Our Team
Urban Design Box is a team of professionals which has a strong background in Architecture and Planning and extensive experience in Urban Design.
(NP) We can advise our clients on development design strategy as well as demonstrating both strong visions and the viability of our proposals through the quality of our design and visual work.
Jonathan Vernon-Smith - Director
I have over 20 years experience designing and leading masterplanning and urban design projects from vision through to delivery; working on behalf of private and public sector clients including National House Builders, FTSE100 Companies, Local Government, Port Authorities, and Land Promotors and Developers. I am a member of the RIBA and am a Recognised Practitioner of the Urban Design Group, of which Urban Design Box is a Practice member.
I enjoyed an early career within a large Architectural and multi-disciplinary practice with national coverage, becoming the Urban Design Director responsible for the South West. I set up Urban Design Box in 2015 with the ambition to provide design focussed masterplanning within a commercially astute context and with a highly personal client service.
I have represented clients at Planning Appeal, providing Evidence on Design matters on both masterplanning and detailed design projects. I am a Co-Chair on the Design Commission for Wales Review Panel and occasional Chair on the 'The Design Review Panel' advising on Urban Design in particular. I am a visiting tutor at the Welsh School of Architecture.
I joined Urban Design Box as a graduate urban designer following the completion of my Master’s in Urban Design at Cardiff University, having previously studied Architecture and Planning at UWE Bristol.
My experience includes working with Plainview Planning as part of my undergraduate degree, where I supported consultants on a range of planning applications, site analysis studies, and development appraisals. I’ve also contributed to research and writing around self-build policies and rural development in the UK.
With a strong interest in placemaking and sustainable design, I’m now enjoying the opportunity to apply and grow my design skills in a professional setting.
Isla King - Urban Designer
Our Office - Bristol North Baths
Chloe Garland - Admin Manager
I joined Urban Design Box as Admin Manager, bringing with me a background in Conservation Biology and a Master’s in Social Science. Before this role, I worked in environmental management, wildlife conservation, and climate change projects, with a focus on wildlife protection and how people interact with the natural world. I’ve managed projects, led research teams, and worked across a range of environmental roles.
At Urban Design Box, I’m responsible for the company’s administration and marketing, and supporting in certain design elements. I also assist with finance and the day-to-day running of the company.
I have a strong interest in sustainable, nature-focused design and how to create spaces where both people and nature can thrive.
We are based in the former Bristol North Baths swimming pool building; the layout of light, glass fronted offices surrounding a central social hub suits our way of working.
Why not pop in and see us for a coffee?
Collaborators
We work with a small number of design collaborators to provide a comprehensive and flexible masterplanning service including:
Pearce 3D specialise in architectural visualisations, producing visualisations for projects from residential one off developments to large scale developments.
Big Picture Design is a design consultancy that specialises in Masterplanning, Urban Design, Architecture, Feasibility and Surveys.
