Recently, we gathered to say a fond farewell to Glyn Tully, who has led our Urban Design team in the Place studio and leaves behind a remarkable legacy after nearly fifteen years with the practice.
Glyn joined Levitt Bernstein on June 2010, and what followed was close to 300 projects: an astonishing body of work spanning design codes, masterplans, housing guides and strategic frameworks across the country. From the long, evolving journey of Aberfeldy Village, where Glyn held the core idea steady through years of change, to the Design for Gravesham Design Code, the Liverpool Housing Design Guide, Pumpfields & Limekilns SPD, Three Score Design Code, Swindon Cultural Quarter, the Abbey Estate, and most recently, Sele Farm – his contribution to the places we have helped shape is both broad and deeply considered.
Glyn stepped into leadership with characteristic quiet assurance: Urban Design and Landscape Group Leader in 2012, Head of Urban Design in the Masterplanning Studio in 2015, and Studio Director in 2024. Throughout each transition, he led without ego or fuss, always focused on what mattered most: making places better for the people who live in them. That same commitment extended beyond our walls, through generous contributions to Design Review Panels in Hackney, Croydon, Folkestone and Greenwich: always measured, always thoughtful, always pushing for quality.
Those who have worked alongside Glyn will know the particular pleasure of watching him pick up a pen. His hand drawings –quick, assured sketches on tracing paper– have a way of bringing clarity to the most complex problems. More than a few of us have experienced that quiet moment when Glyn slides a sketch across the table and everything suddenly feels a little more resolved. He has mentored many people here, gently and generously, often without them fully realising how much they were learning.
Colleagues will remember his unflustered calm under pressure, his genuine curiosity about how places can work better for everyone, and a passion for urban design that never wavered, particularly when a car-free street was on the table.
Glyn's impact is woven into the story of this practice and into the fabric of the places we have made together. We wish him every happiness in the adventures ahead: the long walks, the cycling miles, the travels, the sketchbooks, and just the right amount of red wine.
We are also delighted to share two announcements reflecting the continued strength of the practice. Within the Place studio, Renzo Campisi will step up as Associate Director to lead the Urban Design team, bringing his own expertise and passion for meaningful placemaking to the role. Separately, we are thrilled to congratulate Georgie Revell on her promotion to Associate Director. Both are richly deserved, and we look forward to everything that lies ahead.
