Experience

Tom is a Chartered Town Planner and an Urban Designer. He is a former Managing Partner of Frank L. Benson and Partners Planning Consultants, and formerly worked for the international firm of architects, Terry Farrell and Company, in London and for the Irish Architectural Archive.

Tom has extensive experience of all planning sectors gained throughout Ireland and overseas, and frequently operates as the “hands-on” lead consultant for the planning phase of projects for key public and private sector clients.

Tom is Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy in UCD, where he has lectured since 1993. Tom is also a Council Member (and former Chairman) of Property Industry Ireland; Managing Director of Redline Studios Limited and of Teepee Developments Limited; a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute; and a Fellow of the Irish Planning Institute.

Education

Master of Arts in Urban Design (1993) University of Westminster
Master of Regional and Urban Planning (1989) UCD
Bachelor of Arts (1986) UCD

Affiliations

Council Member (and former) Chairman of Property Industry Ireland
Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute
Fellow of the Irish Planning Institute

Experience

John Gannon graduated from University College Dublin with a Master of Regional and Urban Planning Degree, following a Bachelor of Science (Surveying) from Bolton Street D.I.T.
John was an Associate with Tom Phillips + Associates from its inception in April 2002 and was appointed as a Director in April 2007. He was formerly employed as a Senior Planning Consultant with Frank L. Benson and Partners, prior to its dissolution in 2002.

John has been involved in the provision of strategic planning advice; preparation and lodgement of planning applications and Environmental Impact Statements; development appraisals; rezoning submissions and planning appeals. He has also provided expert witness evidence at several CPO arbitrations, court cases and Oral Hearings. He is currently working on a number of large-scale projects including a number of significant commercial and residential developments in Dublin City and County and several major regeneration projects elsewhere in the Country.

Education

Master of Regional and Urban Planning (1998) UCD
Bachelor of Science (Surveying) (1995) Dublin Institute of Technology
Diploma in Property Economics (1995) Dublin Institute of Technology

Affiliations

Member of the Irish Planning Institute

Experience

Gavin Lawlor graduated from University College Dublin with a Master of Regional and Urban Planning Degree, following a Bachelor of Social Science Degree from University College Dublin.

Gavin was an Associate with Tom Phillips + Associates at its inception in April 2002 and was appointed as a Director in April 2007. He was formerly employed as a Senior Planning Consultant with Frank L. Benson and Partners, prior to its dissolution in 2002.
Gavin graduated from University College Dublin with a Master of Regional and Urban Planning Degree, following a Bachelor of Social Science Degree from University College Dublin.

Gavin's experience covers a wide range of planning areas including forward planning (for example development plans, policy formation and regional plans), project development and evaluation. He also has extensive knowledge and experience of industrial sectors such as mining and quarrying, alternative and conventional energy (in particular wind farms) and waste management. Gavin also has particular experience of attending and leading project teams at An Bord Pleanála Oral Hearings, Compulsory Purchase Order Proceedings as well as giving evidence in defence of enforcement proceedings taken by Local Authorities and Third Parties in the High Court.

Education

Master of Regional and Urban Planning (1995) UCD
Bachelor of Social Science (1993) UCD

Affiliations

Member of the Irish Planning Institute
Chairman of the Irish Wind Generation Association Planning Committee

Experience

Stephen joined the Practice in 2014, having previously worked in a senior role in the private sector. Stephen has experience in a range of project types including: the provision of strategic planning advice; the preparation and management of planning applications; planning appeals; Environmental Impact Assessments; feasibility studies; and submissions to Development Plans/Local Area Plans. He is responsible for large and small-scale developments within numerous sectors, such as Commercial/Office; Residential; Extractive and Waste; Renewable Energy and Biodiesel; Industrial Development; and Hotel and Tourism.

Education

BSc Spatial Planning (2004) Dublin Institute of Technology
Diploma Environmental Resources Management (2002) Dublin Institute of Technology

Affiliations

Member of the Irish Planning Institute

Experience

Jerry is an experienced CIMA Qualified Financial Controller with a demonstrated history of working in planning/retail and franchise industries.He is also a strong accounting professional with a Masters focused in MIMAS from UCC.

