Meet the team
Neil spent around 15 years working for Local Planning Authorities within Staffordshire, including as Planning Policy Manager at Lichfield District Council. More recently Neil spent over 7 years working for a national, multi-disciplinary planning consultancy.
A Chartered Town Planner with over 20 years’ professional experience gained in both local government and within a national, multi-disciplinary planning consultancy, Neil has a wide knowledge of both development management and planning policy aspects of the planning system. Neil is experienced in undertaking site appraisals, promoting sites through the plan-led system and steering projects through the development management process.
An effective communicator and project manager with particular skills in organising and running community engagement events.
Stuart spent over 10 years at a national, multi-disciplinary planning consultancy and has an array of clients active in the residential, commercial, leisure and retail sectors. Stuart has wide-ranging experience with a track-record of successfully navigating development proposals through the planning process, from smaller scale projects through to complex strategic residential, commercial and infrastructure proposals.
As well as regularly leading in the preparation and management of a wide variety of planning applications, Stuart’s calm and collected outlook has proven invaluable when negotiating complex development control matters. Stuart also leads in the management of planning appeals and the delivery of public consultation.
Complementing these skills, Stuart also has broad experience of land promotion and Local Plans, including the assessment of housing land supply. As a Chartered Town Planner, Stuart brings a spirited and friendly approach to those he works with.
Patrick recently joined the team having spent around 15 years working at several Local Planning Authorities across the West Midlands and has specialised in planning policy and the preparation of local plans, including the adoption of several plans and supplementary documents, since graduating in 2010 from Birmingham City University with a MA in Spatial Planning.
Since becoming a Chartered Town Planner in 2014, he has gained a wide range of experience in primarily in plan-making, both the writing of strategic policies, allocation of land and more detailed matters including housing land supply, site selection and green belt review. He has gained significant experience of appearing at Local Plan Examinations and Planning inquiries. Additionally, Patrick has gained significant experience in community engagement, working with elected politicians, and has taken a keen interest in working with communities on the preparation of neighbourhood plans.
Patrick is looking forward to using his skills and knowledge to assist clients in promoting sites through the plan-led system and the development management process.
Isabel has recently joined the team as a graduate planner. Isabel has freshly graduated with a First class honours in Human geography (BSc) from Cardiff University. Through her studies Isabel has gained a deep understanding of the complexities that shape urban landscapes and has developed an enthusiasm for fostering sustainable and inclusive communities. Isabel is now looking to apply her theoretical knowledge to her work at Evolve whilst also continuing her studies through a Level 7 apprenticeship at the University of Birmingham, the next step in becoming a chartered planner.
She is particularly interested in the public realm completing a dissertation in how public spatial design affects feelings of fear and safety among individuals, with a particular focus on women’s experiences. This research refined her analytical skills and ignited a commitment to creating more inclusive and equitable urban landscapes.
Isabel brings a friendly, positive attitude to those she collaborates with and is looking forward to her journey to become a chartered planner.
Lily has recently joined the team as a graduate planner. Lily graduated in 2023 with a 2:1 in Geography (BA) from the University of Nottingham. Through her studies, Lily has gained a deep understanding of the challenges that influence urban environments, paired with a growing passion for promoting sustainable and healthy communities. Lily is now looking to apply her theoretical knowledge to her work at Evolve whilst also continuing her studies through a Postgraduate course at the University of Birmingham, later hoping to become a chartered planner.
She is particularly interested in green infrastructure and biodiversity, with future plans to complete her Masters dissertation on this topic.
Lily has a focused and passionate attitude to all the work she undertakes and is looking forward to completing her journey to becoming a chartered planner.
Nicky Holmes
PA to the Directors
Nicky recently joined the team as PA to the Directors. With a BA in International Office Management and having worked in healthcare, recruitment, education and the
charitable sector, she brings a wealth of experience together with strong communication and organisational skills.
Nicky is particularly passionate about creating supportive environments, whether through safeguarding procedures,
maintaining GDPR standards, or simply being a reliable and approachable colleague.
She is looking forward to applying her skills and experience within Evolve and supporting the team in all aspects of the business.
With over 25 years of design industry experience across the Midlands, David supports the planning team with all their graphic requirements.
Having worked across the retail design, sports & leisure, healthcare and F&B sectors (directly or via several top agencies), he specialises in corporate identities, brochures, promotional materials, digital & social media collateral, and large format graphics.
An array of current and past clients include The Football Association, DPD, Royal Yachting Association, Nestlé, and keeping it local, Just Crisps and Oils.
If you need a vision document, exhibition boards/flyers, an identity/brochure for a new housing development, or a basic technical plan, he can help with that!
Fred and Norm, our resident doggy duo, form our Office Wellness team.
Fred the Fox Red brings years of experience in napping expertise, zoomies, strategic treat acquisition and security services.
Norm, the ninja Cavapoo, looks up to Fred (literally), and specialises in puppy cuddles that help boost office-wide happiness, along with enthusiastic greeting ceremonies for our visiting clients.