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
Home builders call for suspension of Building Safety Levy
HBF with over 100 home builders write to the Chancellor.
Construction contract awards remain buoyant
Infrastructure up but residential struggles.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2024/2025
CIOB names James Monk a quantity surveyor from Cambridge as the winner.
Warm Homes Plan and existing energy bill support policies
Breaking down what existing policies are and what they do.
Treasury responds to sector submission on Warm Homes
Trade associations call on Government to make good on manifesto pledge for the upgrading of 5 million homes.
A tour through Robotic Installation Systems for Elevators, Innovation Labs, MetaCore and PORT tech.
A dynamic brand built for impact stitched into BSRIA’s building fabric.
BS 9991:2024 and the recently published CLC advisory note
Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings. Code of practice.
NBS launches industry guide for specification writing
Available for free and as immediate download.
Peter Barber’s work revives forgotten building types.
Insights of how to attract more young people to construction
Results from CIOB survey of 16-24 year olds and parents.
Focussing on the practical implementation of electrification.
Preston flood scheme completes primary school SuDS
Three primary schools benefit from SuDS schemes.
Sustainable Urban Drainage and Biodiversity
Awards for champions of these interconnected fields now open.
Microcosm of biodiversity in balconies and containers
Minor design adaptations for considerable biodiversity benefit.
CIOB student competitive construction challenge Ireland
Inspiring a new wave of Irish construction professionals.
Challenges of the net zero transition in Scotland
Skills shortage and ageing workforce hampering Scottish transition to net zero.
Private rental sector, living standards and fuel poverty
Report from the NRH in partnership with Impact on Urban Health.
.Cold chain condensing units market update
Tracking the evolution of commercial refrigeration unit markets.