BESA Mourns Rob Lambert

A photograph of the recently deceased Rob Lambert The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has paid tribute to Skanska UK technical operations lead Rob Lambert, who died recently.

The Association said his contribution to the industry had been “immense” thanks to his generosity of spirit and willingness to share his experience and technical knowledge.

A popular, respected figure, Rob had a long and distinguished career in the building services sector. He graduated from Northumbria University with a BSc in Building Services Engineering before starting work with Kyle Stewart in 1983.

He moved on to Roberts & Partners and joined Skanska in 1996. He was appointed head of engineering and compliance of its mechanical and electrical arm SRW in 2014.

He became engineering director the following year and many of the projects he oversaw were noted for their technical excellence and focus on reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Rob was a chartered engineer and a member of CIBSE and the American technical society ASHRAE. He was a long‑time servant of BESA most notably as a leading contributor to its technical committee. The Association had been planning to mark his retirement later this year by offering him the rare accolade of lifetime associate membership in recognition of his outstanding contribution to its technical standards and publications.

He was also a founding member of BESA’s Building Safety Act Advisory Group and had already made a notable contribution to the guidance prepared by the group to help the building engineering sector adapt to this significant legislative change.

CEO David Frise said everyone associated with BESA was shocked to hear of his death and was mourning his loss. He described Rob as “well liked, knowledgeable and ever willing to contribute”.

“Rob was the consummate engineer whose input was invaluable, and opinion always respected. He will be deeply missed,” added Frise.

Technical director Graeme Fox said he was devastated by the news and said Rob was “a huge contributor to the work of the technical committee”.

“He was always so willing to share his extensive knowledge. Rob was the consummate professional, and well respected among his peers. A voice of reason and understanding, a great colleague and I, for one, will miss his counsel,” he added.