It all started back in 1980, when Bob McGuigan began working as a sole practitioner on Auckland’s North Shore. Operating from a modest Lake Road office—with his wife Robyn managing the books—Bob soon brought on support as demand grew.

A major turning point came with the Takapuna Village project, which led Bob to reconnect with his university friend John Syme, who was also working as a sole practitioner. The two joined forces and setting up shop in a converted house on Esmonde Road.

Key projects like the Wairau Park development marked the beginning of MSC’s growth. The company was formally registered in 1984 as McGuigan Syme Partners. As the business evolved, it was renamed McGuigan Syme Chilcott in 1986 with the inclusion of Geoff Chilcott as a Director then eventually becoming the MSC Consulting Group we know today.

Over the years, MSC expanded into civil engineering, moved into purpose-built offices on Como Street, and opened a Christchurch branch following the 2011 earthquake.

From humble beginnings to a respected consultancy, MSC’s journey has always been driven by trusted relationships, practical thinking, and a genuine passion for engineering.