One of the directors and co-founders of specialist urban planning consultancy, Hybrid Planning & Development, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

Claire Day, who has more than 20 years’ experience and co-founded Hybrid alongside Danielle St Pierre in 2017, was announced one of three new Fellows by the RTPI earlier this month (5 November 2021). Chartered Fellowship is the highest professional attainment offered by the RTPI and is only awarded to those who have made a major personal contribution to the planning profession for the benefit of the public. The judging panel praised Claire’s strong commitment to both the RTPI and wider planning profession, and particularly her influence on young and aspiring planners through her longstanding role as an APC assessor.

Claire said: “RTPI is an organisation I’ve admired all my life; my father was a member for 62 years and his influence led me to a career in planning. Collectively, the RTPI is the most incredible resource of knowledge, ideas, best practice and likeminded planners, and I’m so honoured to now represent the organisation as a Fellow. This is undoubtedly one of the highlights of my career.

“It’s my intention to use this position to continue promoting the profession and attracting new talent, especially young women, into the industry. There is so much positive change we can make, not just for future generations but in shaping communities, environments, and sustainable places to live, work and play.”

Two other individuals were named Fellows alongside Claire; Professor Mee Kam Ng of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Jeremy Youle of the Planning Inspectorate.

RTPI President Wei Yang added: “I would like to congratulate Claire, Mee Kam and Jeremy on this achievement. The award of RTPI Fellowship recognises the significant contribution to planning and the planning profession that these three individuals have made. I look forward to congratulating the new Fellows in person in the future and presenting their Fellowship certificate in due course.”

Claire will be presented with her Fellowship Certificate on Wednesday 1 December at the RTPI London Awards for Planning Excellence where happily, Hybrid Planning & Development is also a finalist in two categories.