Staff testimonials

James Farmer, Land and Planning Graduate

 

I have to admit, as someone that had recently left university, and wasn't used to functioning before 11am, the idea of starting a new position was somewhat daunting! However, I can safely say that joining DHA was the best thing I could have done!

 

What has really struck me from my fleeting 9 months is how hands on the work is, and how much freedom I am given to explore different avenues within planning. I have managed to learn more in only a few months of working at DHA than I did in three years of my undergraduate course at uni, and this is just a testament to how well DHA treats their staff.

 

As a grad it can feel intimidating when starting a new project, however, I have learnt that no matter how simple a question can feel, there will always be a colleague that is willing to not only help, but go the extra mile to ensure that I have a full understanding of the task at hand.

 

 

Cameron Chapman, Planning Graduate

I joined DHA in January 2024 on the graduate programme, after completing my undergraduate degree in Urban and Environmental Planning at London South Bank University. I have since gone on to obtain a master's degree in Town and Country Planning while working at the company.

 
At DHA I have worked with various planning teams within the company, in order to assist with my career progression and expand my knowledge in different aspects of planning. I am currently working within a Planning Team that covers various types of planning, including applications within the Green Belt as well as local plan work. Working with this team has allowed me to broaden my knowledge of the industry and gain valuable experience in a role that works in these particular areas, which has been fantastic for my professional growth.

Since joining DHA I have been impressed by how much support and training I have received in the short time I have been at the company. The team goes to great effort to ensure that we are supported in our career progression, with regular internal and external events and training days. This is very beneficial for assisting us in the early stage of our career, both in knowledge of the role and industry networking. I look forward to continuing to progress my career at DHA and to continue my growth within the industry and my job role. 

 

 

 

Lauren Sinden, Planner

 

I joined the DHA Gatwick office in August 2022, having worked at Mott MacDonald for one year post-graduation. I am in the planning team, which is headed up by Jonathan Buckwell and Mark Bewsey, and in September 2023 I was promoted from Graduate to Planner. Concurrently, I am currently studying part-time for a Town and Country Planning Masters programme at London South Bank University, which DHA are sponsoring to support my academic pursuits.

 

As a result of the regular Graduate Training sessions that DHA provide, I am now involved in a wide range of projects across a multitude of sectors, including taking on some small projects of my own.

 

Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my development in roles and I look forward to my future at DHA.

 

 

 

Toby Hill, Graduate Planner

 

I joined the Maidstone Office in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Southampton with a BA Geography degree. My only knowledge of planning came from a handful of conversations with my dad, who had been involved with the planning industry throughout his career, otherwise I was completely new to the planning industry.

 

Going into my first full time job, I did feel a little nervous about the corporate environment and whether people would have the patience for someone very new to the planning system, but I was pleasantly surprised by how accommodating everyone is. People here are really approachable, not just my fellow graduates but all of the directors, associate directors and managing director will always make time for you if you have any queries about anything.

 

Another aspect about the company that I have enjoyed is the freedom to explore and utilise other skills. One of my favourite parts of my geography course was learning how to use GIS. I originally started out as a planning graduate, in which I have learnt a great deal, but I’ve also been given the freedom to apply the GIS skills that I have learned at university here and I have since applied it to various different areas of the business.

 

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at DHA so far. I’ve been given a great platform to build upon what I have learned here and from my time at university, and I am looking forward to continuing to grow and progress at DHA.