096I_Chris Maher, an architect and city planner and the director and national portfolio leader for urban development at Hames Sharley

Are you interested in creating proper urban connections? What do you think is the architect’s job in the urban fabric? What kind of approach is needed for the future of cities?

Interview with Chris Maher, an architect and city planner and the director and national portfolio leader for urban development at Hames Sharley. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, urban vital energy, distinct urban characteristics, and many more.

The last 30 years has seen Chris Maher working in architecture and urban design throughout the UK, Hong Kong, and Australia. Now, he resides in Perth, Western Australia where he is a Director and the National Portfolio Leader for Urban Development at Hames Sharley. Chris is on a mission to continue to articulate the importance of economic rigour and social understanding in the delivery of environmentally responsive place-based design. The value of good design innovation and creativity is more important than ever and is essential to ensure sustainable outcomes in the future of our built world. Strategic thinking and careful, considered leadership has enabled Chris to build teams ready to imagine and deliver well researched contextual designs. These designs include city centre waterfronts, educational, heritage and mixed-use developments in the UK, Hong Kong, and throughout every major city in Australia. Understanding clients and their values together with an ability to collaborate and clearly communicate with the community and all stakeholders is a unique and vital skill Chris provides throughout each project lifecycle. Chris is also a Design Advisor to many local and state government agencies such as the WA State Design Review Panel, The MRA and Development WA and has sat on the Board of several non-for-profits, dedicated to ensuring Western Australia becomes a state of creativity.

You can find out more about Chris through these links:

Chris Maher on LinkedIn;
@ as Chris Maher on Twitter;
Chris Maher at Hames Sharley;

Connecting episodes you might be interested in:

No.012I - Interview with Kieran Leong about people's natural experiences and connections
No.018I - Interview with María Yanez about new types of housing;
No.031R - City attachment and use of urban services: Benefits for smart cities;
No.046R - Analysis and comparison of Smart City initiatives;
No.072I - Interview with Dr Tamás Mezős about urban character;
No.087I - Interview with Paul Brookbanks about creating connections with nature

What wast the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available.

I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.

Music by Lesfm from Pixabay