The area of Placemaking, Urban Planning and Design captured my interest in the early 1990's when New Zealand local authorities were undertaking the challenges of its recently established Resource Management Act (RMA). The Act in essence required local authorities to be more definitive in their long term environmental outcomes, proactive, and multidisciplinary in their approach to planning and development. It was through my exposure to these legislative challenges, and the day to day operational functions of Council, that I acquired my passion for cities, the way we plan, design, and manage them.

 
I believe that meaningful, livable, and sustainable cities emerge from having clearly articulated long term visions that focus on the critical (city and community) natural and cultural frameworks. In developing such visions, its imperative that associated planning and design processes take place with a high degree of community involvement and collaboration. Once identified such visions need to be clearly articulaThe area of Placemaking, Urban Planning and Design captured my interest in the early 1990's when New Zealand local authorities were undertaking the challenges of its recently established Resource Management Act (RMA). The Act in essence required local authorities to be more definitive in their long term environmental outcomes, proactive, and multidisciplinary in their approach to planning and development. It was through my exposure to these legislative challenges, and the day to day operational functions of Council, that I acquired my passion for cities, the way we plan, design, and manage them.