Great places start here
What I do
I help make places prosper, with people at the heart every step of the way. First, I create engaging opportunities for people to discuss their town or community. Then, I guide change and help make it happen.
From understanding need to helping people reflect on the power of their own impact, my focus is on building community ownership and securing lasting change.
How I work
STEP ONE
Starting the conversation
Getting to know people, their needs and ideas about what makes a good place are the foundations of any design-led process.
To achieve genuine people-led design, from the outset it's essential to understand the outcomes you're aiming for – such as well-being and sustainability – and embed these into the thinking and final proposals.
At the start of every project, I work hard to establish strong communications. I aim to involve as many stakeholders as possible in the project's management so it benefits from their diverse knowledge and skills.
STEP TWO
Understanding place
To get a feel for a place, I always walk down the high street or stroll around the neighbourhood. While walking, I ask questions such as, Is it easy to move around? How diverse are its uses? Does it feel cared for? Are people friendly? What I discover helps me understand the character of a place and the strengths and weaknesses the project should focus on.
STEP THREE
Listening to people
For an inclusive design process to succeed, it must give people the opportunity to have an active role in shaping the future of their place.
To capture as many views as possible, I consider things such as existing networks and partnerships, how to involve young people, where and when to host events and how to promote them.
Along with listening to people, it's vital to let them know how what they say will influence the process and help shape the final place.
STEP FOUR
Innovation and design
I make sure all the views that have been gathered are used in the design process to draw up the final proposals.
Examples of innovation include using natural assets in a sustainable way, novel building design and re-routing traffic to create pedestrian-friendly spaces. Creativity includes combining existing assets with new ideas in a way that meets the project's defined outcomes.
STEP FIVE
Making it happen
The energy created through an inclusive design process often carries over to the project's delivery. I make sure there's a clear communication strategy so the conversation with the community and other stakeholders continues throughout the project's life.
Other things I consider to help make the project a success are the project team's capacity and skills, its makeup and organisation, other tasks that need to be completed and any funding gaps that need to be filled.
Finally, it's essential to understand how you'll know the project's succeeded in bringing a great place to life.
How my work has been recognised
I'm grateful for the many awards I've received since I started my practice. They include:
2022
Commendation (second) at the UK Royal Town Planning Institute's Awards (Small Planning Consultancy)
Winner of the Royal Town Planning Institute Cymru's Award (Small Planning Consultancy)
2015
Shortlisted for the Dewi-Prys Thomas Prize
2013
Shortlisted for the UK Royal Town Planning Institute's Award (Excellence in Planning and Design for the Public Realm)
Winner of the Chairman's Award for Sustainability, Institute of Civil Engineering
Winner of the Institute of Civil Engineering's Roy Edwards Award (projects under £4m)
2010
Commended by RTPI Wales and RICS
2005/6
Winner of British Shopping Centre Gold Award, LGN Streetscene and ICE