At PeopleDem property we believe in celebrating our community by spotlighting black excellence in property. Today we are celebrating Chantel Blair MRTPI
Chantel is a Principal Planner at Cerda Planning Limited Planning. Cerda Planning is an established planning consultancy based in the West Midlands. They work to routinely secure planning permission for a wide range of residential, commercial and retail projects, ranging from area regeneration proposals to bespoke Listed Building conversions and represent high profile clients undertaking strategic land promotions. As a Principal Planner, Chantel’s responsibilities include research, policy development, and providing expert guidance on land use, zoning regulations, and development proposals.
Chantel was inspired to pursue a career in property after working for Birmingham City Council in the planning department. It was here that she realised she wanted to become a Town Planner. The opportunity came along for her to complete her undergraduate degree in Planning and Development at Birmingham City University, where she then stayed on to complete her master’s in Environmental and Spatial Planning.
Lots of people have helped Chantel along her journey. In 2020, she gained support from Women in Planning, an independent network with the aim to promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive planning industry. This support helped Chantel to see value in herself, and to push the boundaries of her career progression. This led to Chantel stepping out from a 22-year career as a public sector local authority planner and transition into the realm of the private sector. Chantel also drew inspiration from 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne. This book is close to Chantel’s heart, as it helped her to understand her own desires and attract them into her life.
Chantel is an avid learner who is keen to adopt new ways of working to expand her existing knowledge and skills in a world that is constantly changing. She has stated she would like her future self to be able to support and inspire the next generation of planners to navigate the Town Planning system, and that, In the next ten years, she would like to explore land use planning outside of the UK. Currently, Chantel is looking to expand her client base to deliver high quality developments.
Aswell as an incredible career in the public and private sectors Chantel shared with us that her proudest achievement so far are her two children, and that she is overjoyed in watching her eldest child navigate his own career path.
#blackexcellence #property #peopledem #community #inspiration