PLACED Director Jo has over 20 years’ experience working in the built environment, with a background in regeneration, housing, and environmental design. She spent seven years working in the regeneration sector before becoming Education Manager at the Northwest Architecture Centre, where she supported public engagement and education around architecture and place.

She founded PLACED in 2011 out of a desire to develop young people’s understanding of the towns and cities in which they live, and how the quality of design impacts the lives of all residents. Jo is passionate about giving young people the opportunity to play an active role in the changes taking place in their communities. She believes that building their confidence and self-belief to voice their opinions supports them to make the most of their talents and helps create more inclusive, representative places.