World Planning Day 2024

World Planning Day celebrates and highlights the role planners play in delivering development, creating attractive, healthy and functional spaces and environments and addressing a wide range of issues like climate change.

 

We take great pride at DHA in our graduate programme which is helping develop the next generation of planners. It is always encouraging to see the enthusiasm and positivity our graduates bring to the role, so as part of our recognition of World Planning Day we asked some of our most recent graduate planners why planning is important to them.

 

Jessica Collins

 

 "My interest in planning began during my geography studies at university, where I became fascinated by the role of the built environment in driving sustainable development. I was inspired by the range of innovative ideas responding to the key challenges facing current society. This sparked my interest to work in a forward-thinking industry, where I could be involved in a team striving towards making a positive difference. As I begin my career in the profession, I am discovering that planning is ever-changing, which is both exciting and challenging. This has taught me the importance of adapting to these changes, making every day more exciting."

 

 

Isabella Mash 

 

"How the built and natural environment work together is something I have been interested in for years, fuelled by my parent’s professions in and around housing, and my studies in geography. Planning however wasn’t something I was aware of until my master’s studies, where I got introduced to the role and the impact planners can have in shaping space. Planning to me explores this relationship every day with the additional challenge of balancing public need and interests. As a graduate I particularly enjoy this challenge and the fact that no one project is the same; allowing me to be both analytical and creative in my problem solving to find planning solutions."

 

 

Amy Negus

 

"My interest in planning first started in 2018 during work experience, having studied geography at A-Level, I knew a career in the built environment sparked my interest. Throughout my degree, my enthusiasm for planning grew. Having been at DHA for a few months now, it is clear to see that this is where I belong. I have been fortunate enough to work on a variety of projects, from large housing schemes to solar farms. I am particularly excited that I am working within the environment team and am looking forward to working on more infrastructure projects that will benefit Britain for future generations."

 

 

Alicia Blythe 

 

"My interest in planning first developed during my undergraduate degree in Geography, where I examined the role of planning and the associated constraints in a GIS module. I’m excited about the prospect of working on a range of diverse projects within an interdisciplinary team, helping to achieve sustainability by balancing the needs of communities, businesses, and the environment."