Our team.
Richard Nash
Managing Director and Head of Planning Practice
Master of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Canberra
Bachelor of Applied Science – Earth and Land Science, University of Canberra
Richard was appointed Managing Director of Purdon Planning after several years as General Manager and Senior Urban Planner prior to that. With his technical experience and leadership guidance, Richard leads a team of dedicated and passionate professionals to deliver a variety of projects and engage with the broader Canberra community and surrounding region.
Richard has over 15 years’ experience in urban and strategic planning with both the National Capital Authority and Purdon Planning. With a keen focus on strategic planning, Civil, Master Planning and redevelopment projects he also manages a wide variety of planning and community engagement projects assisting the development of the nation’s capital.
Richard’s strong ability to liaise with Government, community and industry representatives on planning and development related matters is invaluable in facilitating positive development outcomes for our clients. He also has extensive experience in public consultation and community engagement working closely with key interest groups in Canberra.
Angela Jones
Lead Planning Practitioner
Registered Planner in the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)
Post Graduate Certificate in Town Planning – South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
Master of Science – Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Angela is an experienced Planner, with 20 years’ experience managing a variety of projects including development applications, works approvals, estate development plans, due diligence, lease variations, territory plan variations and community consultation.
She has extensive experience in managing complex projects and providing sound advice on strategic and statutory planning issues in the ACT.
Angela has a strong ability to build relationships with clients, government entities and the community, to achieve the best outcomes for the future planning of Canberra.
Dan Stewart
Director and Head of Development Management
Master of Management, Australian National University
Bachelor of Economics, Australian National University
Bachelor of Science, Australian National University
Dan Stewart is a Director of Purdon Planning and has extensive experience in economic and financial analysis, policy and business case development, urban and regional development policy, project management, feasibility studies and community consultation and facilitation. This has been gained through more than 25 years in both public and private sector roles.
Before joining Purdon Planning Dan ran his own business for 12 months and was also Director, Planning and Development at Geocon for almost two years. Reporting to the General Manager, Dan led the planning and delivery of some of Canberra’s most significant residential and mixed-use development projects, including the Kingston Arts Precinct, the Republic Precinct at Belconnen (incorporating Canberra’s largest residential tower) and Geocon’s new luxury hotel on Northbourne Avenue.
From 2015 to 2018, Dan was Director ACT for Elton Consulting where he took a lead role in a broad range of major developments that will shape the look and feel of Canberra into the future. This included landmark buildings, urban renewal projects and greenfield developments. Dan advised on project feasibilities, developed business cases and undertook stakeholder consultation to ensure that the developments were commercially viable and would meet community and government expectations.
Prior to joining Elton, Dan held multiple senior executive roles over 14 years in the ACT Government, including Coordinator-General, Urban Renewal; Deputy Director-General, Land Development and Corporate; and Deputy Chief Executive, Land Development Agency. Dan had responsibility for coordinating key projects including redevelopment of Canberra’s CBD (City to the Lake) and the Capital Metro (light rail) corridor.
David Dawes
Strategic Advisor
David served for six years as the Head of the ACT Government’s Land Development Agency and Director-General for Economic Development. He also served as the ACT Government’s Coordinator-General for Major Projects.
These roles followed other senior ACT Government roles including Director-General of Land and Property Services and before that, Deputy Chief Executive of the Chief Minister’s Department.
In these roles David administered the Government’s land release and development program, innovation, trade and investment policies, CBR brand development, the ACT’s arts and cultural facilities and the ACT Government’s property portfolio, including all its sporting and recreation facilities. David was also instrumental in developing policies that attracted international flights to Canberra.
David’s government work followed a long and distinguished career as head of the ACT Master Builders Association and various roles in the property sector before that.
David brings to Purdon Planning a deep understanding of the ACT property sector with an unparalleled network of contacts across the public and private sectors.
Pierre Huetter
Chief Operating Officer
Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of Wollongong
Graduate Certificate in Public Policy, Australian National University
Diploma in Project Management, Canberra Institute of Technology
Pierre comes to Purdon after having held various roles in the public and private sectors in policy and major project facilitation roles. Those roles have included work facilitating major projects within government, major bid preparation and coordination outside government, tender writing, project management, policy and business case preparation.
