Projects
Research, engagement and planning practice shaping more liveable, inclusive and climate-resilient places
I work at the intersection of research, placemaking and regeneration, helping organisations understand places, engage communities and translate evidence into practical strategies, projects and long-term place-based change.
These selected projects demonstrate experience working with universities, local authorities, housing organisations and communities to develop evidence, facilitate collaboration and deliver place-based outcomes.
Research & Innovation
International Research Collaboration
Participatory Placemaking & Blue Green Infrastructure
Principal Investigator · University of the West of Scotland & Wageningen University & Research
Research Overview
I lead an international research collaboration exploring how participatory placemaking and blue green infrastructure can contribute to more equitable, nature-positive and climate-resilient urban environments.
The collaboration brings together perspectives from Scotland and the Netherlands to examine how community knowledge, lived experience and environmental evidence can inform climate adaptation, biodiversity enhancement and sustainable urban development.
The research contributes to a growing evidence base supporting more inclusive approaches to planning, placemaking and environmental decision-making.
Research Focus
- Participatory approaches to placemaking and climate adaptation
- Blue green infrastructure and equitable access to environmental benefits
- Nature-positive and multi-benefit urban interventions
- Community knowledge and lived experience in planning
- Knowledge exchange between research, policy and practice
- International collaboration and comparative learning
My Role
As Principal Investigator, I lead the collaboration, supporting international knowledge exchange, participatory research development and future opportunities for collaborative research.
The project connects academic and practitioner perspectives to explore how locally grounded approaches can contribute to wider thinking around inclusive and climate-resilient urban development.
Doctoral Research
Blue Green Placemaking for Liveable, Flood-Resilient Urban Environments
Hydro Nation Scholar · University of Dundee · PhD Research
Research Overview
As a Hydro Nation Scholar, funded by the Scottish Government, my doctoral research developed the concept of Blue Green Placemaking, integrating blue green infrastructure, placemaking and participatory planning to explore approaches for creating more liveable, inclusive and flood-resilient urban environments.
The research examined how environmental interventions can deliver multiple benefits, including flood resilience, biodiversity enhancement, environmental quality and social wellbeing, while recognising the importance of people's relationships with place.
The findings continue to inform my professional practice across planning, placemaking and climate resilience.
Research Contribution & Recognition
The research has received external recognition, including the award-winning PhD video Placemaking and Blue Green Infrastructure for Multiple Benefits, recognised through the Buildings & Cities Video Challenge 2024.
The first journal paper from this research was shortlisted for the RTPI Early Career Research Awards for Research Excellence, recognising its contribution to planning research and innovation.
Outputs
Research outputs include peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, research communication activities and practitioner-facing resources exploring blue green infrastructure, participatory placemaking and climate-resilient planning.
Participation & Co-Design
Research-Informed Practice
Creative Facilitation & Serious Games
Participatory Planning · Knowledge Exchange · Co-Design
Innovation Overview
As part of my PhD research, I developed an innovative participatory methodology combining LEGO® Serious Play®, serious games and placemaking approaches to help communities and practitioners explore complex environmental challenges, visualise alternative futures and co-design locally relevant solutions.
The methodology was published in the Journal of Urban Design and Planning through the paper Gamifying Flood Resilience: Serious Games, Playful Placemaking and Blue Green Infrastructure Planning.
This work continues to evolve through professional learning, knowledge exchange and collaboration with international researchers. I also contribute to the EKLIPSE Expert Working Group, exploring how games can strengthen connections between science, policy and society.
Future Development
I am continuing to expand the application of these approaches through workshops, training and collaborative projects with organisations interested in creative approaches to participatory planning and climate resilience.
Community Planning · Participatory Engagement
Planning for Real® Community Engagement
Moray Council · Community Planning Practice
Engagement Overview
Following accredited Planning for Real® facilitator training, I applied the Planning for Real® methodology to support community engagement, helping residents identify local priorities, explore neighbourhood challenges and inform place-based planning discussions.
The process used accessible, hands-on participation methods to bring together community knowledge, lived experience and local aspirations, supporting more inclusive approaches to community planning and place-based decision-making.
Through physical models, visual engagement techniques and structured discussion, the approach helped residents identify valued places, challenges and opportunities while ensuring local knowledge informed future planning priorities.
Approach
- Planning for Real® participatory methods and physical modelling
- Accessible community workshops and facilitated discussion
- Visual engagement techniques to support inclusive participation
- Capturing local knowledge, priorities and aspirations
- Connecting community experience with place-based planning processes
Outcomes
The engagement supported communities to articulate priorities, identify opportunities for improvement and contribute meaningful knowledge to local planning processes.
This work reflects my wider approach to participation: moving beyond consultation towards collaborative approaches where communities contribute evidence, ideas and place-based understanding that can inform planning and regeneration.
Planning, Regeneration & Delivery
Community Regeneration · Place-Based Planning
Livingston Regeneration & Partnership Planning
West Lothian Council · Regeneration Practice
Project Overview
A programme of place-based regeneration and community planning supporting neighbourhood improvement across Livingston through evidence-informed planning, community engagement and partnership working.
I developed the Livingston North Ward Action Plan and Livingston South Ward Action Plan, bringing together community priorities, local evidence and partner input to identify challenges, opportunities and practical actions for neighbourhood regeneration.
I also contributed to the Livingston Integrated Partnership Plan, helping align community priorities with partnership activity and strategic objectives to support coordinated regeneration and service delivery across Livingston.
This work connected strategic planning with local implementation, supporting initiatives including environmental improvements, community gardens, youth provision, employability initiatives and wider neighbourhood development.
Expertise Demonstrated
Place-based planning · Community regeneration · Action planning · Community engagement · Partnership working · Strategic planning · Evidence-informed planning
Town Centre Regeneration · Place Strategy
Banff & Macduff Town Centre Regeneration
Aberdeenshire Council · Regeneration Practice
Project Overview
A town centre regeneration project bringing together stakeholder perspectives, local priorities and practical actions to support the future vitality and resilience of Banff and Macduff.
I led stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the Banff & Macduff Town Centre Action Plan, working with businesses, community organisations and partner agencies to identify priorities and shape a shared programme of regeneration.
Alongside this work, I led the implementation and management of the Retail Plus Scheme, supporting investment in town centre businesses and contributing to wider regeneration objectives across both communities.
Expertise Demonstrated
Town centre regeneration · Stakeholder engagement · Action planning · Business engagement · Project management · Place strategy
Housing Regeneration · Development Delivery
Housing Regeneration & Neighbourhood Renewal
The Regenda Group · Regeneration Practice
Project Overview
A housing-led regeneration programme focused on neighbourhood renewal, strategic investment and increasing the supply of affordable housing.
I project managed the acquisition of former local authority housing, coordinated refurbishment and redevelopment works, and supported the return of properties to social housing use.
Alongside this work, I developed the Seaforth Regeneration Strategy, bringing together evidence, regeneration priorities and investment opportunities to support longer-term neighbourhood renewal.
The project demonstrated how strategic property acquisition, regeneration planning and housing investment can contribute to sustainable community regeneration while bringing underused homes back into productive use.
Expertise Demonstrated
Housing regeneration · Property acquisition · Project management · Regeneration strategy · Development delivery · Affordable housing
Neighbourhood Regeneration · Resident Engagement
Saltmead Waterfront Regeneration & Community Investment
Hyde Housing · Neighbourhood Regeneration Practice
Project Overview
A neighbourhood regeneration project combining physical improvement, community investment and resident engagement within the Saltmead estate.
My role supported the delivery of regeneration initiatives including environmental improvements, community facilities, youth activities, employment support and financial inclusion programmes.
Working with residents, community organisations and delivery partners, I helped identify local priorities, support community participation and connect physical regeneration investment with wider social and community outcomes.
Expertise Demonstrated
Neighbourhood regeneration · Resident engagement · Community investment · Partnership working · Project coordination