Ben Meador
Young Urbanist Steering Committee
Ben currently works as a Transport Planning Consultant at RPS, focusing on public realm schemes, active travel, and EV charging projects. His academic and professional background spans across the realms of urban design, transport planning, urban policy, marketing, and teaching.
Before moving to London, he studied Urban Policy & Planning at the University of North Texas and worked as a Research Assistant for Dr. Lauren Fischer, studying the viability of a proposed public green space project located within a park desert in Lewisville, Texas. Prior to his research assistantship, Ben worked simultaneously as a Marketing Strategist for a US transportation firm and as an assistant music teacher for a local high school.
Throughout his time as an MSc Urban Design and City Planning student at UCL, Ben’s primary focus and research interest shifted towards bicycles, micromobility, and active travel as part of a toolkit of instruments in good placemaking - largely influenced by his car-centric hometown environs and his bicycle commutes and journeys around London.
My motivation to contribute to the Academy of Urbanism is fueled by an innate passion for constantly observing how people interact with the built environment. Joining the Young Urbanist network last winter has allowed me to immerse myself in a dynamic community of like-minded professionals who share this enthusiasm. My active participation, inc. organising the bicycle rental aspect of the annual cycle trip, has enabled me to connect with fellow urbanists, fostering relationships that extend beyond mere professional networks. Aligning closely with the values and philosophy of the AoU, I am dedicated to assuming greater responsibilities that leverage my comprehensive, international background and wide-ranging interpersonal and technical skills.My commitment to continuous learning and innovation is harmonious with the AoU's emphasis on knowledge exchange and progressive urban development. I envision contributing my insights to enrich the Steering Committee's discussions and decisions.