“Planning is not just about land use – it’s about creating resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking places that enhance people’s quality of life.” That belief has guided my journey into spatial planning and continues to shape my work as a lecturer in Town Planning MSc at the University of Brighton.”
Olafiyin Taiwo brings a rich tapestry of experience and passion to her role, with a career that spans consultancy, policy advisory, international development, and academia, Ola’s work is rooted in a deep commitment to creating resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking places.
My journey into planning and teaching
“From a young age, I was fascinated by how cities function and how governance structures shape people’s lives. Spatial planning appealed to me because it’s inherently multidisciplinary, it brings together policy, governance, cities, economic development, and environmental and social challenges. It allows me to engage with big questions that cut across all areas of life.
“What drew me to Brighton was the university’s commitment to applied knowledge, critical inquiry, and global perspectives. It felt like a natural step to join a place that values linking practice with teaching and preparing students to tackle the pressing challenges facing cities today.”
Bringing practice into the classroom
“I’ve always combined lecturing with research and professional practice. I currently work in policy advisory, consultancy, and international development, which allows me to bring live case studies and global debates into the classroom. This keeps my teaching grounded and relevant.
“My career journey to date has allowed me to influence both policy frameworks and people’s everyday lives. I am most proud of shaping policy at every level from international to local and civil society while also leading community initiatives and advancing planning education. I have served on advisory boards, contributed to international resolutions, and led high-level policy discussions.”
“Alongside this, I have co-founded professional and academic networks including the BAME Planners Network (2020), BAME Planners in Academia (2025), and the Commonwealth Youth for Sustainable Urbanisation and I currently serve as Chair of the Commonwealth Association of Planners Young Planners Network representing young planners from over 45 Commonwealth states.
“I am also the Co-Chair (Education and Capacity Building) of the UN-Habitat initiative – Planners for Climate Action (P4CA), advancing the integration of climate action into planning practice globally. I have served on the RTPI General Assembly and International Committee (2019–2024) and the RTPI Education Review Board (2022–2024), contributing to the strategic direction of the profession. Most recently, I founded The Planning Nation, a media platform dedicated to sharing planning systems and experiences from around the world, which extends my commitment to knowledge exchange and global learning.
“In 2021, 2022, and 2024, I was honoured to be named The Planner’s Woman of Influence – recognition that reflects my commitment to shaping both the profession and the communities we serve.”
Planning for a better world
“My work directly engages with global challenges like climate change, urban inequality, housing crisis and sustainable development.
“By focusing on governance, spatial planning, and policy integration, I contribute to frameworks that help societies adapt to environmental pressures, strengthen resilience, and improve quality of life. I draw on both international policy processes and community-level initiatives to ensure that planning addresses challenges holistically, from the global stage to the local context.
“Spatial planning is central to how societies respond to global challenges because it brings together governance, policy, and design to create resilient cities and human settlements. Challenges such as sustainable development, urban resilience, and social equity cannot be addressed without spatial planning, as it has the capacity to bridge global agendas, economic competitiveness, infrastructural demands, and local contexts with everyday realities.”
Supporting and inspiring students
“Be curious and ambitious, and don’t be afraid of complexity.” That’s the advice I give to all my students. Planning isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about creativity, adaptability, and the courage to connect ideas across disciplines and cultures.
“What I love most about teaching is being part of students’ journeys of discovery—watching them unlock new ways of thinking and realise the influence they can have on places and people’s lives. I support students through mentoring, personalised feedback, and real-world projects. I also connect them with professional networks and external opportunities to help bridge their studies with their future careers.”
Interested in studying Town Planning MSc at Brighton?
Studying for an MSc in Town Planning at Brighton means engaging with real-world issues, working across disciplines, and developing skills that are in demand globally. You’ll be challenged to think critically, connect theory with practice, and discover how your ideas can shape better places and futures.
Find out more on the University of Brighton website.
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