At LHC Design, our people are at the heart of every project. We recently sat down with Nick Mann, one of our talented urban designers, to learn more about his day-to-day role, how he came into urban design, and what inspires him both on and off the job.
Nick’s role revolves around the intricate and ever-evolving process of masterplanning. A typical day sees him transitioning between hand-drawn sketches and CAD layouts, identifying constraints and opportunities and mapping out potential development sites. It’s a delicate balance of creativity, analysis, and practical problem-solving.
While it might sound methodical, Nick thrives on the creativity involved.
“There’s a lot of joy in testing your own work – using CAD to see what fits, what doesn’t, and evolving your design based on new inputs.”
“Masterplanning is always a process,” Nick explains. “You start with as much information as you can find such as online sources, best practices and existing plans to create a constraints plan. From there, it’s about testing ideas and refining layouts, often going back and forth between sketching and digital modelling.”
From Geography to Urban Design
Nick’s path into urban designing wasn’t linear. Initially set on studying geography, he pivoted to a joint honours degree in geography and planning at the University of Birmingham after an urban design course captured his attention.
“I had a module on urban design that just clicked with me,” he recalls. “It was hands-on, analytical, and visual. I found it really interesting.”
He went on to earn a Master’s in Urban Design at Oxford Brookes. Despite having a more literary-expressive background, Nick leaned into the visual demands of urban design and has since built a career combining thoughtful analysis with creative spatial planning.
The Long View
One of the most rewarding parts of Nick’s job is seeing his ideas materialise in the real world – though he admits that patience is key.
“Projects can take years to move from concept to construction. When a site you helped design starts to take shape, even if someone else finishes it, there’s a real sense of achievement.”
One such site in Barnstaple, which Nick worked on early in his time at LHC, is now under construction, which he eagerly looks forward to seeing completed.
His most recent project – Phase 1 of a new sustainable development in Acland Vale, Barnstaple has been given the green light from planning to deliver a modern, community – focused sustainable new neighbourhood. It’s a project that demonstrates the power of thoughtful design, ecological sensitivity, and integrated planning.
Life Outside the Lines
If Nick weren’t an urban designer? “I think I’d be a cartographer,” he says. His love of maps, historic research, and site context reveals a fascination with place that runs deep, which is something that clearly informs his current projects.
Outside of work, Nick enjoys exploring the Devon countryside with his family.
“Exeter is a brilliant place to raise a child and spend time outdoors. We’re always discovering new walks and beaches.”
His workspace is low-key – just pens for sketching and drawing. His working soundtrack of choice is ambient, mostly lyric-free music (albums by The XX are a staple). And when it comes to fuel, it’s tea all the way – milk and one sugar, please.
Inspired by People and Places
When asked how he stays inspired, Nick credits a combination of local curiosity and professional connection.
“Keeping up with what’s happening nearby and attending industry events helps me stay informed. I enjoy seeing how ideas evolve, not just in our projects but on sites across the region and beyond.”
But perhaps what Nick values most is the team around him.
“At LHC, everyone’s willing to help. You can walk up to anyone and ask for a few minutes of their time. It’s a collaborative, supportive environment, and that makes all the difference.”