Olafiyin Taiwo FRTPI FHEA is a scholar–practitioner in spatial planning and governance.
Olafiyin Taiwo FRTPI FHEA is a scholar–practitioner in spatial planning and governance, whose work bridges academic research, teaching, professional planning practice, and international policy advisory. Her focus is on advancing pathways for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements.
She is a Lecturer in Planning at the University of Brighton and a doctoral researcher at University College London. Her teaching includes modules on International Spatial Planning Practices, Planning Procedures and Policies, and Cities, Climate Change and Urban Policy, with research centred on governance, resilience, and policy innovation in planning systems.
Alongside her academic work, Olafiyin is a Chartered Fellow of the Royal Town Planning Institute (FRTPI) and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). She contributes to planning and governance reforms through advisory roles with organisations such as UN-Habitat, the Commonwealth Association of Planners, and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). Her professional practice spans statutory planning, urban regeneration, climate adaptation, and institutional governance.
Olafiyin is also the founder of Life Brooks International, a charitable organisation improving the lives of young people in urban communities, and The Planning Nation, a media platform amplifying planning and governance stories. She has co-founded professional networks, including the BAME Planners Network, and previously chaired the Commonwealth Association of Planners Young Planners Network and co-chaired the UN-Habitat Planners for Climate Action Education & Capacity Building Group.
Her contributions to planning and leadership have been recognised internationally. She received the RTPI Special Presidential Award (2020/21) for advancing diversity and inclusion in planning and was named a Planner Woman of Influence in 2021, 2022 and 2024.
Olafiyin’s vision is to strengthen the role of spatial planning in shaping equitable and sustainable futures. Through academia, professional practice, and global policy engagement, she is committed to building governance systems and planning approaches that enhance quality of life for communities worldwide.
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