Director
Danielle St Pierre
years
working in planning
committed
team members
kart driver
sponsor
![](/media/11657/danielle-st-pierre-q1.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=767&height=479&format=webp&quality=80&rnd=132983763180000000)
We offer a fresh perspective and a strong female voice in a very male-dominated sector.
![](/media/11657/danielle-st-pierre-q1.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=767&height=479&format=webp&quality=80&rnd=132983763180000000)
My role
Where do you work?
I am a Director and Co-founder at Hybrid Planning & Development, an East-London based planning consultancy specialising in urban, mixed-use development. My co-director, Claire Day and I set up the business to offer a fresh perspective and strong female voice in a very male-dominated sector. We pride ourselves on being a planning consultancy that’s enjoyable to work with and for, and have grown to a team of 13. Our work is nationwide and includes residential, commercial, heritage and high-rise schemes. We were proud to be Highly Commended in the 2021 RTPI London Planning Excellence Awards, meaning we’re one of the top two private planning consultancies in the Capital.
![](/media/11656/danielle-st-pierre-q2.jpg?crop=0,0.2763671875,0,0.2548828125&cropmode=percentage&width=767&height=479&format=webp&quality=80&rnd=132983765620000000)
Route into planning
Tell us about your route into planning
My route was quite unconventional; I didn’t do a Masters and instead came into the profession through work experience. I did a Geography degree but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do so I took a work experience placement with Iceni. Here, I spent time working in both planning and community engagement teams and I was hooked! I also did a secondment for Harlow Council as a part-time case officer which was one of my best decisions. I genuinely believe every good planner should have experience doing both as it widens understanding and means you are better placed to advise. I left Iceni in 2018 to set-up Hybrid and used the A-APC experience route to become Chartered.
![](/media/11658/danielle-st-pierre-q3.png?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=767&height=479&format=webp&quality=80&rnd=132983770940000000)
Helping the public
How does your role involve helping the public?
My goal is always to make places better, encouraging regeneration and re-use so that towns and cities can go from being a negative contributor to an asset. Obviously, this benefits those who live and work in these environments, but I try to go further than this and encourage communities to be proactive in the development of their local area. At Hybrid, we operate a dedicated system of public consultation events to ensure local people can comment on and shape their neighbourhood. I also volunteer with Planning Aid England, community action groups and local charities to help the public confidently engage with the planning process.
![](/media/11659/danielle-st-pierre-q4.jpg?crop=0,0.10666666666666667,0,0.42458333333333331&cropmode=percentage&width=767&height=479&format=webp&quality=80&rnd=132983777960000000)
Helping my community
Tell us about any work you’ve done to help your local community
I’m keen to share my career path with the next generation as proof that a successful planning role doesn’t have to be defined by academics. At Hybrid, we have regular work experience students and interns; support RTPI Young Planners; ran career workshops for local charity, the Jason Roberts Foundation; and I’m just confirming a new partnership with Hertford Regional College to offer work placements/apprenticeships. Lastly, as a female business owner, I’m keen to champion young women and we have sponsored two female race kart drivers since 2018.
![](/media/11660/danielle-st-pierre-q5.jpg?crop=0,0.12,0,0.41125&cropmode=percentage&width=767&height=479&format=webp&quality=80&rnd=132983780530000000)
Your spare time
What do you do when you are not planning?
I’m a working mother so most of my free time is spent with my 2 year-old daughter, Mia. My husband and I really enjoying spending time with her and our family in Spain; we’re very close. When I get time to myself, I love tap dancing – it’s a great way to keep fit!