Hames Sharley’s Principal of Planning and Urban Design, Nicholas Temov, has been named Planner of the Year 2019 by the Western Australian chapter of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).
The prestigious honour was announced at PIA (WA)’s annual awards ceremony at The Westin Hotel, Perth on Friday 8 November.
The West Australian Awards for Planning Excellence promote the important role of the planning profession in the creation of Western Australia’s built environment, and help to grow community awareness of good planning.
“These awards recognise and acknowledge quality, innovation and excellence in planning – all facets exemplified by Nic,” said Hames Sharley Western Australia Studio Leader Brook McGowan.
“Nic cares deeply about planning and the role our industry will play in shaping sustainable cities into the future. He is widely travelled, with qualifications in Geography, Planning and Urban Design that give him a holistic appreciation of the responsibilities planners have in creating better outcomes for current and future generations.
“Importantly, Nic leads by example, maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality and integrity within the design and planning profession.”
Nic joined Hames Sharley in February this year from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, where he was involved in some of the State’s most significant urban projects and policy reforms.
He played a key role in the iconic Elizabeth Quay project in the heart of Perth, and worked on METRONET, Cockburn Coast, Scarborough Beach Activity Corridor and MAX Light Rail.
Notably, he has made a significant contribution to the built environment in Western Australia by playing a pivotal role in the creation and delivery of the comprehensive and industry-shaping Design WA project – the comprehensive policy suite introduced to ensure good design is at the heart of all development throughout the State.
Nic is a Board Member of Open House Perth, and gives his time to helping planning students at the Australian Urban Design Research Centre, where he regularly assesses student critique sessions. During his time with the Department, he served as a member of the Urban Design Research Committee, helping to match the Centre’s research program to policy priorities.
He is a founding member of the Hames Sharley Champions of Change Committee, which works to improve diversity and inclusion through the promotion of equality in gender, age, culture, ability and sexual orientation.
“Nic is not only a talented and dedicated planner, but is generous with his time and his insights,” said Mr McGowan.
“He works with young planners through the PIA mentorship program, and regularly presents to graduate planners, and tertiary and secondary school students on the topics of urban planning and geography.
“Outside his industry work he takes his knowledge and skills in urban planning directly to the street through Jane’s Walks Perth, a non-profit group he coordinates.”
Jane’s Walks, named after Jane Jacobs, is part of a global movement of free walking tours that educate people on the complexities of cities, offering two-way learning between planning professionals and citizens.
“Hames Sharley is incredibly proud of Nic, and congratulates him on this impressive achievement,” said Mr McGowan.
“We look forward to sharing in his future contributions to the sector and the built environment throughout Australia.”