-story, 1.1 million square foot steel-framed office tower with three below-grade levels. This complex and high-profile project remains a cornerstone of the GMS portfolio.
His work also extended across a wide array of public and private school projects throughout New York. Education projects were especially meaningful to him, as they created spaces for the next generation to thrive—offering a chance for engineering to directly serve the community. One memorable example was with Monroe College where Tim worked with the same architect, Susan Doban Architecture, over several decades to design multiple buildings. With both new and ongoing projects at Monroe College, he reflected on how these long-term collaborations allowed both teams and the college, which recently became a university, to grow together.
Known for his patience, insight, and dry wit, Tim also built lasting relationships with colleagues, something he described as one of the most fulfilling aspects of his career. He interviewed and helped hire many of the talented engineers who now help lead GMS into the future. Tim has been a trusted advisor to the Partnership and a mentor to countless engineers. His influence extends far beyond our New York office, supporting firmwide growth and new initiatives in other regions. We are deeply grateful for Tim’s many contributions and lasting legacy. We wish him nothing but joy, health, and adventure in this exciting next chapter.
Congratulations, Tim—you will be truly missed!
