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Stephanie previously worked in charities, community groups, and non-profit organisations before choosing to study the MPlan City Planning degree at 911±¬ÁÏÍø to make an impact in the built environment.

About Stephanie

Originally from Canada, Stephanie moved to the UK in 2017 to pursue a career in urban planning. After completingÌýMPlan City Planning, she joined the Greater London Authority (GLA) as a Strategic Planner, collaborating with industry and local authorities to align development with the Mayor’s priorities. After two years, she transitioned to the GLA’s Housing & Land directorate as an Area Manager, driving affordable housing delivery in North East London. Currently, Stephanie is a Development Manager in the GLA’s Land and Development Team, overseeing major residential-led mixed-use projects on public land.

Q&A with Stephanie

What were your academic and professional interests and experiences before coming to UCL?

My career has always been motived by a desire to add social value, contribute to my community. I did this for ten years in Canada working in charities, community groups, and non-profit organisations before realising that I wanted to make an impact in the built environment, which led me to the Bartlett and the MPlan course.Ìý

Why did you join the MPlan City Planning course?

I was drawn to the MPlan course because it looked like it offered a comprehensive and holistic approach to planning and urban design. The elective modules allowed me to specialise in my areas of interest and the work placement module appealed as an excellent way to gain professional experience and build my network.Ìý

What aspects of your studies did you enjoy the most, and why?

The studio modules were a great experience. The discussions I had with classmates and staff alike broadened my perspectives and really accelerated my learning. Similarly, the focus on group work throughout the course brought a diversity of thought and skill to the programme that enhanced the learning environment and pushed me to produce work I remain proud of.

How did you experience life as a student in London whilst studying on the course?

London was a great place to be a city planning student! Not only was I living in a massive urban laboratory, but the cultural offerings were fab. I went to so many concerts, plays, festivals, and galleries, plus it’s a great place for friends and family to come visit.

How soon after completing the course did it take you to find work, and what was your first role?

I was able to secure a role as a Strategic Planner with the Greater London Authority within a few months of completing the course.

Tell us about your current role, what is the core purpose and typical activities?

I am currently a Development Manager with the Greater London Authority. I work on large scale strategic development projects on public land on sites across London; basically, making the best use of public land to meet the needs of Londoners. It involves elements of urban design and placemaking, stakeholder engagement and relationship management, housing and affordable housing delivery, contracting and procurement, and infrastructure planning and delivery.

Which parts of your student experience were the best preparation for your job?

In the MPlan programme, we used a hybrid theory/practical approach visiting and studying places in London. This gave me a strong foundation in user-centric placemaking and urban design principles, which prepared me to assess development proposals and push for impactful improvements.

What are your major career milestones since completing your studies?

As a Strategic Planner and Senior Strategic Planner I worked on some high profile sites and planning applications. I also achieved Mayoral support for my recommendation to grant planning permission at a Stage 3 planning hearing. As an Area Manager I was responsible for getting millions of pounds in grant funding to high-quality affordable housing projects in Northeast London to enable the delivery of additional genuinely affordable homes for Londoners. I also featured on a podcast discussing the relationship between residential design, social wellbeing, and feelings of loneliness.

What are your future ambitions?

Building better and better places.

What advice would you give to a student considering the course or looking to get into a career in your sector?

Network, reach out, job shadow, and do work placements. The build environment sector is huge and there are so many different roles within it. It is important to get a feel for what’s out there, what you like, and what motivates you.

Where can people find examples of your work?

All over London – I’ve contributed to major development projects in just about every borough!