Education

UCC BA (Hons) 2001
UCC MBS (MIMAS) 2003

Affiliations

CIMA 2007

Experience

Sinead brings a wealth of experience from both the Architectural and Construction sectors where she has worked previously. Having a Degree in Architectural Technology from Bolton Street, she worked in a high profile Architectural practice for 22 years rising to Associate Architectural Technologist, it was there that she managed teams, producing comprehensive work packages in tandem with instigating standards on production information, data management and processes across the practice. Having left to join a successful building firm where she managed, streamlined and instigated new processes, both in office and on sites across the firm. Sinead joined TPA in 2023 as our Office Manager and has a unique prospective to bring new working practices and procedures to TPA. .

Education

Degree in Architectural Technology Bolton Street

Experience

Síne has been with TPA since graduating from University College Dublin in 2005 with a Masters of Regional and Urban Planning, following completion of an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Science, specialising in Landscape Horticulture (2003).

Síne has developed an extensive understanding of all aspects of the planning industry, acting for numerous and wide-ranging Clients and organisations - private, semi-State and public. She has worked across Ireland and has significant experience in preparing a variety of planning applications of all types and sizes. Síne is also significantly experienced in preparing planning application supporting documentation, including coordinating and co-authoring Environmental Impact Assessment Reports. Síne’s experience is spread across both small- and large-scale strategic projects, including residential, office, healthcare, tourism accommodation, student accommodation, historic structure reuse and extensions, education, hospitality, retail and extractive and related industries. Síne has particular expertise in trouble-shooting issues arising and working to find the best solutions for the project and the Client.

Síne also has significant experience in planning appeals, planning and development site appraisals, An Bord Pleanála oral hearing preparation, socio-economic analyses, planning negotiations and in providing planning and urban design input into Masterplans. Síne is also skilled in preparing submissions to Development Plans and Local Area Plans and other statutory and non-statutory plans and often acts on behalf of Clients for State-led strategic projects applications.

Education

Advanced Diploma in Project Management (2014) Dublin Business School
Master of Regional and Urban Planning (2005) UCD
Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Landscape Horticulture) (2003) UCD

Affiliations

Member of the Irish Planning Institute
Affiliate Member of the Irish Landscape Institute

Experience

Julie joined the Practice in 2006 having completed a Masters in Regional and Urban Planning in UCD. She is a Corporate Member of the Irish Planning Institute. She has worked with a variety of Clients including private, public and semi-state bodies to deliver a wide range of projects across the country, including: residential; office/commercial; retail; industrial; waste facilities; education; healthcare/residential care and hotel/tourism developments.

Julie has experience in the coordination of all manner of Planning Applications, Environmental Impact Assessment Reports, Planning Appeals, Site Development Appraisals, Masterplanning and Urban Design Schemes, Strategic Infrastructure Development and Substitute Consent Applications.

Education

Master of Regional and Urban Planning (2006) UCD
BA (Hons) Fine Art (2002) NCAD

Affiliations

Member of the Irish Planning Institute

Experience

Lizzie completed a Masters in Planning, Policy and Practice in 2014. She received a distinction and was awarded the RTPI Student Excellence award for academic achievement that year.

Having spent the first 5 years of her career in London working as a Local Authority Planner, Lizzie gained extensive experience in providing planning and design advice and assessment across a range of development proposals including residential developments, commercial office buildings, public realm projects, infrastructure projects, renovation and redevelopment of Listed Buildings (i.e. Protected Structures) and student accommodation schemes. As well as appearing as a Planning Expert Witness at a Public Inquiry (i.e oral hearing) in 2018, Lizzie has also been involved in the preparation of masterplans, development plans, tall building studies and the assessment of EIAR’s. In her last role in London, Lizzie was a Principal Planner at the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and played an instrumental role in the delivery of large scale strategic housing developments and tall buildings.

