Nicola Smith
Director, Niche Planning Studio
Nicola is a passionate urban planner and placemaker with over 25 years of experience across Australia. Growing from a young planner who benefited from strong mentors, she is driven to give back and can often be found having coffee in her ‘downtown’ giving advice to the next generation. Outside of work, Nicola enjoys staying active with regular runs, unwinding at the beach, and spending playful moments with her puppy. Her balance of professional commitment and personal wellbeing makes her a grounded and approachable presence in both her professional and personal circles.
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Years of experience
Education & Affiliations
Nicola is a passionate urban planner and placemaker with over 25 years of experience across Australia. Growing from a young planner who benefited from strong mentors, she is driven to give back and can often be found having coffee in her ‘downtown’ giving advice to the next generation. Outside of work, Nicola enjoys staying active with regular runs, unwinding at the beach, and spending playful moments with her puppy. Her balance of professional commitment and personal wellbeing makes her a grounded and approachable presence in both her professional and personal circles.
Career Highlights
About
Nicola is a passionate Urban and Regional Planner with over 25 years of experience shaping better communities across Australia. As Founding Director of Niche Planning Studio, she leads a dynamic, multi-national team committed to designing well-connected, liveable places that put people first.
Highly regarded for her collaborative leadership style, Nicola is driven by a genuine desire to help others—whether it’s mentoring her team, guiding complex developments, or advocating for industry-wide improvements. Her work is grounded in clarity, quality, and a deep belief in the power of planning to make lasting, positive change.
She currently holds a range of influential positions including Chair of the UDIA Innovation, Sustainability and Technology Committee, and Board Member of UDIA VIC, allowing her to actively shape planning policy and practice. Nicola’s leadership has been widely recognised, including being named UDIA Frasers Property Woman in Leadership in both 2017 and 2018, and her elevation to Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia.
Testimonial
Ms Smith has been a strong advocate within the Planning industry, though her formal roles with the Planning Institute of Australia (where in 2010, I first met and worked with Ms Smith), the Urban Development Industry of Australia, along with her own volunteering to support of the growth and refinement of the industry.
She has mentored many of her staff of which a large portion have been women, many of whom have gone on to be very successful in their own rights. The investment in the development of planners, and in particular many women, by Ms Smith is part of the generosity to support others and the wider industry.
Matthew Cripps
Director City Planning and Amenity at Bayside CouncilTestimonial
Nicola has always been a strong advocate for women and young planners. She loves to pass on the support and wisdom she has received over her career and is always giving us the boost we need to achieve and surpass our career goals. She always has ideas to help you through different situations that are tailored to your own personal needs and her nuanced understanding of what makes people tick is what makes her a great planner, leader, networker and trusted consultant.
Naomi Beck
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Nicola believes in my capabilities and encourages me to challenge myself outside my comfort zone. She has always led by example, and her strong belief in her staff makes us the best versions of ourselves.
Amy
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Ms Smith has been a strong advocate within the Planning industry, though her formal roles with the Planning Institute of Australia (where in 2010, I first met and worked with Ms Smith), the Urban Development Industry of Australia, along with her own volunteering to support of the growth and refinement of the industry.
She has mentored many of her staff of which a large portion have been women, many of whom have gone on to be very successful in their own rights. The investment in the development of planners, and in particular many women, by Ms Smith is part of the generosity to support others and the wider industry.
Matthew Cripps
Director City Planning and Amenity at Bayside CouncilTestimonial
Nicola has always been a strong advocate for women and young planners. She loves to pass on the support and wisdom she has received over her career and is always giving us the boost we need to achieve and surpass our career goals. She always has ideas to help you through different situations that are tailored to your own personal needs and her nuanced understanding of what makes people tick is what makes her a great planner, leader, networker and trusted consultant.
Naomi Beck
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Nicola believes in my capabilities and encourages me to challenge myself outside my comfort zone. She has always led by example, and her strong belief in her staff makes us the best versions of ourselves.
Amy
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Ms Smith has been a strong advocate within the Planning industry, though her formal roles with the Planning Institute of Australia (where in 2010, I first met and worked with Ms Smith), the Urban Development Industry of Australia, along with her own volunteering to support of the growth and refinement of the industry.
She has mentored many of her staff of which a large portion have been women, many of whom have gone on to be very successful in their own rights. The investment in the development of planners, and in particular many women, by Ms Smith is part of the generosity to support others and the wider industry.
Matthew Cripps
Director City Planning and Amenity at Bayside CouncilTestimonial
Nicola has always been a strong advocate for women and young planners. She loves to pass on the support and wisdom she has received over her career and is always giving us the boost we need to achieve and surpass our career goals. She always has ideas to help you through different situations that are tailored to your own personal needs and her nuanced understanding of what makes people tick is what makes her a great planner, leader, networker and trusted consultant.
