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
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.





















