Meet the Directors.

Urban Strategists Dr Natalie Allen and Greer O'Donnell founded TUA in 2016, introducing the profession of Urban Strategy to Aotearoa New Zealand.

They both began careers in adjacent fields - Greer on the Christchurch City rebuild and Dr Natalie in researching housing needs and the role urban amenities play in our neighbourhoods. When they met, both had already recognised the critical need for Urban Strategy in NZ and as a result, TUA was formed.

Dr Natalie Allen

PhD in Urban Design, Master of Architecture (Hons), Bachelor of Architecture (Hons), Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Natalie works with our clients to make the seemingly complex simple when it comes to designing and delivering our built environment.

She specialises in designing neighbourhoods that enhance wellbeing and is passionate about supporting our clients to innovate when it comes to delivering quality, resilient, and people-centric developments.

Natalie has a background in architecture, urban/spatial design, and urban governance and extensive research experience across a range of critical urban topics: integrated urban planning and community visioning, urban growth and increasing density, and housing preferences and demand. She maintains wide-ranging industry networks in both the public and private sectors and brings a creative, long-term strategic perspective to all our work.

Natalie regularly speaks at conferences, delivers webinars, is a panel moderator and writes about delivering citizen-centric neighbourhoods.

She grew up in Tāmaki Makarau and spent alternating weekends growing up visiting her tīpuna in Paihia, Te Tai Tokerau and Ngāmotu, Taranaki. She also spent formative time living in Costa Rica, Uganda, and Cheng du. Natalie currently lives in Tāmaki Makarau with her husband and two young daughters.

Natalie specialises in:

  • Urban Research
  • Urban Regeneration
  • Housing Strategy
  • Housing Needs Assessments
  • Community + Stakeholder Engagement

Greer O'Donnell

Bachelor of Law, Bachelor of Arts (Political Science, Anthropology)

Leveraging her legal and anthropological background, Greer O'Donnell offers a distinctive perspective to the industry. Her expertise is concentrated in the early phases of projects, where she effectively facilitates collaboration among market and public sector entities, along with key stakeholders. This strategic approach results in strong partnerships, attracts capital for urban development initiatives, and ensures a comprehensive understanding of project context, rigorous evaluation of assumptions, and the identification of key strategic opportunities.

Greer's demonstrated ability to cultivate strong, collaborative relationships has been pivotal to the success of a diverse range of projects. Her extensive experience encompasses housing and social infrastructure initiatives across civic, arts and culture, parks, sports, and recreation sectors.

Greer's core strength is in co-designing implementable pathways and effectively translating strategies into tangible outcomes across various sectors. She is committed to innovation and creative solutions, with a particular focus on evolving approaches to city-making. Greer is committed to upholding the role of mana whenua in guiding the restoration of Aotearoa’s social, ecological and cultural richness.

Greer’s professional background is complemented by her upbringing on a hill country farm in Whanganui, extensive experience living and working in Ōtautahi, and her current residence in Tāmaki Makaurau with her family.

Greer's areas of specialisation include:

  • Precinct Delivery
  • Urban Regeneration
  • Project Feasibility and Origination
  • Affordable and Community Housing

Media

Learn more

Keynote Speaking

Learn more
A lecture writing on the white board in class

Workshops & Masterclasses

Learn more

Study Tours

Learn more

Published Work

Learn more

Governance

Learn more