Rob Thompson

I am particularly interested in making sense of place, in understanding how the built environment shapes our experience; and am motivated by a desire to create robust, beautiful places that people can fall in love with and build an emotional attachment to. 

With over 30 years experience in both Local Government and private practice, I set up rob thompson urbanism Ltd in 2016, working across the country on a diverse range of urban design, regeneration, visioning and masterplanning projects. I also teach at Sheffield Hallam University.

I was part of the team that worked on the Beach Masterplan for Fraserburgh, which was Scotland Winner in the 2024 RTPI planning Excellence Awards, and received a Highly Commended Award nationally.
Previously part of Sheffield city's urban design team for ten years, I provided guidance on major developments and lead on developing urban design policy. Most recently, I provide in-house urban design advice for North West Leicestershire DC and am working on new design guidance as part of the National Model Design Code pilot.

I am Vice Chair of Design Yorkshire Design Review Panel, as well as being a Panel Member for both Design Midlands and Places Matter! Design Review Panels. As well as being a Recognised Practitioner of the Urban Design Group I sit on the UDG Steering Group. I am also an Academician of the Academy of Urbanism and a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

I am co-author of the Academy of Urbanism book Urbanism, published in November 2016, a compendium of 75 schemes nominated by the Academy across the United Kingdom and Europe.