Jessica is a London-based community engagement consultant, urban researcher, writer and editor.
As an associate at engagement and urban design consultants Soundings (2021-23), she led teams to develop: a community vision for Beckton Riverside, Newham; a sustainable public realm strategy for Leytonstone; and a public realm framework for North Finchley. She uses in-person and digital engagement to ensure inclusivity, and builds stakeholder relationships to reach wide networks and underrepresented groups.
An alumnus of the Public Practice social enterprise (2020-21) she led community engagement on Waltham Forest’s local plan. She has also led accessible community engagement for Design Codes in Epping Forest and Uttlesford.
She draws on professional experience gained over more than 25 years working for national magazines including Time Out, covering cities and architecture. She uses the editorial skills of curating, communications, project management and place-centric research to run engaging consultations and events on urban regeneration, neighbourhood planning and public space, and advise on strategies to bridge the gap between communities, developers and planners.
For Social Life she contributed to our Understanding Southwark report, interviewing residents and stakeholders in the Walworth area.
Jessica has a BA in Anthropology from Durham University and an MSc in Urban Studies from UCL. Her 2018 masters dissertation explored everyday places and urban identities around the Old Kent Road and how they interact with the proposed Area Action Plan.