Naomi Beck
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Nicola believes in my capabilities and encourages me to challenge myself outside my comfort zone. She has always led by example, and her strong belief in her staff makes us the best versions of ourselves.
Amy
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Ms Smith has been a strong advocate within the Planning industry, though her formal roles with the Planning Institute of Australia (where in 2010, I first met and worked with Ms Smith), the Urban Development Industry of Australia, along with her own volunteering to support of the growth and refinement of the industry.
She has mentored many of her staff of which a large portion have been women, many of whom have gone on to be very successful in their own rights. The investment in the development of planners, and in particular many women, by Ms Smith is part of the generosity to support others and the wider industry.
Matthew Cripps
Director City Planning and Amenity at Bayside CouncilTestimonial
Nicola has always been a strong advocate for women and young planners. She loves to pass on the support and wisdom she has received over her career and is always giving us the boost we need to achieve and surpass our career goals. She always has ideas to help you through different situations that are tailored to your own personal needs and her nuanced understanding of what makes people tick is what makes her a great planner, leader, networker and trusted consultant.
Naomi Beck
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Nicola believes in my capabilities and encourages me to challenge myself outside my comfort zone. She has always led by example, and her strong belief in her staff makes us the best versions of ourselves.
Amy
Associate Niche Planning Studio
Testimonial
Ms Smith has been a strong advocate within the Planning industry, though her formal roles with the Planning Institute of Australia (where in 2010, I first met and worked with Ms Smith), the Urban Development Industry of Australia, along with her own volunteering to support of the growth and refinement of the industry.
She has mentored many of her staff of which a large portion have been women, many of whom have gone on to be very successful in their own rights. The investment in the development of planners, and in particular many women, by Ms Smith is part of the generosity to support others and the wider industry.
Matthew Cripps
Director City Planning and Amenity at Bayside CouncilTestimonial
Nicola has always been a strong advocate for women and young planners. She loves to pass on the support and wisdom she has received over her career and is always giving us the boost we need to achieve and surpass our career goals. She always has ideas to help you through different situations that are tailored to your own personal needs and her nuanced understanding of what makes people tick is what makes her a great planner, leader, networker and trusted consultant.
Naomi Beck
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Nicola believes in my capabilities and encourages me to challenge myself outside my comfort zone. She has always led by example, and her strong belief in her staff makes us the best versions of ourselves.
Amy
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Ms Smith has been a strong advocate within the Planning industry, though her formal roles with the Planning Institute of Australia (where in 2010, I first met and worked with Ms Smith), the Urban Development Industry of Australia, along with her own volunteering to support of the growth and refinement of the industry.
She has mentored many of her staff of which a large portion have been women, many of whom have gone on to be very successful in their own rights. The investment in the development of planners, and in particular many women, by Ms Smith is part of the generosity to support others and the wider industry.
Matthew Cripps
Director City Planning and Amenity at Bayside CouncilTestimonial
Nicola has always been a strong advocate for women and young planners. She loves to pass on the support and wisdom she has received over her career and is always giving us the boost we need to achieve and surpass our career goals. She always has ideas to help you through different situations that are tailored to your own personal needs and her nuanced understanding of what makes people tick is what makes her a great planner, leader, networker and trusted consultant.
Naomi Beck
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Nicola believes in my capabilities and encourages me to challenge myself outside my comfort zone. She has always led by example, and her strong belief in her staff makes us the best versions of ourselves.
Amy
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Ms Smith has been a strong advocate within the Planning industry, though her formal roles with the Planning Institute of Australia (where in 2010, I first met and worked with Ms Smith), the Urban Development Industry of Australia, along with her own volunteering to support of the growth and refinement of the industry.
She has mentored many of her staff of which a large portion have been women, many of whom have gone on to be very successful in their own rights. The investment in the development of planners, and in particular many women, by Ms Smith is part of the generosity to support others and the wider industry.
Matthew Cripps
Director City Planning and Amenity at Bayside CouncilTestimonial
Nicola has always been a strong advocate for women and young planners. She loves to pass on the support and wisdom she has received over her career and is always giving us the boost we need to achieve and surpass our career goals. She always has ideas to help you through different situations that are tailored to your own personal needs and her nuanced understanding of what makes people tick is what makes her a great planner, leader, networker and trusted consultant.
Naomi Beck
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Nicola believes in my capabilities and encourages me to challenge myself outside my comfort zone. She has always led by example, and her strong belief in her staff makes us the best versions of ourselves.
Amy
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Ms Smith has been a strong advocate within the Planning industry, though her formal roles with the Planning Institute of Australia (where in 2010, I first met and worked with Ms Smith), the Urban Development Industry of Australia, along with her own volunteering to support of the growth and refinement of the industry.
She has mentored many of her staff of which a large portion have been women, many of whom have gone on to be very successful in their own rights. The investment in the development of planners, and in particular many women, by Ms Smith is part of the generosity to support others and the wider industry.
