BA(Hons) MSc MRTPI
Director, Chartered Town Planner
Nicole is widely recognised as a leading planning consultant in London, with more than fourteen years of experience securing planning permission for difficult projects. She specialises in sites and schemes that present serious policy and design obstacles, combining planning expertise, commercial awareness and sound judgement to unlock complex proposals with clarity and confidence.
The range of schemes Nicole has helped secure permission for reflects that strength. They include significant listed building refurbishments in Central London, contentious new-build housing developments on urban backland and infill sites, and challenging proposals in the Green Belt where policy barriers are high and the path to approval demands exceptional care.
Nicole is also the co-author of 'Green Light to Green Belt Developments', a book that explores the history of Green Belt policy, why it has endured while other policies have evolved, and how opportunities within it may still be identified through careful and informed strategy.
The credibility Nicole has built through years of securing difficult planning permissions has led to her insights being regularly sought by respected publications including RIBA, the Financial Times and Inside Housing. Her commentary is valued for bringing together practical experience, policy understanding and clear judgement on complex planning matters.
Known for her rigour, determination and enthusiasm, Nicole brings structure and confidence to planning processes that are often uncertain and difficult to navigate. One client said her involvement was instrumental in securing planning permission, while another praised Nicole and her team for knowing when and how to challenge the council effectively, with their deep understanding of planning law and local policy evident throughout.
She has a particular interest in following case law and appeal decisions for contentious schemes, and regularly writes for Urbanist Architecture’s blog, where she shares insights on planning strategy, policy and the evolving direction of the planning system.
“ What a wonderful company to work with. I was a bit hesitant at first with the distance and prefer to do business face to face. Calm, professional and polite Nicole and Ufuk explained and explained until I understood. The work was carried out with complete transparency. I would recommend you call them the first call will simply explain what I’m saying. Will definitely be using Urbanist Architecture in the future. Thanks Nicole and Ufuk. ”
Abid V. — Nottingham
“ It was an absolute pleasure dealing with Urbanist Architects. Nicole Guler was incredibly professional and very friendly. Her advice and comments were spot on. She took on board all my comments and input and was happy to discuss at length my ideas for the project. I believe that using Urbanist Architects made all the difference to securing planning permission. I would heartily recommend Urbanist Architects and will certainly be using them for my future projects. ”
Scott M. — London
“ Thank you very much for helping me with my change of use planning application which got approved. Special thanks to Nicole who worked with her heart to deal with my case (difficult case and with very difficult case officer). ”
Harvey V. — London
“ Very big thank you to Nicole & all other architects who worked on my project. Whenever we needed she was always there to assist. She obtained planning permission for us after experiencing countless refusals with other companies. Can’t thank her enough. ”
Sam S. — London
“ I've worked with Urbanist Architecture on 3 projects now and would highly recommend them. Very professional and efficient, most importantly successful applications. In particular, Nicole was great to work with. ”
Mehmet S. — London
“ I was very impressed by Nicole’s responsiveness. She was amazing from the very beginning to the end. She saw the potential of my planning application and fully supported me throughout the application process. I just got my approval, can't thank her enough. ”
George P. — London
“ Nicole at Urbanist Architecture provided an excellent service and got the desired planning result in Greenbelt. ”
James M. — Buckinghamshire
“ Thank you very much Urbanist Architecture for helping me with my change of use planning application that got approved. Special thank you to Nicole, who worked with her heart to deal with my case (a very difficult case and with a very difficult case officer), highly recommended. Thank you very much!!! ”
Hung V. — London
“ Excellent customer service by Urbanist Architecture. Their standards are very impressive. Nicole was most helpful all the way. She is a great architect with truly in-depth knowledge of her field. The whole team is very customer orientated. It would be a pleasure to work with them on any future projects. ”
Hon. Lord A. — London
“ Wonderful Company to work with. Knew exactly what we wanted and had the ability to deliver it. We went with two other Architects before and both took us for a ride. This one is honest, reliable, fast, professional! The design management was seamless and liaison with the council was exemplary. If you want to pass the first time, don't look further! Ask for Nicole (she's the best!) A++++ ”
Choudhury — London
“ I am really happy to leave a 5 star review, as Urbanist Architecture are just great. I managed to find them through Google and after a quick look on their web page I was sure they would be the right company for the Planning application I needed to do. I worked mostly with Nicole and honestly I can say that she is a very professional and responsible person. I am highly recommending UA and Nicole to any one who is seeking top service and positive vibes. Thank you. ”
Radoslav S. — London
“ Nicole was a very helpful lady, she gave me all the information I needed for my application. Perfect and amazing job in no time. Happy to work with. Thank you. ”
Wahida N. — London
“ The team at Urbanist took time to understand our requirements and liaised very closely with in-depth analysis of the site and its potential. They came up with imaginative designs to fully utilise the site and used their excellent understanding of the local planning criteria to achieve a brilliant result. It's truly refreshing to work with a firm that is at the very top of their game! ”
Wale O. — London
“ We used Urbanist Architecture for our planning application and we were blown away by the level of commitment and support shown by the team. Nicole worked tirelessly to support us, especially during the appeal process. She was honest and upfront, with fees that were more than reasonable, and the victory was priceless for my company and our clients. It was a sensational service and we would not for a second look elsewhere if we needed this type of service in the future. ”
Kishan N. — London
“ Urbanist proved themselves as uniformly excellent, all top-quality skilled professionals adding value at every stage from production of design concepts through to final design, from liaising with the council to formal submission and then progression of the planning application. Full communication, support and guidance was provided at every stage of the journey and I'm happy to report their efforts led to a successful grant of the application. An excellent team, but with stand-out stars in Robin and Nicole. I would thoroughly recommended Urbanist. ”
Steve C. — Kent
“ They helped me obtain Planning Permission for various different schemes and in two instances where the Local Authority unfairly refused permission, Urbanist Architecture didn’t give up and instead advised me to appeal the decision. A lot of work then went into creating a very detailed document outlining why we should have been given planning permission and fortunately we were successful on both appeals. I couldn’t recommend Urbanist Architecture enough! ”
Robbie B. — London
“ …A very professional and supportive TEAM working on your project. They are active. Someone from the planning department commented very positively on the quality of the material he received from them prior to a site visit. Ultimately I got what I wanted which was a successful planning outcome. ”
Yvonne G. — London
“ I worked with Nicole recently on a planning application for a Lawful Development Certificate. She provided excellent support and guidance throughout the process and I am happy to say, secured a successful outcome for me. I was very impressed with her expertise and her professional approach to the work and would highly recommend her and her team. ”
Christina O. — London
“ We worked with Urbanist Architecture on a complex planning project and had an excellent experience from start to finish. Nicole led our project and was incredibly knowledgeable, guiding us through the entire process with professionalism, patience, and clarity. ”
Mo B. — London
“ Nicole Guler and Sarah Knaggs were both very helpful and any questions or concerns I had were very promptly addressed. Thank you to Nicole and Sarah for securing my Lawful Development Certificate. I would thoroughly recommend Urbanist Architecture. ”
Kaushik P. — Surrey
“ I found Urbanist Architecture concientious and competent from start to finish. Throughout out the process of securing a Certificate of Lawfulness I felt I was in very safe hands indeed. ”
Tom C. — London
The secret of architectural excellence is to create spaces that are effective for the present and inspirational for tomorrow.
BA(Hons) MSc MRTPI
Director, Chartered Town Planner
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