Love my Work
Paul Kelly
Taking his planning know-how to the world
I’m a Senior Urban Planner in the Urban
Services Team (comprising landscape
architects, urban designers, architects,
planners and GIS) of a large multi-disciplinary
consulting firm in Dubai. I am currently
managing the master planning of a community
containing about 1,600 villa lots, a largescale
retail complex and investment housing
allotments for a total population of about
25,000 people. Other large projects are also
in the United Arab Emirates (including Abu
Dhabi) and the broader Gulf Region (including
Qatar and Jordan).
Why did you choose planning as a career?
Initially, I chose planning because I was
interested in making a difference to how
people live, work and recreate. I also had a
keen interest in economics and geography and
how the two mixed on a practical, rather than
theoretical scale. Planning seemed the best.
What is it about planning that
appeals to you?
I enjoy the challenges of balancing competing
interests for a result that will still affect people’s
lives in a positive way. The best thing is that you
rarely do exactly the same thing - there’s always
a different issue, personality or place to deal
with, plus the opportunity to make a mark on
and around the world is an exciting prospect.
Did the Planning degree prepare you for these
off-shore assignments?
Although the degree is focussed on Australia, it
provides the basic foundations and principles that
can be applied anywhere. Of course there are
adjustments, but you’re able to make them knowing
that fundamentally the principles are the same.
Global issues and best practice are an intrinsic part
of the degree and recognition of these issues also
provides a good background. Being aware of the
world around you is half of the challenge.
+61 2 9385 4799
