Regional Management Board

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.

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

Alex is a chartered town planner who began his career in local government in London starting in enforcement before moving into development management. He currently works in consultancy on infrastructure planning and has experience working on projects such as HS2, East West Rail as well as on energy, education and Development Consent Orders for water. His key passions are promoting the planning profession and highlighting the importance of infrastructure delivery.

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. 

Dr Roudaina Alkhani is the Founding Director of Platforms, a London-based consultancy specialising in urban and regional planning, urban design, strategic planning, regeneration, and coastal city development. Platforms focus on promoting sustainable, resilient and inclusive cities, and enhancing place quality through innovative, integrated and collaborative approaches.

Roudaina has over 25 years of outstanding professional experience bridging academic research with professional practice, supported by a PhD in Planning and Urban Design from the Danish Royal Academy, and a DEA (MRes) in Urban Policy and Spatial Planning from the Paris City Planning Institute. 

Her extensive experience from the UK, North-Western Europe, France, and the Middle East includes working with local authorities, including Copenhagen, and providing consultancy services to public organisations, higher education institutions, and international organisations comprising collaborations with GIZ, UN-Habitat P4CA, Swedish Cities Association, and the Worldwide Network of Port Cities. From 2017-2023, Roudaina was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Westminster, co-leading the BA Designing Cities and directing key MA modules, including Sustainable Cities and Neighbourhoods and The Dynamic Cities, which she delivered in collaboration with local authorities along the Thames River and the industry.

Roudaina is a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI), a Registered Member of the Danish Association of Architects (Architect MAA), and a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy (FHEA). She is an Expert of the Worldwide Network of Port Cities and is an affiliate of UN-Habitat’s Planners for Climate Action (P4CA).

Amy, a Planning Consultant at Arup and the incoming Young Planners London Chair for 2024, has been actively involved with the RTPI Young Planners since 2018, during her university years. She has served on the London Young Planners committee since 2021, focusing primarily on infrastructure consenting and planning policy work both within and outside London. With experience gained from a year working in Local Authority at the start of her career, Amy aims to enhance engagement with members working in Local Authority, noting a discrepancy in engagement levels between members in the private sector and those in Local Authority.

Miftahur Rahman is a student at South Bank University whose journey in architecture and urban design is marked by a passion for creating sustainable spaces. With a focus on Urban Design and Planning, his education complements his professional endeavors. His core competencies lie in blending architectural innovation with strategic start-up leadership, aiming to contribute significantly to urban environments. His goal is to integrate academic insights with real-world applications, shaping cities that embody both form and function.

Jonathan is Head of Spatial Planning at the Royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea. He covers three teams concerned with the Local Plan and policy making, Design and Heritage and a team concentrating on Good Growth in all its forms and bringing forward sites for delivery. He has worked in the public sector for over 30 years. His background has been in Development Management occupying senior positions such as the Acting Head of Development Management and team leader. Jonathan is leading on bringing the Kensal Canalside and the Earl’s Court Opportunity Areas forward for development together with other corporate rejuvenation initiatives

You can contact anyone from the London Region via:

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

Telephone: 07850326883

Email: Rachel Smith