Graham leads our integrated town planning, masterplanning and urban design team. He supports a collaborative approach to devise and deliver well-conceived, viable land use strategies.
A chartered town planner, Graham has led numerous large scale commissions with a cumulative capital expenditure of over £1.6bn. His team were awarded National Town Planning Consultancy of the Year in 2016 by Planning Magazine. In the same year, they were a finalist in the same category as run by the Royal Town Planning Institute and are shortlisted for the Planning National Consultancy Award in 2018.
Graham, why did you choose a career in planning?
I’m one of those people who realised the career path I wanted to follow from an early age. An interest in human geography nudged me towards town planning and I’ve never looked back. I particularly like the challenge of creating a well-considered and justifiable case in support of development which I genuinely consider will result in positive and lasting planning and societal outcomes, even if the development may not be allocated as such in a Local Plan.
What is your proudest moment?
Having had close links with the Royal Town Planning Institute for over 25 years, it was a very proud moment to be recognised as one of the National Town Planning Consultancy of the Year Finalists in the RTPI Awards for Planning excellence in 2016 – and it was even better that we won the National Award as organised by Planning a few weeks later. I’ve not yet had a hole in one on the golf course (though I’m still trying) but I’d imagine the feeling would be similar. It was unfortunate that the Award was announced on the day of the Brexit vote, but I know which one I thought was the better result!
What makes you an award winning planning consultancy?
I’ve worked with the team to develop a Town Planning toolkit designed to identify, manage and mitigate risks and help shape “first time success” comprehensive and integrated Planning Design and Access Statement submissions. We adopt a proactive approach to client and project development and challenge ourselves to adapt, apply lessons learned and share our experiences as a team. I do think we go the extra mile at times, but this does tend to secure positive results. The various backgrounds of the team also help to strengthen our capability, competencies and outlook on life.
Interesting fact that nobody knows about you?
One of my life goals is to visit as many countries as my age. I am about four behind where I should be at the moment. If I can find a way to visit the Mendoza wine growing of Argentina, then I’d be a very happy and relaxed man indeed.
Industry Bodies:
- Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute