Regional Management Board

Karen has wide-ranging experience in planning spanning over 20 years in a local government setting. She has worked across policy, development management and currently specialises in appeals as a Principal Planner at the London Borough of Bromley.

Karen has a special interest in  Social Value and exploring how it can be embedded into the planning process, particularly in relation to smaller developments. Other professional interests include the digitalisation of planning and ‘doing planning differently’. She is particularly excited by the renewed prioritisation given to this area by the LURA.

Karen is also very passionate about diversity in planning and supporting the next generation of emerging talent to make great strides in the profession. She is a keen mentor and is an active member of the BAME Planners Network Steering Group where she focuses on promoting a career in planning in schools and colleges.

Karen recognises that this past year, in particular, has seen a season of great change in planning and she is excited to ensure her time as Co-Chair engages with the veritable range of themes and topics that impact upon how we perform our roles as planners whilst promoting the profession itself.

Thomas started as a Graduate Planner at the London Borough of Lewisham in 2021. He has since been promoted to Senior Planning Officer working within development management.

Thomas has a keen interest in the importance of good quality design in placemaking and in the creation of healthy communities. Having studied dementia friendly cities for his Masters’ degree dissertation he values the importance of creating places for everyone to ensure they are welcoming for all.

Over the next year, as both Co-Chair and a public sector planner, he is keen to strengthen ties with other associated bodies to ensure public sector planners are better represented. He would like to work collaboratively with the private sector to share ideas and best practices for the region's members.

He is also looking forward to working alongside Karen to raise the profile of the profession and ensure the events and CPD programme covers the key themes and topics requested by our members over the next 12-months

Michele began her planning career in 2020 as a graduate planner at LDA Design, where she gained valuable experience across a diverse range of projects and planning types. Her growing interest in infrastructure planning led her to Align JV, contributing to the HS2 construction delivery. This allowed her to develop expertise in both pre-determination and post-determination stages of planning.

Currently, Michele serves as a DCO Development Manager at Telis Energy UK, where she is actively supporting the UK’s green energy transition and 2035 net-zero targets. Her passion for renewable energy, sustainable development, and urban regeneration reflects her belief in building a greener, safer, and more resilient future.

Michele is acutely aware of the challenges facing the planning profession, both in London and across the UK. She is passionate about championing efforts to address critical issues such as resource shortage and improving the efficiency of planning processes, working collaboratively to support better outcomes for the profession

As incoming Chair of the RTPI London Region, Michele is eager to bring her energy and vision to the role, championing innovation, collaboration, and positive change for the planning community.

Atholl is the Managing Director of Markides Associates, a London-based Transport Planning consultancy. He has experience in  transport strategy and in the design of transport measures for major developments in London and elsewhere, and he has worked closely with TfL and many London authorities on many projects. 

You can contact anyone from the London Region via:

Rachel Smith
RTPI London
43 Botolph Lane, London, EC3R 8DL

Telephone: 07850326883

Email: Rachel Smith