Lucy
Senior Urbanist
Ethos Urban
What’s your current job?
I’m currently a Senior Urbanist in Planning at Ethos Urban.
What do you love the most about your job?
I love the variety of work, one day I’m working on a major suburban renewal precinct in Brisbane, the next I’m working a social housing project in Central QLD or a hospital in the ACT. I get bored if I do the same thing, day in and day out, I know with as a planner no two days are ever the same.
Why did you choose a career in planning?
I loved geography and art in high school, so was super interested in people, places and design. I was choosing between a job in the health profession or planning, because I wanted to help people and was fascinated by how you can influence the lives of people for the better. I felt that planning could have a long-term impact on so many people and places.
What are some of the most interesting projects that you’ve worked on?
One of my favourite projects is one I’m currently working on which is still being assessed by Council. It is a major suburban renewal precinct called Runcorn Central. The project has to consider a variety of constraints including heritage, ecology, land contamination, transport access and impacts on rail infrastructure. It is a once-in-a-lifetime type of project providing necessary and well-located housing and amenities. Our team have to work alongside various stakeholders to solve complex projects which ensures the best long-term solutions on a site which has more then a few challenges.
Why should someone choose a career in planning?
As a planner you are a creative problem solver. You cannot use a ‘standard’ approach to any project or problem, they all require careful consideration and innovation to balance a variety of competing interests. Planners have long-lasting and tangible impacts on places and the lives of those who live and interact with cities, towns and regions. If you enjoy lateral thinking, working in a team environment and variety in your work, planning could be a great profession to choose.
What three words would you use to describe planning?
Diverse, people focused and surprisingly creative.
Planning is the process through which people, businesses and government come together to protect, grow and shape their cities, towns and regions. Cities and neighbourhoods are constantly changing and evolving. Planning is how we guide this change to create great communities and places in which we can live, work and play.