Pierre has an in-depth knowledge of statutory and strategic planning requirements for the ACT, enabling him to provide sound and practical advice on related issues.
Pierre is a qualified project manager. He is also a Member of Australian Institute of Project Management and the Planning Institute of Australia (ACT). Pierre is also a board member of the Molonglo Financial Services Limited
Ginn Zhang
Senior Urban Planner 城市规划师
Master of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Canberra
Bachelor of Arts, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication
Ginn is a qualified Urban Planner who won a commendation for Planning Institute of Australia ACT Young Planner of the Year 2021.
She has worked in the field for three years after graduating from her Masters of Urban and Regional Planning.
Her experience includes involvement in various Canberra Hospital projects providing strategic advice for planning approvals. Ginn is also experienced in preparing planning assessment for development approval and analysis for both private and public sectors.
Hannah Neville
Senior Urban Planner
Master of Urban Planning, University of Canberra
Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science (Hons.), University of Sydney
Majors in Environmental Science and Physical Geography
Hannah is a Senior Town Planner with diverse experience in development assessment, facilitation and advocacy across varying scales of development, ranging from single dwellings to major projects of state significance.
Hannah has been involved in projects spanning residential, agricultural, industrial and commercial industries and has also worked in both the private and public sectors during her career to date.
Having lived and practiced in several jurisdictions throughout Victoria, Queensland, NSW and the ACT, Hannah is uniquely placed to add value to strategic planning projects, with detailed knowledge of the operation of various planning systems.
Bradley Yates
Senior Urban Planner
Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Canberra
Bradley Yates is a qualified Urban Planner with three years’ experience in the profession. With a background in Strata Management, Bradley is comfortable working in various land tenure situations and changing locations.
Bradley has experience in the preparation of planning assessments and management/delivery of development approval for projects of Multi-Unit residential, mixed-use, industrial, commercial and public facilities across the ACT and NSW.
Bradley has delivered successful Environment Significance Opinion applications, Unit Title amendments and Lease Variations, in addition to strategic planning analysis for private, public and community sector projects across the ACT.
Adrian Makeham-Kirchner
Head of Economic Policy
Master of Economic Studies University of New England, 2007
Graduate Diploma Applied Finance and Investment, FINSIA, 2000
Bachelor of Economics (Hons 2A), ANU, 1998
Bachelor of Arts, ANU, 1997
Diploma of Project Management, Wizard Corporate Training, 2014
Practitioner’s Certificate in Mediation, Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators, 2014
Adrian has more than 25 years’ experience in the government and non-government sectors having worked as a consultant, political adviser, Senior Executive, and Board member.
Adrian has broad and deep experience in applied economics, data and analytics, strategic thinking, management practice, governance and complex policy and system design to support evidence-based decision making. Adrian’s expertise is suited to working with decision makers who face tough, complex, and sensitive resourcing choices, undertaking applied research, building towards outcomes from stakeholder engagement and delivering projects.
Adrian’s objective is to provide robust decision-making support, starting from first principles, to inform better decisions.
Jenny Jones
Communication and Engagement Manager
Diploma in Marketing and Event Management
Jenny is an an experienced engagement and events professional with over fiftteen years’ experience in various industries. Adept at quickly assessing needs, developing plans and implementing effective solutions, her management ensures a highly regarded and seamless client experience, delivered within a set budget and timeline.
Jenny’s engaging and enthusiastic manner attracts and retains stakeholder engagement. She has the ability to positively influence a broad spectrum of stakeholders with clear written and verbal communication to ensure collaboration and understanding.
With a background in marketing, Jenny has the ability to bring together the creative and logistical components of projects to deliver a unified engagement activity.
Olivia Stafford
Urban Planner/Communication and Engagement Officer
Graduate Diploma of Planning, Deakin University
Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) Deakin University
Olivia is a qualified Urban Planner with 2.5 years’ experience in the profession. With a background in architecture and project management she has a well-rounded understanding of the complexities of any planning project.
