About

Welcome to nbd.space

nbd.space is the work portfolio of Nick Booth, an award winning UK Urban Designer with over 17 years experience working within the field of Urban Planning and Development Control, now living and practicing in Australia.

He can provide advice and a set of Urban Design and Planning skills in the production of Masterplans, Design Guides, site and regeneration analysis, running community and social workshops as well as the production of animated presentations based on 2D and 3D computer aided modeling and design for both the private and public sector.

His approach is based upon a simple philosophy; that Townscape should be viewed not just as a physical form, but as a vital and responsive component of society.

Public places should be more than simply where people come to purchase goods. They should be authentic and inclusive, springing directly from the community and all the relevant stakeholders. Where one goes to create relationships, be inspired, swap ideas and be engaged. Townscapes should nourish, provide multisensory contextual cues, cultural attachment, dynamism, and create a sense of belonging. At the same time, they should be flexible enough to allow constant renewal whilst allowing each person to build their own relationship with their surroundings through personal interpretation. Fundamentally, the built environment should provide its users with a democratic setting; a place they own and which enriches their opportunities through maximisation of choice. It should pass the Crinkle-Cut Test!

In other words, there are too many Urban Design plans based upon sleek highways, retail parks, marinas and the assumption that everyone drives a silver BMW. Life is not like that…it’s far more interesting!

Nick Booth has an MA in Urban Design with Merit from the School of the Built Environment, Oxford Brookes University (UK) as well as a Bachelor of Town & Country Planning with Honours from the University of the West of England (UK) and is one of the founding Members of the ‘Better Hobart’ Movement.

He has worked as a Senior Development Control Officer at The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and currently divides his time between working as an Urban Designer and Heritage Specialist for Hobart City Council and his own private Design work.