A graduate planner from the Midlands office of leading property adviser, Bilfinger GVA has been awarded Regional Young Planner of the Year by professional body, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
Stephanie Eastwood, a member of the company’s Planning, Development and Regeneration team was chosen to receive the accolade out of candidates from across the region and a shortlist of four nominees.
Craig Alsbury, Senior Director in GVA’s Planning, Development and Regeneration team, said: “From the outset, Stephanie has demonstrated a level of professionalism, ability and dedication far beyond that expected at graduate level and has quickly become a highly valued and popular member of the Planning team and the wider Birmingham office.
“From day one, Stephanie was able to liaise with clients, local authorities and other consultants with confidence and she is already providing invaluable support to a number of key clients, including Lidl, Ministry of Justice, Birmingham City University and Standard Life Investments.
“With a noticeable increase in the volume of work that we’re having to transact, it makes a real difference to know that we have excellent graduates and junior planners like Stephanie who, with a relatively light touch in terms of management, can get take on instructions and see them through.”
Stephanie joined Bilfinger GVA as a graduate after studying geography and gaining a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Birmingham. She is currently advising on a range of large-scale retail and residential projects, preparing and submitting planning applications for major schemes across the Midlands.
Stephanie said: “It was a pleasure to be there on the night amongst my colleagues, to be recognised by the RTPI and to receive the award. I always strive to go above and beyond what is expected and actively search for opportunities to increase the breadth and depth of my planning knowledge.”
Earlier this year Stephanie was crowned Bilfinger GVA’s Graduate of the Year, where she was one of just three candidates selected from numerous nominees across the company’s wide range of sectors nationally.
She adds: “I am extremely grateful to have been rewarded for my commitment to the profession and believe that both awards are also reflective of the strength of the Bilfinger GVA graduate programme and the opportunities and experience it provides. I look forward to finalising my APC submission and gaining my RTPI chartership in the upcoming months and continuing my development as part of the Midlands’ planning team.”