Olivia has worked as a planner at the National Capital Authority and Central Goldfields Shire Council (Victoria). Her experience in these roles has provided her with valuable insights into the regulatory and policy frameworks involved in urban planning, as well as the challenges and opportunities of working with diverse stakeholders.
Maggie Li
Urban Planner 城市规划师
Master of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Canberra
Bachelor of Environmental Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology
Maggie is a qualified town planner with three years’ experience in the industry. After graduating from her Masters of Urban and Regional Planning, she spent one year in a construction company in Canberra and then worked for Yass Valley Council in the Development Controls Team for two years.
Her experience with Yass Valley Council includes Development Application assessment of small-scale residential dwellings to rural subdivision, the assessment of rural/urban subdivision certificate and response to the dwelling entitlement enquiries. The experience enables her to look at a project from assessment point of view.
Lachlan Taylor
Junior Urban Planner
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Canberra (currently studying)
Lachlan brings a passion for the built environment and knowledge of sustainable design through his background at the University of Canberra, studying a Bachelors of the Built Environment, Architecture. He initially joined the company as an intern however has since developed advanced knowledge of statutory and strategic planning and has been involved in many successful projects. He is particularly interested in urban interfacing and aims to produce developments which create a positive impression on the world around him.
His background in architecture gives him a unique perspective which he utilises in all his work, particularly in his development applications, massing analyses and site investigations.
Nick Heerdegen
Junior Urban Planner
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Canberra (currently studying)
Nick is currently an Architecture student at the University of Canberra. He is passionate about both architecture and urban planning, with a genuine interest in how the structure of urban systems leads to good design outcomes.
Nick has experience across a range of planning projects at Purdon, delivering a multitude of reports for a range of commercial, mixed use and residential projects. Proficient in leading software suites and with an interest in the latest digital design techniques, he delivers graphical solutions for project massing, mapping, and design.
Nick intends to pursue planning through further studies to integrate his two interests, creating a unique skillset to further apply himself in the planning industr
Dr Wendi Han
Junior Urban Planner
Doctor of Philosophy in Urban and Regional Planning, University of Canberra
Master of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Canberra
With over four years of research experience in relation to urban and regional planning, Wendi has demonstrated exceptional research skill and knowledge of urban and regional planning and its application. Posessing the appropriate qualificaitons of Doctor in Philosophy in Urban and Regional Planning, Graduate Certificate in Research Methods and Design, and Master of Urban and Regional Planning.
Her career focus is on shaping future communities and cities to ensure they are sustainable and livable. Her PhD project examined the travel behaviour of young adults in large cities as their choices will have significant implications for urban infrastructure planning and sustainability into the future.
Fin Sullivan
Junior Development Manager
Diploma in Building and Construction Management, University of Canberre (in progress)
Fin has a solid understanding of buildings from inception to operation. He has experience taking development sites through the various stages – feasibility, concept, development approval and appointment of the builder.
Fin also has experience with the analysis of development sites for highest and best use, undertaking initial feasibility and due diligence reports, moving to managing the design and delivery of the final product for the client.
Fin teamed with Purdon in May 2022 as a Junior Development Manager. Working alongside the Senior Development Management team, responsible for delivering the best property outcomes for Purdon clients.
Jane Stakelum
Planning Support Officer
Certificate 3 in Business Management Administration, Canberra Institute of Technology
Diploma in Spatial Information Services, Canberra Institute of Technology
Jane is a motivated, results-focused planning support officer. She has a diverse range of skills attained through extensive experience in a variety of administrative, customer service and planning environments.
Having a focus on client support, Jane approaches her role with a personable, positive and proactive manner. Jane is proficient in effective communication and problem solving. She enjoys a challenge and any opportunity to expand her knowledge.
As a lifelong Canberran, Jane is passionate about the economic and environmental sustainability of the growth and development of the ACT and surrounds. She appreciates the importance of effective collaboration with all stakeholders to achieve high-quality, socially conscious development outcomes.
Purdon acknowledges Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connection to lands, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
© Purdon Planning 2022