Chair’s Award of the Year Winner 2026 | The Royal Town Planning Institute

This year, the Chair’s Award is for a Distinguished Service. David was awarded this for his exceptional long standing contribution to the RTPI East of England, including two previous tenures as Chair, support of the well-being of planners initiative and head judge of the regional awards.

RTPI East of England award judges

Congratulations to David Ames, recipient of the Chair’s Award for Distinguished Service at the RTPI East of England Planning Excellence Awards 2026.

David Ames, winner of the Chair’s Award for Distinguished Service, is recognised as an individual who has made an extraordinary and sustained contribution to the planning profession.

A Chartered Town Planner and qualified surveyor, he has dedicated his career to championing Garden City principles, protecting the legacy of Ebenezer Howard, and shaping high-quality, sustainable development. His leadership spans executive roles, board positions, and extensive work in education, lecturing on planning, masterplanning, development and stewardship to universities, international delegations, politicians, landowners and developers.

He has twice served as Regional Chair of the RTPI East of England and has led the regional awards judging for the past five years, demonstrating unwavering commitment to professional excellence. Alongside this, he has shown remarkable personal resilience, using his platform to raise awareness and support others through his role as a Trustee of Neuroendocrine Cancer UK.

His dedication, influence and service embody the very highest standards of the profession.