Vanessa has played a leading role in the conception and development of mixed-use places and the transformation of underperforming real estate assets in towns and cities across North America, leveraging specialty experience-based development programming such as food and wellness districts; non-traditional retail; creative industries and maker spaces; agricultural and ecological uses; and other creative placemaking initiatives. Vanessa has worked closely with developers, city governments, and business organizations, and brings a thoughtful approach to mixed-use development that ensures the viability of highly differentiated and vibrant places, by marrying programming with physical planning and design, guided by market realities.
Vanessa completed her Master of Science in Town and Country Planning with distinction at Newcastle University with a specialization in Heritage Conservation in the United Kingdom and holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University. She is also a licentiate member of The Royal Town Planning Institute. Prior to joining LWLP, Vanessa served in the public sector, gaining valuable experience in city-led special planning projects, community engagement and strategic planning. Vanessa remains committed to playing a role in local planning efforts in Montreal, serving as a member of the City of Kirkland’s, Comité consultatif d’urbanisme/Planning Committee and is an active member of l’Ordre des urbanistes du Québec.
Vanessa is constantly inspired by engaging and vibrant places from her travels and studies abroad, allowing her to be a positive force in creating livable and thoughtfully planned mixed-used places.