Welcome to P4 Sophie, who joined the team in September 2024 as a planner.
Sophie relocated to Manchester from Newcastle Upon Tyne in September 2023, where she had previously worked for a multi-disciplinary planning consultancy. In 2021, Sophie graduated with a distinction in her MSc Urban Planning degree from Newcastle University, specialising in regeneration and accredited by the RTPI. During her graduation, Sophie was awarded the David Lock Award by Newcastle University for her dissertation research titled ‘’Rainbow’ Regeneration in Newcastle Upon Tyne’s LGBTQ* Scene: Working Towards Sustainable Inclusivity and Representation’. This research was later published in 2022 in ‘Cities Forum Urban Action Avenue’.
In June 2023, Sophie was awarded RTPI North East Young Planner of the Year for her enthusiastic and original approach to Planning, as demonstrated through her voluntary work with local communities and identifying areas in which the profession could improve. The RTPI judges noted that “Sophie is a role model that stands out for her progressive approach to understanding and changing the aspects of the planning system to meet with community needs and aspirations”.
In her spare time, Sophie volunteers within the North East RTPI Young Planners Committee, whereby she occupies the role of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Champion, and within the RTPI Regional Activities Committee. Then in November 2023 Sophie achieved her Chartered Planner accreditation by the RTPI.
