Paths & Perspectives: Nichola Panaretos
This series is more than just a collection of career stories; it’s a celebration of the inspiring women who bring spatial sciences to life. It aims to highlight the diverse career paths and perspectives within this often-overlooked field. At Veris, we recognise that our strength lies in our diverse talents, collaborative spirit, and commitment to innovation. When we work together, we create something truly special.
Meet Nichola, Senior Consultant – Associate Urban Design – Consulting & Advisory
Tell us a bit about your career journey.
Growing up in Brisbane in the early 2000s with a passion for sustainability and little desire to drive, I often felt the city didn’t have a place for people like me. I wanted change and hoped a career in planning and design would give me the language and skills to better advocate for the change I wanted to see.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning from QUT in 2012. In 2014, I gained a master’s degree in Urban Design from Oxford Brookes University (UK). I stayed in the UK for four years working on urban design projects across Manchester, Northern England and Wales. In 2017, I returned to Australia to work as an urban designer in Melbourne in various private and public sector roles, and in 2025, for the first time in over a decade, I have returned to Brisbane with even more passion for great urban outcomes.
What motivates you to progress in your career?
Living and working abroad enlightened me to the impacts that built environment decisions can have on lifestyle, health and happiness. I found myself in both large and small communities across the world where residents could easily walk, scoot, cycle, tram, or train everywhere, and car ownership wasn’t common. I had not needed a car in over a decade, and I felt active and environmentally conscious. I was inspired and motivated to bring this vision to all the projects I touched. I continue to be motivated by my desire for better urban outcomes that all members of our community can participate in and be proud of.
What career challenges have you overcome that you’re proud to share?
I have faced and overcome two main challenges in my career.
- Learning to communicate and negotiate with different types of people and cultures and through different planning systems. While I am proud of every project I have been involved with, I am most proud of following my ambition and my resilience to adapt. Without a doubt, it has made me a better urban designer and planner by giving me fresh ways to think about old challenges.
- Throughout my career, I have made a significant effort to keep up with digital innovation in the planning and design industry. Digital skills were not part of my professional training; instead, I developed this competency in response to what I recognised as the emerging future. This skillset has opened doors and created opportunities for me beyond the traditional roles within the planning and design profession. In 2014, I formed part of Veris’ leadership team as Digital Twin Victoria’s (DTV) Innovation Partner. We led a ten-member consortium, bringing significant development, geospatial and 3D domain expertise. You can learn more about the DTV program here.
Who is your biggest role model in the industry and why?
Without wanting to sound like a nepo baby – my Dad! He’s now a retired planner from practice but never from the heart.
If you could go back and tell your younger self one thing, what would that be?
Keep your flared jeans! They’re back in style.
Nichola’s journey highlights the impact that passion, adaptability, and continuous learning can have on shaping the future of our cities. At Veris, we’re proud to support professionals like Nichola who are not only shaping communities but also redefining what’s possible in the built environment. Her story is a reminder that meaningful change starts with a vision and the drive to make it happen.