Peter Russell is a Provisional Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and a member of the Holland Barrs team since 2003.  Peter holds professional degrees in Environmental Engineering and Community and Regional Planning with emphasis on urban design and urban sustainability. Peter’s role in the firm includes: green building and sustainable community planning policy analysis and research for development projects in the Lower Mainland and BC; transportation greening strategies and “Green Fleet” rating program development; organisational development; site analysis and planning; public process and stakeholder facilitation; and, eco-industrial networking development implementation strategies. Peter’s passions include urban design, urban sustainability, and the placemaking aspects of stormwater management infrastructure.  As an Environmental Engineer, Peter worked with Siemens Automotive Systems in Windsor, ON and Telford, UK to implement environmental management systems for manufacturing facilities and operations (ISO 14000).  Following this, Peter worked with the DaimlerChrysler Corp. in Detroit, MI, USA as a development engineer where he led engineering teams to develop solutions for improving vehicle safety performance and crashworthiness.  Peter’s unique perspective on industrial facilities and operations has been valuable to business and municipal clients. Download Résumé.

Peter is a planner specializing in sustainability and public engagement. He works on a wide range of projects, typically focusing on engagement, policy analysis and implementation strategies. Mr. Whitelaw’s projects have included research on incentives for green buildings; development guidelines and zoning for eco-industrial development and green residential projects; and development and coordination of community engagement processes. He is a Board member of the Dynamic Cities Project, a non-profit society focused on strategic planning for communities in face of anticipated oil scarcity; and the False Creek Watershed Society, a non-profit working to engage community in the watershed’s human and natural history. Download Résumé.

Joaquin Karakas has worked at Holland Barrs planning Group in Vancouver since March, 2006 as a Planning Analyst, and since January 2007 as a Junior Planner/Urban Designer. Joaquin’s role in the firm has included land use, site planning and concept plan development; urban inventory, coordinating and participating in design charrettes; housing policy analysis, research and development including developing housing infill and intensification strategies and housing affordability policy; coordinating and facilitating community mapping, visual preference surveys and other visioning processes; and development of urban design guidelines.  Joaquin also has a strong interest in policy development, and recently helped design and deliver the “Affordability by Design” forum and workshop held October 2006 in Vancouver. Joaquin’s interests include exploring the linkages between sustainability, urban design, and liveability; collaborative design processes, and affordable and innovative forms of urban housing. Joaquin recently graduated from the School of Community and Regional Planning at UBC where he specialized in urban design and housing policy. While a student, Joaquin interned with the Vancouver City Planning Commission researching and developing policy related to infill housing. He also worked in the Disaster Reduction Research Lab at UBC researching issues related to how communities recover from disasters, and helping to develop a prototype community disaster recovery model. Download Résumé.

Andrea holds a degree in Environmental Design, a program combining architecture, landscape architecture, and planning. Andrea has extensive experience in the development of comprehensive sustainable community strategies, for both developers and municipalities. In conjunction with overarching sustainability strategies, Andrea brings an ecological perspective to a variety of projects, focusing on habitat conservation, restoration, and the value of urban ecology. Key projects include work for the Grasslands Conservation Council of BC, writing Songbird Habitat Design Guidelines for an urban development project, and profiling restoration projects for the Vancouver Green Guide and Map.  Andrea also has a strong base of experience in public consultation and event planning, including public open houses, green building workshops for developers, and a variety of design workshops and charrettes. Download Résumé.

Anne-Marie Whittaker joined the HBPG team in August 2006. Anne-Marie holds professional degrees in Earth and Environmental Sciences and a Masters in Landscape Architecture with emphasis on urban design and sustainability. Anne-Marie brings to the firm graphical skills and experience in site analysis, inventory, conceptual design, presentation layout and innovative methods for public involvement and engagement. Anne-Marie’s primary work interest includes sustainable urban design and a strong belief and passion in community enhancement through creative programming in the public realm. Download Résumé.

Janine holds a Masters of International Development Studies from Dalhousie University. Her work is primarily focused on food systems and food security. Her recent work includes a sustainable urban agriculture strategy for South East False Creek. The project included creative methods of engaging professionals in generating ideas for incorporating urban agriculture into residential and park areas. She is also engaged in the wider food community, is a member of the Vancouver Food Policy Council and involved in community garden work on the North Shore. Download Résumé.

Bud has eighteen years of combined engineering, project management and research experience in Canada, Europe and Asia. With a background originally in Electrical Engineering, Bud engineered communications systems for MDI/Motorola in many locations worldwide from 1988 to 1994, including some of the first wireless data networks in the world. Since 1997 Bud has focused his work on environmental and sustainability projects, developing and implementing innovative waste management technology, and integrating technical aspects such as biological processes together with information technology. His unique combination of skills and expertise give him a broad perspective, encompassing a holistic approach as well as technical detail. Bud’s experience also includes prominent project management and team leadership roles. His role in the firm focuses on strategic and integrated technical approaches to building and infrastructure systems and resources including water, wastewater, solid waste and energy, with a strong project management component. He also has significant experience in client presentations, training and most recently, green building and energy strategy workshops. Download Résumé.

Frances brings five years of experience in project management, social research, planning, and community development to Holland Barrs as a Planning Analyst. From developing social enterprise projects with women in rural Botswana, to organizing an international dialogue for the UN World Urban Forum on accessible urban space, Frances’ diverse skill set enriches any project. Frances is committed to empowering communities and marginalized groups through participatory processes and community capacity building. She has particular expertise in intercultural communications and accessible event planning. Frances has a B.A. in International Relations and English Literature from the University of British Columbia.

Alex is dedicated to building an economy that supports healthy communities while protecting the natural systems upon which all life depends. He is joining Holland Barrs Planning Group to lead their climate services sector. He has advised governments, businesses and non-governmental organizations on sustainability. He believes our greatest challenges are not technological or planning knowledge gaps, they are social and institutional. His best practice knowledge across many jurisdictions is combined with an appreciation of best process. His governance interests, and strategic planning and communication skills support integrated, high impact program development that focus on adding value not volume. At the David Suzuki Foundation, Alex led national and international policy work in climate and energy. His clients have included the Canadian Business for Social Responsibility and the Prime Minister’s Advisory Committee on Cities and Communities. He has worked in community development and leadership training in Asia, North America and Eastern Europe. He was awarded an Action Canada Fellowship for policy excellence and leadership. He earned his MSc at Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute where he was a British Council Chevening Scholar. Download Résumé.

Aaron holds an advanced diploma in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from BCIT. His role at Holland Barrs has involved digital mapping, site suitability analysis, spatial data management, custom application development and graphic presentation. In the past, Aaron has used his GIS skills in a variety of settings including transportation planning, habitat modeling, and shoreline conservation. His primary interests involve the application of GIS technologies to non-traditional areas such as conservation and sustainability initiatives, as well as the introduction of participatory GIS to the planning process. Download Résumé.

As a planning assistant, Jon provides broad research and background support to the Holland Barrs team.  He is interested in the design, planning and building of good and lasting communities.  Jon’s career goal is to help integrate natural systems into development practices, reducing the impact of human settlement on the landscape. He is a graduate of Dalhousie University’s Bachelor of Community Design program, where he majored in environmental planning.  Jon’s international experience includes an internship in Guyana, South America where he developed waste management and eco-tourism strategies with a local non-governmental organization.