About J Michael Cobb
International urban planner-designer-researcher; eco-cities; rapid urbanization; smart cities; design-planning methods

J Michael Cobb, PhD, PP, FAICP
Int'l Planning/Urban Development:
Rapid Urbanization, EcoCity Design, Transport & Infrastructure PPP, Climate Adaptation
IDC International Development Consultants, LLC / Urbanism3.org
Princeton University
Portland, Maine Area
SUMMARY QUALIFICATIONS
Dr. J. Michael Cobb has thirty+ years of international experience in planning, design, and management implementation of urban and regional development projects in the U.S. and overseas. His project work can be found in California, Colorado, New York, New Jersey, Jordan, Venezuela, Indonesia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, South Korea, Dominican Republic, Uganda, South Africa and other countries
The range of Dr. Cobb’s experience includes large-scale urban redevelopment and expansion projects, coastal zone ecological developments and integrated planning and design for urban, transportation and infrastructure projects. Project and program types include: master planning for national reconstruction; capital city expansions and international airports. His senior responsibilties have also include master plans and implementation programs for national railways, new cities and communities, ports and waterfronts, resort tourism developments, housing and urban redevelopments, environmental infrastructure; and economic and industrial development.
A specific listing of his major projects and programs include the following:
He directed the master planning, urban design & implementation of Jubail New Industrial City, the award winning mega project in Saudi Arabia. Supplementing his technical skills: public coordination & presentations, business development, management, & coordination at highest levels of government & industry. Author of numerous technical reports & publications & guest speaker at conferences & universities in the U.S. & abroad.
He founded IDC International Development Consultants, LLC & previously was an executive with several major companies: Bechtel (Chief of Urban & Infrastructure Planning, global operations); Planning Research Corporation (Vice Pres.); & EDAW (Director Urban Planning & Design). His career responsible involved planning, urban design, A-E design, financing & development implementation of projects & programs with constructed values of 30+ billion USD.
Specialties: International Urban Design & Planning
Project Development & Implementation
Public/Private Partnerships
Green Infra. & Ecological City Design
Urban Redevelopment & Multi-modal Transport
National-Regional Spatial & Economic Development
Comm. & Indus. Real Estate Development
Featured articles and news
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.