Organising Committee

Gemma is an Assistant Planner at RPS having joined as a graduate in September 2021. Prior to joining RPS, Gemma completed a MSc in Spatial Planning at Cardiff University after studying Geography and Planning at University of the West of England. She is a Licentiate member of the RTPI and is gearing up to submit her chartership this spring.

Gemma's work consists of assisting on renewable energy infastructure applications, along with supporting retail developments, whilst helping to run the pre-application consultation process within her team.

Kate is passionate about shaping urban environments through policy and practice to further sustainable urban development. As a Graduate Planner at Arup, Kate works on urban policies, spatial strategies, development management and infrastructure projects. Kate also has a background working as an architectural designer on major built projects.

Kate holds a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Melbourne where her core interests were urban policy, housing, transport and global urban development. While studying her Bachelor of Architecture and Environments (University of Sydney), Kate undertook an exchange in Singapore where she learned from its urban densification and mobility strategies.

Emily is a Transport Planner at Jacobs and a Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI). She graduated with a Masters in Planning (MPlan) from Newcastle University in 2021 and now lives in London with her dog Todd and her cat Milo. She enjoys working on active travel projects and developing Transport Strategies and Local Transport Plans. This year, Emily hopes to bring a Transport Planning focus to the committee, encouraging engagement between Planners, Transport Planners and Urban Designers to help bridge the knowledge gap between the various career options.

Sophie is a Town Planner at Mott MacDonald, an engineering and development consultancy. Sophie's planning experience includes working on projects across various sectors including education, transport, residential and water.

Her interest in the industry is urban regeneration. She lives in southwest London and her hobbies include fitness, travel and exploring London with friends.

Amy is a Senior Planner and the immediate past Chair of the RTPI Young Planners London for 2024. She has been actively involved with the RTPI Young Planners since 2018, starting during her university years. Amy has served on the London Young Planners committee since 2021, with a particular focus on infrastructure consenting and planning policy, both within London and beyond. Early in her career, she also gained valuable experience working within a Local Authority. Amy brings a wealth of knowledge and diverse experience to the judging panel, informed by her broad planning background and ongoing commitment to the profession.

Sophie is a Senior Planning Officer at the London Borough of Hounslow where she has worked since December 2020. Before then, she was travelling and spent 18 months living in Vancouver, Canada.

Sophie particularly interested in planning and public health and how planners have a role to play in promoting healthy living and lifestyles. Outside of work she enjoy cooking and travelling. I am very much looking forward to being a voice for all local authority planners on the committee in 2024.

Chloe has accumulated 6 1/2 years of experience working for a Local Planning Authority. Her tenure within an LPA has provided her with firsthand insights into how planning initiatives within a London borough can bring about tangible changes. Over the years, she has actively engaged with the local community and witnessed the positive outcomes stemming from this collaborative process.

Chloe is eager to join the committee for 2024 with the aim of supporting other London Young Planners at the outset of their careers. Additionally, she looks forward to facilitating CPD events for existing Young Planners, thereby contributing to the collective knowledge base within the profession.

Matt joined Quod as a graduate in 2023 and is currently working towards becoming a Chartered Town Planner. Before then, he studied urban planning at Newcastle University alongside gaining practical experience at Carter Jonas and the Environment Agency. Matt takes a particular interest in infrastructure planning, most of all renewable energy infrastructure where he has gained skills and knowledge through his time working on several DCOs and a variety of TCPA applications. He is keen to further develop his skills and knowledge in this specialism as the UK accelerates towards Net Zero. Outside of work Matt enjoys exploring the outdoors, travelling and going to see live music. He is excited to join the Young Planners Committee, where he hopes to support fellow young planners as they advance their careers. Drawing on his experience with infrastructure projects, he aims to share insights and provide a greater understanding for this fast evolving and impactful area of planning.

Harriet is a Chartered Town Planner. Having attended numerous Young Planners Conferences throughout her early career, she joined the RTPI Young Planners London committee in 2025 and is excited to now be part of the team bringing this year’s event to London.

Leon is an undergraduate student currently in their second year of Urban & Environmental Planning. He has a strong desire to contribute to the healthy growth of urban environments and improve people's experiences within them. Leon also holds a keen interest in transit-oriented development, which they have gained experience in through their work placement with TfL's Spatial Planning team. This placement provided him with valuable experience in general urban planning, with a focus on transportation.

Leon looks forward to contributing to the committee and assisting fellow young student planners in creating more opportunities for professional development.