I have wealth of experience of action research in the fields of placemaking and social sustainability. I have practical experience of the impact of public policy on cities and society from my role as a senior manager in a large housing association, working proactively with residents and existing homes, combined with the enabling, design, consultation, construction and project management skills of a professional architect. I have worked in the placemaking/ development and construction industry for over 30 years, in the private and public sectors. I have a deep understanding of the motivations and drivers of investors, and clients – the financial institutions which are necessary to implement placemaking in existing cities and new large scale sustainable communities.