Member Spotlight: TSA Riley: Real People, Real Outcomes, Real Change

Member Spotlight: TSA Riley – Making Carbon Count and MMC Work

TSA Riley is a multi-disciplinary construction consultancy working across cost management, project management, health & safety, carbon advisory, and MMC consultancy. With offices across the UK and over 130 years of experience, they’re focused on helping clients deliver smarter, more sustainable projects that put people first.

When it comes to delivering low-carbon buildings and modern construction solutions, TSA Riley is quietly doing some of the most meaningful work in the sector. Their approach is grounded, practical, and focused on real outcomes—with a team of people who care deeply about doing things right.

Two names driving this forward are Dan Macpherson and Jonah Balmford.

Dan Macpherson – Making MMC Make Sense

Dan has been with TSA Riley for over 15 years and has played a leading role in shaping the company’s MMC offer. He’s worked closely with clients and project teams to bring modern methods into the mainstream—helping reduce waste, improve quality, and speed up delivery. Now as Executive Director, he’s helping embed MMC thinking into every part of the business.

Jonah Balmford – Turning Carbon into Action

Jonah leads the firm’s Carbon Advisory work across the UK and Europe. Based in Cambridge, he’s working directly with clients to understand their embodied carbon profile and take meaningful steps to reduce it. Jonah’s known for his ability to simplify complex data and support better decision-making early in the project lifecycle. His work was recognised with the 2024 Eastern Echo NextGen of the Year award.

Photo Credit - Philip Vile

A standout example of TSA Riley’s approach is their work on the New River Wing at Clare College, Cambridge. This project involved introducing modern facilities—including a new café, improved accessibility routes, and a discreet fire escape—into one of the oldest and most architecturally significant parts of the University.

Working alongside Witherford Watson Mann Architects, TSA Riley supported the team in delivering a solution that was both respectful of the historic setting and forward-thinking in its design and construction approach. The project needed to navigate complex logistical, planning, and heritage constraints, all while delivering high-quality, functional space that would serve generations to come.

The result is a beautifully crafted riverside café and access corridor, built with precision offsite using engineered oak frames. These were prefabricated in South Yorkshire and carefully installed onsite with minimal disruption to the live academic environment.

The structure blends effortlessly into its surroundings—showing that MMC isn’t just for new build housing or large-scale infrastructure. It can also be a tool for unlocking elegant, low-impact solutions in highly sensitive contexts.

This project is a clear demonstration of how modern methods can complement the past while preparing for the future—quietly raising the bar on what’s possible in heritage environments.

👉 Download the Clare College case study to learn more.

Putting People First in Sutton Coldfield

TSA Riley is also working as Employer’s Agent on a £35.9m retirement living development for Anchor in Sutton Coldfield. While traditionally built, the project has a clear social focus—delivering 137 affordable, energy-efficient homes for older residents.

It’s about more than just sustainability. It’s about creating homes that are warm, accessible, low-cost to run, and built to support independent living in later life. With features like solar power and air source heat pumps, it’s a great example of how affordability and environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand.

Temporary Modular Homes for Homeless Accommodation

TSA Riley has also supported the delivery of 24 temporary modular homes as part of a project tackling homelessness. Working closely with partners, they helped get high-quality accommodation on the ground quickly—demonstrating the power of MMC to respond to urgent social needs with speed, care, and integrity.

What’s Next

TSA Riley has committed to reaching Net Zero Carbon by 2040—and they’re not waiting to get started. From carbon modelling and MMC advisory through to employer’s agent roles on community-focused schemes, they’re putting their knowledge to work where it counts.

We’re proud to have them as part of the Offsite Alliance—doing the work, making the change, and proving what’s possible.