Nick Smith

Nick Smith is a Lecturer in Spatial Planning at the University of Plymouth, based in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (Faculty of Science and Engineering). He holds a BSc in Geography (1998) from Plymouth, an MPhil in Environmental Planning and Design (2001) from the University of Reading, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (2008) from the University of the West of England. He is currently completing a part-time PhD on green infrastructure delivery in major residential development.

His professional career spans 20 years in academia and planning practice. Previously, he spent 15 years at the University of the West of England, where he designed and led modules in planning and urban geography, and served as Associate Head of Department overseeing geography, planning, and environmental management. In practice, he worked at Land Use Consultants and tor&co, focusing on development planning, policy appraisal, and master planning. Notably, he delivered training for Natural England on green infrastructure and conducted research for the RTPI and Environment Agency.

Smith is a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), contributing nationally through roles on its General Assembly, Education and Lifelong Learning Committee, and Partnership and Accreditation Panel (2020–2022). Regionally, he chaired the South West Regional Activities Committee for over a decade. He also chaired RTPI Partnership Boards for Ulster and Sheffield Universities.

His teaching focuses on RTPI-accredited MSc programs in Planning and Town Planning. Core modules include PLG502 (Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development), PLG504 (Development Management and Delivery), and PLG505 (Urban Design theories and practice). Research interests emphasize integrating climate adaptation, urban design principles, and green infrastructure into planning frameworks.