Celebrating the Retirement of Chris Hyam

Today we celebrate the retirement of Chris Hyam, Associate and Senior Technician at Wincer Kievenaar, who brings to a close an extraordinary career spanning 38 years.

Chris joined the Practice in 1988 after meeting Mark Wincer and Paul Kievenaar, and immediately felt that the character of the office and the wide range of projects made it the right place to build his career. From small domestic schemes to large commercial developments, that variety of work is something that continued to inspire him throughout his time with the Practice.

Over nearly four decades with Wincer Kievenaar, Chris has become not only one of the most experienced members of our team, but also the longest-serving employee in the company’s history. His dedication, technical expertise and attention to detail have made him an integral part of the Practice and a trusted contributor to countless successful projects.

Chris has worked across all RIBA Work Stages and has contributed to projects delivered through both traditional and design-and-build procurement routes. His experience spans an impressive range of sectors and project scales – from smaller developments to large, complex, multi-disciplinary schemes across commercial, residential, educational and industrial sectors. His deep understanding of the construction process and building technology has consistently ensured projects are delivered with clarity, precision and professionalism.

Over the decades he has witnessed enormous changes in how buildings are designed and documented. Chris began his career working at a drawing board with a T-square, later moving to a parallel motion board and eventually into the world of computers and digital drawings. In those early days, drawings were posted, communication was by fax, and computers were vast machines that filled entire rooms. Today’s digital tools, 3D models, emails, and virtual meetings show just how much the profession has evolved during his career.

Beyond his project work, Chris’s experience and calm guidance have made him an invaluable mentor to junior colleagues. He has shared his knowledge generously, helping to shape the next generation of technicians within the Practice and leaving a lasting influence on the team.

Yesterday, the whole team gathered with Chris and his two sons for a celebratory lunch at Hintlesham Hall – a building that Chris himself has worked on during his time with the Practice. It was a fitting setting to reflect on his career, share stories and celebrate the many years he has dedicated to Wincer Kievenaar.

When asked about his favourite project, Chris simply said it was difficult to choose – there have been so many. That response perhaps says the most about his career: a long and varied journey filled with interesting challenges and rewarding work.

As Chris looks ahead to retirement, he is most looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren and enjoying everything that the next chapter of life brings. What he says he will miss most is the camaraderie of the office – something that reflects the strong relationships he has built here over the years.
Chris has been a cornerstone of Wincer Kievenaar for almost four decades, and his contribution to the Practice cannot be overstated. His knowledge, professionalism and steady presence will be greatly missed by colleagues and clients alike.

On behalf of everyone at Wincer Kievenaar, we thank Chris for his outstanding service and wish him a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.

Chris Hyam with his two sons, Leigh and Matthew, alongside Directors Phil Branton and Craig Western.