Hema Ramnani
Senior Urban Designer & City Planner
Vancouver, CA.About
Results-driven Urban Designer and City Planner with 7+ years of experience spearheading people-centered public realm and mobility projects across public, private, and non-profit sectors. Expert in spatial and strategic planning, integrating ecological, cultural, and mobility goals through a systems-thinking approach to deliver equitable, sustainable outcomes. Seeking to leverage proven expertise in inclusive engagement, consensus building, and visual storytelling to drive impactful urban development initiatives in the San Francisco Bay Area, anticipating relocation by early 2026.
Work
City of Vancouver
|Senior Public Realm Planner
Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Summary
Led public realm design and project management for key commercial corridors, including the successful implementation of two pedestrian-first summer pilot programs, enhancing urban vitality.
Highlights
Directed end-to-end project lifecycle management for public realm initiatives, meticulously defining scope, establishing schedules, and tracking milestones to ensure on-time delivery.
Advanced local Nations' cultural visibility and equity by integrating sovereignty-centered planning into public realm projects, fostering meaningful government-to-government partnerships.
Managed external consultants and administered project budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficient resource allocation for multiple initiatives.
Facilitated interdepartmental collaboration across diverse teams by chairing 15+ meetings and technical workshops annually, guiding design development from conceptual frameworks to detailed plans.
Oversaw production of high-impact communication materials, including 20+ presentations and reports, for City Council, business associations, and the public, securing approvals and stakeholder buy-in.
Provided strategic direction and supervised a team of junior staff, encompassing hiring, onboarding, and performance management, fostering an equity-centered, collaborative work environment.
City of Vancouver
|Policy Planner
Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Summary
Provided critical policy advice on city-wide and area planning initiatives, including the West End Community Plan, West End Waterfront Plan, and Skateboard Strategy, influencing key urban development decisions.
Highlights
Reviewed and advised on 50+ policy and rezoning enquiries and applications annually, facilitating internal and external discussions to support informed decision-making processes.
Supported the creation of 10+ Council reports and presentations for area planning initiatives, ensuring clear communication of complex urban policies to key stakeholders.
City of Vancouver
|Active Transportation Planner
Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Summary
Planned and implemented innovative walking, cycling, and micromobility infrastructure projects that significantly supported mode shift and enhanced safety goals across the city.
Highlights
Led comprehensive engagement efforts with local communities, stakeholders, and advisory committees, incorporating diverse input into project design to inform decision-making and mitigate risks.
Collaborated effectively with engineering and operations teams to develop 10+ concept plans, detailed designs, and implementation strategies for urban mobility projects.
Implemented rapid deployment of 15+ transportation and public space interventions (e.g., Slow Streets, temporary parklets) to support physical distancing and bolster local business recovery during critical periods.
Developed and delivered compelling presentation materials to communicate complex policies, concepts, and design trade-offs to diverse audiences, securing broad understanding and support.
Urban Forum Associates
|Urban Designer
Unknown, Gujarat, India
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Summary
Contributed to urban design projects, focusing on master planning and public space development, supporting the creation of vibrant and functional urban environments.
Highlights
Assisted in the development of conceptual designs and master plans for urban revitalization projects, integrating aesthetic and functional requirements.
Conducted site analysis and research to inform design solutions, contributing to data-driven project outcomes.
Prepared visual communication materials, including renderings and diagrams, to present design concepts to clients and stakeholders.
University of British Columbia
|Research & Graduate Assistant
Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Summary
Supported academic research and graduate-level projects, contributing to data collection, analysis, and report preparation in urban design and planning.
Highlights
Conducted comprehensive literature reviews and data analysis to support ongoing university research initiatives.
Assisted professors and graduate students in preparing research reports, presentations, and academic publications.
Managed project-related administrative tasks, ensuring efficient workflow and timely completion of assignments.
IBelive Amdavad Placemaking Community (Non-profit)
|Co-Founder
Amdavad, Gujarat, India
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Summary
Co-founded a non-profit placemaking community dedicated to fostering vibrant public spaces and community engagement in Amdavad, India.
Highlights
Spearheaded community outreach and engagement initiatives, mobilizing local residents and stakeholders for placemaking projects.
Developed and implemented strategic plans for community-led urban interventions, enhancing public spaces and fostering local identity.
Managed project execution, including resource allocation and volunteer coordination, to deliver impactful community-driven initiatives.
Volunteer
Vancouver Public Space Network
|Volunteer
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Summary
Contributed to advocacy and community initiatives aimed at improving public spaces across Vancouver.
Highlights
Participated in community events and workshops to promote public space awareness and engagement.
Assisted with research and outreach efforts for urban improvement projects.
Women Deliver Conference
|Graphic Recorder - Designing Cities
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Summary
Provided graphic recording services at a major international conference, visually capturing key discussions on urban design and gender.
Highlights
Translated complex discussions into clear and engaging visual summaries, enhancing participant comprehension and retention.
Urbanarium
|Volunteer - Missing Middle Debate
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Summary
Supported the organization of a public debate on urban housing policy, facilitating community discourse.
Highlights
Assisted with event logistics and participant engagement, ensuring smooth execution of the debate.
Gehl
|Volunteer - Places for People Downtown Vancouver
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Summary
Contributed to a placemaking initiative focused on enhancing public spaces in Downtown Vancouver, organized by Gehl Architects.
Highlights
Assisted with data collection and on-site activities to evaluate and improve urban public spaces.
Parking Day
|Volunteer
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Summary
Participated in a global event transforming parking spaces into temporary public parks, promoting creative urban interventions.
Highlights
Contributed to the design and setup of temporary public installations, raising awareness for alternative uses of urban space.
Education
University of British Columbia
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Master
Urban Design
CEPT University
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Bachelor
Urban Planning
Skills
Urban Planning & Design
Urban Design, City Planning, Public Realm Design, Mobility Planning, Spatial Planning, Strategic Planning, Land-Use Regulations, Rezoning Bylaws, Neighborhood Plans, Area Plans, Design Charrettes, Urban Development.
Project Management & Operations
Project Management, Lifecycle Management, Budget Administration, Consultant Management, Cross-functional Collaboration, Schedule Management, Milestone Tracking, Implementation Strategies, Process Optimization.
Community Engagement & Communication
Inclusive Engagement, Consensus Building, Visual Storytelling, Communication Materials Production, Presentations, Report Writing, Public Participation, Technical Workshops, Graphic Recording, Stakeholder Management.
Technical Tools
MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, Sketch), AutoCAD, SketchUp, ArcGIS Pro, Mapbox, Hand Sketching, Digital Sketching (ProCreate, Concepts), Survey/Feedback Platforms.
Leadership & Development
Strategic Direction, Staff Supervision, Hiring, Onboarding, Performance Management, Team Leadership, Problem Solving, Time Management, Adaptability.
Interests
Hobbies
Sketching, Cycling, Paddle boarding, Hiking, Baking.