Nicholas Kamols PIA (Assoc.) | QLD
Nick is an innovative, passionate, highly motivated young planner, who is re-defining what it means to be a part of our profession,. Nick has already gained expertise across local government, private practice and social enterprise. .
Nick uses his unique perspective to devise creative solutions to systemic planning problems. Nick has been bridging the gap between academia and planning practice through his Masters of Philosophy and PhD, where Nick is studying and working to solve systemic workplace issues, such as how institutional cultures affect participatory planning, and institutional decision-making processes.
In addition to Nick’s academic work, through PowerWells, the social enterprise Nick co-founded; Nick and his team are repurposing used lithium-ion batteries, paired with solar panels, to give renewable energy to off-grid communities in Indonesia. Nick and his team have already given ~200 homes renewable electricity, and saved 7,000 battery cells from landfill – simultaneously inspiring other young planners to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
Nick has also contributed strongly to others’ professional development and is the convenor of the Queensland Young Planners committee. Nick is receiving this award because he is an inspiration to all planners, young and old. Nick is not an emerging leader - he is an established leader. Nick is not an excellent professional by “young planner” standards - he is an excellent planner by any standard. Nick has achieved so much in 5 years and will continue to forge new paths, defy archetypes, push boundaries, innovate and inspire all of those around him for a long time to come. The judges were left with no doubt that Nick makes a deserving Young Planner of the Year for 2021. Congratulations, Nick.