Our People

Our Team

Ekistics provides a full suite of urban planning services, from the inception of an idea through to development delivery. This includes undertaking feasibility and due diligence, managing statutory requirements, land rezoning, developing master plans and lodging development applications.

At Ekistics, we promise to deliver the best outcomes for your project, by providing comprehensive, honest and accurate urban planning advice.

Join the EKISTICS Team

Our staff have qualifications in Urban & Regional Planning, Building Surveying, Geography, Education & Ecotourism with backgrounds in both public and private sectors.

Our people are talented, self-motivated and driven and choose to work and stay with Ekistics to maintain exposure to a diverse range of interesting and existing projects that are both challenging and rewarding.

We are always on the look-out for talented professionals and if you believe you have the right skills, experience and characteristics please forward your CV to contact@ekistics.com.au.

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Richard Dwyer
Managing Director
 
Richard is the founder of Ekistics with 30 years’ experience in planning and development within Australia and abroad. Richard specialises in development assessment; preparation of planning strategies; master planning, structure planning, urban development studies as well as land rezoning. Richard is an Executive member and the current Vice President of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA).
Beck Thomas
Director
 
With over 25 years of urban planning, strategy and policy development experience both within the private and public sector, Beck offers sound judgement, a pragmatic and collaborative approach together with significant political nous. Beck is the current Presiding Member of the State Commission Assessment Panel and was awarded the inaugural “Outstanding Woman in Planning’’ award from the Planning Institute of Australia (SA).
Robert Gagetti
Senior Associate
 
Rob is a highly experienced planning practitioner with over 20 years in the industry, including leadership and management experience in local government. Rob has worked on a diverse range of development projects and also has an intricate knowledge of the planning appeals process, having provided expert planning advice in the Environment, Resources and Development Court on a number of occasions.
Zoë Garnaut
Senior Associate
 
Zoë is an Accredited Professional (Level 1) and has an IAP2 Certificate in Engagement with over 15 years’ experience in urban planning and governance administration, including approximately 8 years of leadership and management experience in local government. Zoë has a wealth of knowledge in Development Assessment and Code Amendments including being on several Council Assessment Panels (CAPs). Zoë’s passionate about creating vibrant and sustainable communities.
Ryan Moyle
Senior Associate
 
Ryan is a highly adaptable, architecturally trained planning practitioner with over 12 years’ experience. His career has traversed urban design, strategic and statutory projects within the private sector, and local/state government, with 7 years in Victoria. Ryan has IAP2 Engagement accreditation which, together with his clarity of expression, technical skill, and the conviction of delivery, makes him a well-rounded communicator and facilitator. Ryan’s complimentary design skills add significant value to projects, including functional efficiencies and design enhancements.
Catherine Orford
Senior Associate
 
Catherine is a skilled planner with extensive experience in the private and public sector in South Australia, New South Wales, and New Zealand. She has expertise in the preparation and management of complex development applications on behalf of private and public clients. She is also experienced in the preparation of Community Impact Statements for liquor and gaming licencing matters. Catherine’s strengths lie in her ability to engage and manage multi-disciplinary project teams, focussing on optimising development outcomes.
Rick Hutchins
Associate
 
Rick is a qualified urban planner with 25 years’ experience across strategic planning, policy development and development assessment disciplines. Rick has extensive knowledge in advising on large and complex urban projects and in local government administration. Rick is known for his calm, considered and collaborative approach. Rick thrives in taking on new challenges and providing customised solutions for clients.
Ben Schnell
Planning Consultant
 
Ben is an experienced Planning Consultant, his previous roles include working in several Local Government jurisdictions in Adelaide and London, gaining valuable international experience and different perspectives on planning. Ben has worked across a broad range of projects gaining valuable knowledge and understanding of effective project management. Ben is confident with presenting to Assessment Panels or negotiating with Relevant Authorities and is always seeking a positive outcome for our clients.
James Rhodes
Planning Consultant
 
James has worked in a broad range of projects offering professional planning services primarily in development assessment, including the preparation of planning statements, due diligence reports, and statutory planning advice. Recent local government experience means James is intimately familiar with the processes/ procedures of the new planning system. James is passionate about achieving positive outcomes for clients and the community.
Susan Joseph
Planning Consultant
 
Susan is a qualified Architect and Urban Planner, with skills in concept/masterplan curation, mapping graphics, development assessment, encumbrance assessment, research, and policy and ordinance reviews of the Planning and Design Code. Susan is known for her attention to detail and calm, considered approach. Her thorough investigation skills and ability to turn complex information into easily interpreted graphic representations add great value to Ekistics projects.
Peter Mugo
Assistant Planning Consultant
Contact: 0872310286 Email:
Peter is a current student at the University of South Australia, pursuing a Master of Urban and Regional Planning. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in real estate and has extensive experience in the real estate sector in Nairobi, Kenya. Passionate about urban design, planning healthy cities, Social Impact Assessment, and the application of digital twin technology in urban planning, Peter brings a dynamic and innovative perspective to Ekistics. His key skills include assessing building plans against relevant urban design guidelines, conducting in-depth research, and performing comprehensive policy and ordinance reviews in accordance with the Planning and Design Code. Dedicated to promoting sustainable and liveable urban environments, Peter adds significant value to the team.
Tammy Kronawitter
Office Manager
 
Bringing years of experience to her role as Office Manager, Tammy is responsible for the administration and day-to-day operations of the Ekistics office. Tammy’s administration, organisational and coordination skills ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the team. She is known for her multi-tasking and problem-solving skills as well always being willing to assist, which ensures that the team at Ekistics can consistently exceed client expectations.