Before joining the Practice in October 2019, Lizzie worked at Dublin Airport Authority as a Planner with a focus on the safeguarding of the airport from a safety and future expansion perspective. This included the preparation of observations on behalf of Dublin Airport to emerging policy documents and press releases. Since joining the Practice, Lizzie has worked on a range of planning applications within the residential and commercial sectors, in addition to site development appraisals and the preparation of First Party Appeal submissions.

Education

Masters in Planning, Policy and Practice (2014) London South Bank University
Bachelor of Geography (2010), Royal Holloway, University of London

Affiliations

Corporate Member of the Irish Planning Institute
Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Experience

A skilled town planner, Brian has over 11 years of professional experience across both public and private sectors. He has worked on numerous planning projects throughout Ireland and Australia, and exhibits a broad range of strategic and statutory planning experience. Since joining Tom Phillips + Associates in early 2020, Brian has specialised in a diverse range of projects including airport planning, industrial, waste management, hospitality and residential related developments.

Through his work Brian has developed advanced skills in project management and negotiating with Planning Authorities and Key Stakeholders, as well as acting as an advocate, enabling an ability to identify and address potential issues at the early stages and avoid delays throughout the planning process. Brian’s experience also includes the preparation and delivery of Economic and Social Impact Assessments and Brian has a firm understanding of the land use economics behind delivering practical development outcomes. Brian has extensive experience managing multiple stakeholders and consulting with clients to achieve positive project outcomes.

Education

BSc in Spatial Planning (Hons), (2007) DIT

Affiliations

Member of the Irish Planning Institute

Experience

Órla completed a Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development in 2013, in University College Cork. Having worked for a Planning Consultancy in Cork, Órla emigrated to the UK in 2014 to work for a property developer. In this role she provided planning and design advice across a range of development proposals including residential developments, large-scale heritage conservation projects and master-planning in both England and Scotland.

When Órla returned to Ireland in 2015, she worked as both the Environment Policy Executive in Ibec and later as the Planning and Infrastructure Policy Executive. This involved working with key stakeholders in Irish Government but also at the European-level in Brussels to represent the demands of Irish business in these sectors.

Órla has significant experience in the preparation and lodgement of Planning Applications, project management of design teams, preparation of Development Plan and re-zoning submissions, Oral Hearing attendance and liaison with local communities and stakeholders. Since joining the Practice in April 2018, Órla has worked on a range of planning applications within the residential and commercial sectors, as well as numerous projects for Government Departments and Semi-State Organisations, in addition to Site Development Appraisals and the preparation of First Party Appeal submissions. This experience includes several Strategic Housing Development applications in both Cork and the Dublin Region.

Órla assisted in setting up the Cork Office of TPA at Horgan’s Quay in 2021.

Education

Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development (2013) UCC
Bachelor of Arts (Politics and English Joint Major) (2011) UCC

Affiliations

Corporate Member of the Irish Planning Institute
Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Experience

Bernard graduated with a Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development in 2014 and has worked in both public and private sector planning roles since. His undergraduate degree is in Computer Science and he spent 6 years working as an IT professional in Ireland and Canada before embarking on a career in town planning. He has extensive experience in preparation of planning applications, appeals, development plan submissions, site appraisals and research for clients across a range of sectors including residential, retail, industrial and public sectors.

While employed with Cork City Council, Bernard was involved at various times in the Planning Policy Section working on community engagement, urban regeneration and policy formation. He also worked with the forward planning section assessing planning applications and derelict sites files. More recently Bernard has worked in private consultancy in Cork and has played a lead role on a number of Strategic Housing Developments (SHDs) and other major projects in including the Horgan’s Quay regeneration in the Cork City North Docklands, Bandon Road and North Main Street, Cork Student accommodation schemes, expansion of Stryker Ireland operations in Carrigtwohill. Co. Cork and a variety of other projects.

