Neil brings around 15 years of experience working within Local Planning Authorities across Staffordshire, including in the role of Planning Policy Manager at Lichfield District Council. He then built on this strong public-sector foundation with more than 7 years at a national, multi-disciplinary planning consultancy, broadening his expertise across a diverse range of projects and clients.

A Chartered Town Planner with over 25 years’ professional experience spanning local government and private consultancy, Neil offers a well-rounded understanding of both development management and planning policy. He has extensive experience in site appraisals, promoting sites through the plan-led system, and guiding projects confidently and efficiently through the development management process.

Neil remains actively involved in community life through his role as a Parish Councillor and as a community spirit ambassador in his local village, reflecting the same commitment to people and place that underpins his day job.

Lesser known fact: in the midst of a mid-life crisis, Neil enjoys adrenaline induced challenges such as skydiving, which is perhaps one way of balancing the quieter thrills of the plan-making process.

Stuart is a Chartered Town Planner with over 15 years’ experience in the planning and development sector. He specialises in delivering strategic residential and commercial schemes, alongside a wide range of developments spanning city-centre regeneration, brownfield redevelopment, the re-use of land and buildings, and rural diversification projects. He has extensive experience navigating the development management process, including planning appeals.

Known for his calm, pragmatic and solutions-focused approach, Stuart is adept at negotiating complex planning matters. He combines technical expertise with a collaborative and personable project management style, building strong relationships with clients, local authorities and project teams.

Outside of work, you will find him somewhere in the mountains of North Wales, if not he’ll be skiing down an Austrian Alp.

Lesser-known fact: Stuart’s surprisingly good at birdwatching (you could say he’s got a real eagle-eye for it).

Sarah has over 20 years’ experience in planning consultancy, specialising in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Sarah advises on all aspects of EIA and leads the coordination and day-to-day management of complex projects, including leading multi-disciplinary teams and auditing a wide range of environmental disciplines to support the production of Environmental Statements (ES).

Sarah has extensive experience having been the lead environmental consultant on a variety of project types at application and appeal stages, and has in-depth knowledge of EIA Regulations and relevant case law, along with keeping up to date on latest proposed changes which enables confident, pragmatic advice that recognises wider planning and commercial considerations. Sarah’s friendly approach has enabled her to establish a large network of competent trusted professionals to formulate effective, successful multidisciplinary teams.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys long distance running, preferably with her dog Huxley to drag her round!

Lesser-known fact: Sarah once rescued an orphaned joey from the outback in Australia.

Patrick is a Chartered Town Planner with over 15 years’ experience having worked across several Local Planning Authorities in the West Midlands since graduating with an MA in Spatial Planning from Birmingham City University in 2010. He specialises in planning policy and all things ‘plan-making’ including significant experience at Local Plan Examinations. His expertise spans strategic policy writing, housing land supply, site selection and Green Belt matters as well as bringing proposals through the development management process.

Known for his collaborative and pragmatic approach, Patrick works closely with clients, local authorities and communities. He combines strong technical knowledge with clear communication skills to support clients in promoting sites through both the plan-led system and the development management process.

On evenings and weekends Patrick can often be found on local stages performing in, producing or directing a wide range of amateur productions, from Shakespeare to Sondheim. He enjoys the creativity and energy of theatre – especially as, in his words, the planning system has plenty of plot twists, but not nearly enough show tunes.

Lesser-known fact: Patrick appeared in an episode of Children’s TV series Brum and BBC series Casualty as an extra.

Isabel joined Evolve in 2024 as a Graduate Planner after graduating from Cardiff University with a First-Class Honours degree in Human Geography (BSc). Alongside her role at Evolve, Isabel is undertaking a Level 7 Planning Apprenticeship at the University of Birmingham as part of her journey towards becoming a Chartered Town Planner.

Isabel brings a positive, enthusiastic and proactive approach to her work. She enjoys building strong working relationships with colleagues, clients and project teams, and takes pride in contributing to successful planning outcomes. Isabel has an eye for detail, is highly organised, approachable and committed to supporting projects through every stage of the planning process.

Isabel enjoys keeping active through running and making the most of opportunities to ski whenever she can.

Lesser-known fact: Isabel’s guilty pleasure is working on a paint-by-numbers while catching up on the latest reality TV series.

In her first year with us, Nicky has become an essential part of the team – supporting the Directors, boosting efficiency and keeping the business running smoothly. From preparing invoices, assisting with financial information to tracking planning applications, she handles every task with a calm, can-do attitude.

With a BA in International Office Management and experience spanning several sectors, Nicky brings a wealth of knowledge along with exceptional communication and organisational skills.

Nicky is incredibly grateful for the opportunities she has had so far and is genuinely excited to continue contributing as the company grows.

When she’s not keeping us all on track, Nicky is out walking her dog. She loves a good chat with the villagers along the way and claims it is the best form of “networking.”

Lesser-known fact: Nicky is unexpectedly competitive…..especially when a cheeky game of crazy golf is involved.

Lily joined Evolve in 2025 after completing her Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Birmingham, graduating with a 2:1. Since joining the team, Lily has gained experience across a diverse range of projects, including rural diversification schemes, major residential developments, care home schemes and householder proposals. She has also developed strong skills in organising and delivering community engagement activities. Lily is working towards achieving her professional chartership in 2027-2028 and is passionate about continuing to develop her expertise within the planning sector.

Known for her friendly, approachable and helpful nature, Lily enjoys supporting clients through the planning process and tackling challenges to achieve positive outcomes. She is committed to building strong, lasting relationships and providing a high standard of service on every project.

She is currently renovating her new home and enjoys cooking, as well as spending time outdoors exploring the countryside on long hikes.

Lesser-known fact: Green fingered Lily is a keen plant enthusiast with a growing collection of houseplants, even if she admits she does not always remember to water them.

With over 25 years of design industry experience, David supports the planning team with all their graphic requirements.

Having worked across the retail design, sports & leisure, healthcare and F&B sectors (directly or via several top agencies), he specialises in corporate identities, brochures, promotional materials, digital & social media collateral, and large format graphics.

An array of current and past clients include The Football Association, DPD, Royal Yachting Association, Nestlé, and keeping it local, Just Crisps and Oils.

Away from Evolve, David has celebrated and suffered in equal measure as a Leicester City season-ticket holder, and loves countryside walks with Freddie, or exploring the world with Neil.

Lesser-known fact: David is a current Guinness World Record holder.

Fred and Norm, our resident doggy duo, form our Office Wellness team.

Fred the Fox Red brings years of experience in napping expertise, zoomies, strategic treat acquisition and security services.

Norm, the ninja Cavapoo, looks up to Fred (literally), and specialises in puppy cuddles that help boost office-wide happiness, along with enthusiastic greeting ceremonies for our visiting clients.