Matthew Cripps
Director City Planning and Amenity at Bayside CouncilTestimonial
Nicola has always been a strong advocate for women and young planners. She loves to pass on the support and wisdom she has received over her career and is always giving us the boost we need to achieve and surpass our career goals. She always has ideas to help you through different situations that are tailored to your own personal needs and her nuanced understanding of what makes people tick is what makes her a great planner, leader, networker and trusted consultant.
Naomi Beck
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Nicola believes in my capabilities and encourages me to challenge myself outside my comfort zone. She has always led by example, and her strong belief in her staff makes us the best versions of ourselves.
Amy
Associate Niche Planning Studio
Testimonial
Ms Smith has been a strong advocate within the Planning industry, though her formal roles with the Planning Institute of Australia (where in 2010, I first met and worked with Ms Smith), the Urban Development Industry of Australia, along with her own volunteering to support of the growth and refinement of the industry.
She has mentored many of her staff of which a large portion have been women, many of whom have gone on to be very successful in their own rights. The investment in the development of planners, and in particular many women, by Ms Smith is part of the generosity to support others and the wider industry.
Matthew Cripps
Director City Planning and Amenity at Bayside CouncilTestimonial
Nicola has always been a strong advocate for women and young planners. She loves to pass on the support and wisdom she has received over her career and is always giving us the boost we need to achieve and surpass our career goals. She always has ideas to help you through different situations that are tailored to your own personal needs and her nuanced understanding of what makes people tick is what makes her a great planner, leader, networker and trusted consultant.
Naomi Beck
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Nicola believes in my capabilities and encourages me to challenge myself outside my comfort zone. She has always led by example, and her strong belief in her staff makes us the best versions of ourselves.
Amy
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Ms Smith has been a strong advocate within the Planning industry, though her formal roles with the Planning Institute of Australia (where in 2010, I first met and worked with Ms Smith), the Urban Development Industry of Australia, along with her own volunteering to support of the growth and refinement of the industry.
She has mentored many of her staff of which a large portion have been women, many of whom have gone on to be very successful in their own rights. The investment in the development of planners, and in particular many women, by Ms Smith is part of the generosity to support others and the wider industry.
Matthew Cripps
Director City Planning and Amenity at Bayside CouncilTestimonial
Nicola has always been a strong advocate for women and young planners. She loves to pass on the support and wisdom she has received over her career and is always giving us the boost we need to achieve and surpass our career goals. She always has ideas to help you through different situations that are tailored to your own personal needs and her nuanced understanding of what makes people tick is what makes her a great planner, leader, networker and trusted consultant.
Naomi Beck
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Nicola believes in my capabilities and encourages me to challenge myself outside my comfort zone. She has always led by example, and her strong belief in her staff makes us the best versions of ourselves.
Amy
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Ms Smith has been a strong advocate within the Planning industry, though her formal roles with the Planning Institute of Australia (where in 2010, I first met and worked with Ms Smith), the Urban Development Industry of Australia, along with her own volunteering to support of the growth and refinement of the industry.
She has mentored many of her staff of which a large portion have been women, many of whom have gone on to be very successful in their own rights. The investment in the development of planners, and in particular many women, by Ms Smith is part of the generosity to support others and the wider industry.
Matthew Cripps
Director City Planning and Amenity at Bayside CouncilTestimonial
Nicola has always been a strong advocate for women and young planners. She loves to pass on the support and wisdom she has received over her career and is always giving us the boost we need to achieve and surpass our career goals. She always has ideas to help you through different situations that are tailored to your own personal needs and her nuanced understanding of what makes people tick is what makes her a great planner, leader, networker and trusted consultant.
Naomi Beck
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Nicola believes in my capabilities and encourages me to challenge myself outside my comfort zone. She has always led by example, and her strong belief in her staff makes us the best versions of ourselves.
Amy
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Ms Smith has been a strong advocate within the Planning industry, though her formal roles with the Planning Institute of Australia (where in 2010, I first met and worked with Ms Smith), the Urban Development Industry of Australia, along with her own volunteering to support of the growth and refinement of the industry.
She has mentored many of her staff of which a large portion have been women, many of whom have gone on to be very successful in their own rights. The investment in the development of planners, and in particular many women, by Ms Smith is part of the generosity to support others and the wider industry.
Matthew Cripps
Director City Planning and Amenity at Bayside CouncilTestimonial
Nicola has always been a strong advocate for women and young planners. She loves to pass on the support and wisdom she has received over her career and is always giving us the boost we need to achieve and surpass our career goals. She always has ideas to help you through different situations that are tailored to your own personal needs and her nuanced understanding of what makes people tick is what makes her a great planner, leader, networker and trusted consultant.
Naomi Beck
Associate Niche Planning StudioTestimonial
Nicola believes in my capabilities and encourages me to challenge myself outside my comfort zone. She has always led by example, and her strong belief in her staff makes us the best versions of ourselves.
Amy
Associate Niche Planning Studio
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