Education

Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development (2014) UCC
Bachelor of Computer Science (2006) UCC

Affiliations

Member of the Irish Planning Institute

Experience

Orla joined Tom Philips + Associates in 2022 as a Senior Planner in the Cork Office.

Orla graduated from UCC in 2013 with a Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development. She gained some experience in Cork before moving to London in 2014 where she worked in both the private and public sectors. Orla worked as a Planning Officer in Development Control in Wandsworth Borough Council in southwest London where she assessed planning applications for a range of project types and offered pre planning advice to applicants and agents.

In 2016, Orla returned to Ireland to work in a Planning Consultancy based in Cork. Over the last number of years, Orla has gained significant experience nationwide in the coordination and preparation of a variety of planning applications from small to large scale residential developments (including Strategic Housing Developments), commercial, industrial, healthcare, and retail projects.

Orla has managed and inputted to a number of Environmental Impact Assessments, and she is experienced in the preparation of Development Plan Submissions, Planning Compliance, Appeals and Site Appraisals.

Education

Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development, 2013, UCC
Bachelor of Arts (Geography and Politics), 2011, UCC

Affiliations

Corporate Member of the Irish Planning Institute

Experience

Linda completed a Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development and graduated from University College Cork (UCC) in 2013.

With nearly four years of experience as a Local Authority Statutory Planner in Australia, Linda gained extensive expertise in providing planning advice and assessments for a wide range of development proposals, including residential, commercial, mining, and industrial projects, as well as those in bushfire-prone areas and requiring special conservation protection.

Since joining TPA, Linda has been actively involved in various planning applications, particularly within the residential sector, including large-scale residential developments, as well as the commercial and industrial sectors. She also has extensive experience in preparing site development appraisals, Section 5 submissions, Draft Development Plan and Local Area Plan submissions and First Party Appeal submissions.

Education

Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development (2013) UCC
Bachelor of Arts - Geography (2011) UCC

Affiliations

Corporate member of the Irish Planning Institute (IPI)

Experience

Senan joined Tom Philips + Associates in 2022 as an Executive Planner in the Cork Office. Senan graduated with a Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development in 2013 and has since gained experience in Ireland, Scotland and England in both the public and private sectors. He has worked in a variety of teams to include: multi-disciplinary environmental and energy; conservation and heritage; and planning policy. Senan has most recently been employed as a Senior Planning Officer in the Strategic Applications Team at the London Borough of Lambeth where he gained significant experience in mixed-use residential-led applications, estate regeneration applications, large scale events applications, and commercial applications.

Education

Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development, 2013, UCC
Bachelor of Arts (Single Honours in Politics), 2011, UCC

Affiliations

Royal Town Planning Institute

Experience

Hugh completed his Undergraduate Degree in Geography Planning & Environmental Policy in 2019 and more recently pursued a Masters in Urban Design and Planning in University College Dublin. He joined TPA as a Graduate Planner in Autumn 2020, during which time he has worked on a variety of large- and small-scale residential and commercial projects.

Education

Master of Science in Urban Design & Planning (2020) UCD
Bachelor of Arts in Geography Planning & Environmental Policy (2019) UCD

Affiliations

Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)

Experience

Ciara joined Tom Phillips + Associates in 2024 as an Executive Planner in the Cork office.

Ciara completed a Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development (MPlan) in University College Cork (UCC) in 2019 where she also spent time as an intern at Cork City Council. Following this, Ciara spent a number of years in London working as a Local Authority Planner with her most recent role being a Senior Planner at the London Borough of Southwark (LBS). Ciara has extensive experience in policy and development management. She has assessed and provided planning advice on a range of development proposals including residential developments, hotel schemes, commercial and community-use applications, masterplans and developments relating to Listed Buildings (protected structures). She also played a key role in the preparation and adoption of the LBS Local Plan. In addition, as part of a multi-disciplinary team, Ciara acted as planning consultant to Southwark Council’s housing department as part of a wider project to deliver 11,000 new council homes. Since joining the practice, Ciara has been working on a number of mixed-use commercial and residential schemes, including Large-Scale Residential Development (LRD) applications.

