Hybrid Planning & Development, the award-winning planning consultancy specialising in urban, mixed-use developments, has announced promotions for five of its team.
The East London-based firm reports that Sophie Hardy and Aaron Henecke have been appointed associate directors, Charlotte Mills becomes senior planner, Elliot Smith becomes a planner and Paula Moura is promoted to assistant planner.
Hybrid’s director and co-founder, Danielle St Pierre comments: “These promotions follow on from a solid period of growth, where we’ve seen a 15% increase in work over the past 12 months. We’re under no illusion this success is down to our brilliant and hardworking team, and the emphasis they put on building longstanding client relationships. As we seek further growth, the time was right to reward these five talented planning professionals and help them take the next step in their careers at Hybrid.”
Following these promotions, Hybrid’s company structure now encompasses two distinct teams. These will be led by newly appointed associate directors, Sophie and Aaron, although cross-team working will be much encouraged to support workload, mentoring and specific knowledge sharing. Current flagship projects include:
· Masterplanning for high rise, urban regeneration in Birmingham, Ashford, Leicester and Harlow representing circa 1,350 new homes;
· Two, 20+ storey hotels in Tower Hamlets and Hackney;
· Extension and reconfiguration of The Bancroft Unit at Mile End Hospital to accommodate three haemodialysis wards, including the world’s first self-administered dialysis ward;
· A Permitted Development portfolio representing circa 650 new apartments in Canary Wharf, Heathrow and Central Milton Keynes.
Claire Day, Hybrid’s co-founder and director adds: “From the outset, our intention was to create a workplace where people could thrive and learn from the collective experience. Now with a team of 13, this commitment to nurturing ‘homegrown’ talent has paid dividends, and we’re proud to have attracted and retained some of the industry’s best young talent. These five individuals are excelling at their respective levels, and it was only right to recognise their achievements.”
This series of promotions, effective as of April 1st, follows a celebratory period for Hybrid, as directors, Claire and Danielle were both recently included on The Planner’s prestigious Women of Influence 2023 list. This recognises the women working in and around planning who are to be applauded for their commitment to supporting colleagues, communities and the wider aims of the sector.
