Tristan is a community designer and urban columnist. He leads our Healthy Communities research and speaks about our work around the world.
Tristan completed his PhD at Dalhousie University’s Healthy Populations Institute, where his research focused on finding solutions to operationalize healthy communities. At Happy Cities, he uses this expertise to advise clients on how to design walkable, healthy, and complete communities. He is a respected commentator on urban planning and design, with work published in Star Metro, Spacing, and Strong Towns. Tristan has helped develop our methodologies and toolkits for assessing community health and wellbeing. He has led projects with national and municipal governments in Canada, the UAE and beyond, helping operationalize health research into design and policy.
Tristan is a sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator. His thrilling keynotes have helped spread the message for happier, healthier communities across North America and beyond. Tristan has devoted his life and career to reforming the planning profession to ensure that building communities that support the basic needs of human health becomes the new minimum standard.
Tristan is an avid runner, rock climber and devoted husband.
Projects Tristan has worked on
Power of placemaking research and engagement – Canada Healthy Communities Initiative
My home, my neighbourhood wellbeing survey – Vancouver Coastal Health
Accessibility legislation engagement for Alberta – Office of the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities
National policy for happier, healthier communities – UAE Prime Minister’s Office
Happy neighbours: Design and programming for social connection in multi-unit buildings