Education

• Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development (MPlan) (2019); UCC
Bachelor of Arts (Irish and Geography) (2017); UCC

Affiliations

• Charted Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI)

Experience

Tomás completed his Master in Regional and Urban Planning at University College Dublin in 2022. He previously obtained a Masters in Geography (Environment, Society and Development) and a Bachelor of Arts (History, Sociology and Political Science) from National University of Ireland, Galway.
Tomás has been with TPA since February 2022 and has experience on a variety of large-scale and small-scale commercial, residential and mixed-use developments.

Education

Masters Regional and Urban Planning (2022) UCD
Masters Environment, Society and Development (2017) NUIG
Bachelor of Arts (2015) NUIG

Affiliations

Student member of the Irish Planning Institute
Student member of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Experience

Laura joined Tom Phillips + Associates in 2021, after completing the Masters in Rural and Urban Planning in University College Dublin. Since then she has gained experience in a wide range of projects, including residential, retail, educational, commercial, and healthcare developments. She has worked on a number of applications for large scale mixed-use schemes, SHDs, and LRDs. She has assisted in the preparation of EIARs.

Laura has a keen interest in the use of demographics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in planning, which she has utilised in the preparation of ‘Social Infrastructure Audits’, ‘Childcare Demand Assessments’, ‘Schools Demand Assessments’, and ‘Hotel Capacity Audits’.

Education

Master of Regional and Urban Planning (2021) UCD
Bachelor of Arts (Joint Honours) Geography and Linguistics (2019) UCD
Professional Diploma in Project Management (2022) UCD

Affiliations

Corporate Member of the Irish Planning Institute

Experience

Greg completed his Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development in University College Cork, in 2021 having completed his Undergraduate Degree in Bachelor of Arts (Economics and Geography) in 2019. He joined TPA in October 2021, starting his planning career with the practice as a Graduate Planner. Greg gained a range of experience through his time in the company, particularly in relation to residential, commercial, and industrial applications. He departed for Melbourne, Australia, in September 2022, where he worked in the public sector, in a north Melbourne suburban council.

Greg returned to TPA in August 2023, where he looks forward to building on his existing experience.

Education

Bachelor of Arts (Economics and Geography), UCC (2019)
Masters of Planning and Sustainable Development, UCC (2021)

Affiliations

Graduate Member Irish Planning Institute

Experience

Oisín joined Tom Phillips + Associates in 2024 as a Planner in the Cork office and has since progressed to Executive Planner. Oisín graduated with a Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development from UCC in 2021 during which time he worked as an intern with Cork City Council. He then worked in the London Boroughs of Wandsworth and Richmond upon Thames in planning enforcement and policy and assisted on occasion in DM. Since joining the company Oisín has worked on planning appeals, Large-scale Residential Development, and commercial projects.

Education

Masters of Planning and Sustainable Development (2021) UCC
Bachelor of Arts Applied Languages and Intercultural Studies (2015) DCU

Affiliations

Corporate Member of the Irish Planning Institute

Experience

Coman joined TPA in May 2022 as a Planning Intern while writing his thesis, during which time he worked on a variety of large- and small-scale commercial developments, development appraisals and TPAs most recent Planning Policy Report “LRD: Red Carpet or Red Tape?” which was published in September 2022. Having completed a Master’s degree in Regional and Urban Planning (MRUP) in University College Dublin, Coman progressed to a Graduate Planner in September 2022, and again to Planner in August 2023.

Coman has gained valuable experience in the Irish planning system through extensive work with clients on projects such as Large-scale Residential Developments (LRD), planning appeals, development appraisals, commercial applications and EIA project management.

Education

Master of Regional and Urban Planning (2022) UCD
Bachelor of Science in City Planning & Environmental Policy (2021) UCD

Affiliations

Graduate Member of the Irish Planning Institute
Licentiate Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Experience

Lucy completed a Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development in University College Cork in 2023, having previously gained an undergraduate degree in Geography and Sociology from the same university in 2019. Lucy joined the Cork Office in June 2022 on a summer internship and became a Graduate Planner with the company in June 2023. Lucy has been supporting the team on a wide range of projects and is looking forward to gaining valuable insight into the Irish Planning System. Lucy was promoted to Planner in June 2024.

