My interest in urban planning began during my study abroad year at Miami University in Ohio, where I took an elective course in urban and regional planning. That initial spark deepened when I returned to the UK to complete my Geography degree at the University of Leicester, and later evolved into a focused pursuit through an MSc in International Planning at the Bartlett. My dissertation on “development without displacement” in New York set the tone for how I approach my work today, with a focus on balancing progress with equity.
Over the last decade, I’ve led strategic regeneration and development projects across the UK, UAE, KSA, and the USA. Whether managing complex multi-disciplinary teams or liaising between governments, developers and communities, I thrive on bringing people together to solve problems and unlock opportunities. Mentorship and thought leadership have always been deeply important to me, from training graduates and developing research ideas to guiding the next generation of planners.
What motivates me most is shaping places that empower people, whether by ensuring community facilities genuinely serve their users, aligning policies with long-term sustainability goals, or fostering collaboration across borders and cultures. I believe effective planning isn’t about imposing blueprints, but about guiding growth with empathy, creativity, and adaptability.