Meg Collin

Meg is an architect with extensive experience in residential, commercial, educational, and healthcare facilities in the UK and abroad. Prior to joining the Autumn Cohort 2023, Meg used her interdisciplinary background in structural engineering to lead projects in Uganda and Ethiopia.

Her expertise extends to the principles of the circular economy, as she developed a regenerative masterplan for Shepton Mallet during her masters, focusing on reusing existing buildings, revitalising transport networks, and fostering sustainable food production. She is committed to improving public infrastructure and has contributed to the delivery of a council waste management and training facility.

Meg is passionate about making design expertise accessible to the public, with the aim of enhancing well-being and creating sustainable, healthy cities. She has conducted research and written an East African Schools Design Guide, engaging communities, educators, and government officials to improve educational facilities.

Somerset Council

As part of our Autumn Cohort 2023, Meg worked on planning applications for Somerset Council's landscape impact, green infrastructure strategy, and urban design, providing comments and suggestions. She worked collaboratively with applicants and council colleagues to enhance designs. Meg also pioneered the use of Copilot in the planning department, exploring how AI could streamline workflows and reduce pressure on officers. In addition, she contributed to key initiatives, including the Taunton and Wellington Waterways Strategies, landscape policies, and the commissioning of a new Landscape Character Assessment.

Meg also developed the Placemaking Principles, a material planning consideration contextualising national guidance on placemaking and movement for Somerset, guiding the process from post-consultation to delegated approval.