Education

Master of Planning and Sustainable Development (2023) UCC
Bachelor of Arts (Joint Honours) Geography and Sociology (2019) UCC

Affiliations

Student Member of the Irish Planning Institute
Student Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Experience

Gemma joined Tom Phillips + Associates as a Planner in the summer of 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada as well as a Masters Degree in Planning and Sustainable Development at University College Cork. Gemma has gained experience in the private planning sector in Cork and Limerick, working on a range of planning application types and providing planning advice on various forms of development from inception to completion. She has expertise in Large Scale Residential Developments, mixed-use town centre schemes, renewable energy, commercial, and smaller residential development projects. She has additional experience in the preparation of planning appraisals, retail impact assessments, school demand reports, and Environmental Impact Assessment reports. Gemma is looking forward to expanding her career with the TPA team.

Education

Masters in Planning & Sustainable Development, UCC (2021)
Bachelors in Urban & Regional Planning, Toronto Metropolitan University (2019)

Affiliations

Member of the Irish Planning Institute (IPI)

Experience

Evan graduated with Masters in Regional and Urban Planning in University College Dublin (UCD) in 2023, having previously gained an undergraduate degree in Planning and Environmental Policy from the same university in 2022. Evan joined the Dublin office in February 2022, working for the company on a part-time basis and has since become a Graduate Planner in September 2023.
Since then Evan has helped the team working on a variety of planning appeals, and large- and small-scale commercial and residential development. He looks forward to building upon this experience.

Education

Masters in Regional and Urban Planning in University College Dublin (UCD) 2023
Degree in Planning and Environmental Policy (UCD) 2022

Affiliations

Student Member of the Irish Planning Institute
Student Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Experience

Tríona completed a Masters in Planning and Sustainable Development at University College Cork in 2023, having previously gained a Bachelors degree in Geography and Irish from the same university in 2021. Tríona started in our Cork Office in October 2023 and has been supporting the team on a wide range of projects. She is looking forward to gaining valuable insight into the Irish Planning System.

Education

Master of Planning and Sustainable Development (2023) UCC
Bachelor of Arts (Joint Honours) Geography and Irish (2021) UCC

Affiliations

Student Member of the Irish Planning Institute
Student Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Experience

Eamon joined Tom Phillips in 2024 as a Graduate Planner in the Dublin Office, having completed his Masters in Regional & Urban Planning [MRUP] at UCD in 2023. The previous year he completed his undergraduate in City Planning & Environmental Policy at the same university. As an Irish-American, Eamon was born and raised in Chicago, followed by time spent living in Cork. In 2019 he settled in Dublin to pursue his studies at University College Dublin.
He has previously worked for municipalities in America, where he garnered a variety of experiences within public sector development projects. He is looking forward to gaining valuable insight into the Irish Planning System.

Education

Masters of Science - Regional & Urban Planning [MRUP] (UCD)
Bachelors of Science - City Planning & Environmental Policy (UCD)

Affiliations

Graduate Member of the Irish Planning Institute
Licentiate Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Experience

Before joining TPA, Pamela was employed by Clanwilliam Health (Irish Division of the global healthcare group) in their Dublin office, from March of 2016. Her position at the company was ‘Front of House Executive’ and after 6 months, was then promoted to the role of the PA to the Managing Director, whilst continuing her duties in reception, but also assisting with the Human Resource team. In 2017, she earned a certificate of completion for the PA and Executive Assistant course in the Irish Times training College in Dublin.

In January 2018, Pamela moved into the pharmaceutical software support team, as a Software I.T. Support Agent, that served customers in the UK.

Pamela joined TPA in August 2023 to work as the Receptionist at Head Office. She has strong administrative skills and provides excellent support to the management and planning staff within the firm.