Creating sustainable, inclusive and resilient urban environments at every scale
Meet Roland, who shares how his work adds value for people and nature at every stage in the planning process.
As cities tackle complex challenges around climate resilience, social equity, and economic development, successful urban development depends on planners who can bridge disciplines to deliver transformative solutions.
Meet Roland Chanin-Morris, Senior Managing Consultant for Urban Planning in Ramboll's Sydney office, who specialises in leading integrated planning and urban transformation initiatives in Australia and Asia-Pacific. With experience in 17 countries across four continents, Roland helps bring together design, infrastructure and economic thinking to create more resilient and liveable urban environments.
“I’m passionate about the impact that good planning can make on the world. I enjoy working on projects that bring together economic, technical and design thinking, to create the best solutions for people and planet.”
Q: Tell us more about your background and experience.
Roland: My background spans urban planning, economics and design, often working on projects involving a range of engineering disciplines. I enjoy working as an integrator between all these disciplines to develop the best solution for cities.
I've delivered numerous regional- and city-scale planning frameworks and strategies. I've also worked on diverse masterplans including transit-oriented development, tourism destinations, sports and cultural venues, and urban development around gateway infrastructure such as ports and airports.
Geographically, my career has been really diverse as well. I spent a decade in the UK before returning to Australia in 2022. I've been fortunate to work on projects in 17 countries across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Career highlights have included working on Istanbul's city masterplan and a series of transit-oriented development precincts in Jakarta, including the city's new stadium.
Southeast Asia is a particular passion and focus of mine. I’ve worked a lot in the region and I believe Australian built environment professionals should be more engaged with urban issues in our neighbouring countries – this can enrich our perspective when working on Australian planning challenges as well.
Q: Can you tell us about your role at Ramboll?
Roland: I joined Ramboll in June this year as part of the Urban Planning team based in Sydney. Our team supports clients on multi-disciplinary masterplanning and city development programmes in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region. Our work involves close collaboration with Ramboll's global experts in climate adaptation, water management, landscape architecture, mobility and other disciplines to address the challenges facing cities.
Q: Can you tell us about a project with Ramboll that you are particularly proud about?
Roland: I'm currently leading Ramboll's work on the Walka Water Works in the Hunter Valley, where we are revitalising a historic 19th century water works and surrounding natural reserve which is a highly valued community asset. I'm also working on Cloudburst masterplanning projects in Malaysia, where we're implementing multi-functional blue-green infrastructure at a city scale and using this as a catalyst for large-scale urban revitalisation projects.
Q: What do you think is the key differentiator to Ramboll’s urban planning approach and capabilities?
Roland: One differentiator is our multi-disciplinary approach and how we bring together technical and design thinking to deliver great outcomes. A prime example of this is our Urban Planning team’s integration with the Water team to deliver Asia’s first city-wide Cloudburst Masterplan for Sibu in Malaysia. This is also crucial in the Walka Water Works project where we are drawing on Ramboll’s expertise in remediation and site solutions.
Another is how we work seamlessly and share knowledge and experience across regions. For example, our teams in Singapore took inspiration from Ramboll’s work using the Movement and Place Framework in Australia, and are applying this to the North South Corridor project in Singapore. Conversely, we are now looking at how we can apply learnings from the North South Corridor, back to movement corridors in Australia, such as Sydney’s Parramatta Road.
I would also like to highlight Ramboll’s focus on regenerative urban development. By collaborating closely with expert industry partners, we are leading the conversation to help clients embark on their goal of creating cities that actively enhance the health of social and ecological systems.
I'm really excited to help develop our urban planning offer within the Asia-Pacific, a key growth area for Ramboll, where we can leverage our diverse technical capabilities to address complex urban challenges and create impactful projects that integrate urbanism, nature, and infrastructure to promote sustainability and enhance people's lives.
Q: What drew you to Ramboll?
Roland: I've admired Ramboll and Henning Larsen for some time. I was attracted to the company's mission-oriented approach and focus on sustainability, and by its foundation ownership structure. I also really admire the company’s design and technical expertise, including the exceptional work in water and landscape design.
Another thing that stands out is how seamlessly Ramboll works across geographies – forming the best team for every project regardless of location. Many large organisations say they do this, but at Ramboll it is truly seamless. This brings the best results for clients, and varied and interesting project experiences for us.
I had collaborated with Ramboll in previous roles, including on the feasibility study for Prague's new concert hall with Henning Larsen, and recently on a plan to integrate Sydney Harbour's commercial port lands with new urban development.
When the opportunity arose to join, I knew it was the right move. Australia and Asia Pacific are key growth areas for Ramboll, and there are exciting opportunities as we expand the team and strengthen our integrated urban development offer.