Urban Design Capacity Building
Capacity Building that drives real change
Ludo works with leaders, practitioners, and organisations to grow capability in urban design and placemaking. Through tailored workshops, masterclasses, and applied learning, he equips city- leaders with the knowledge and confidence to deliver people-centred projects.
Ludo's approach draws on global best practice and lived experience from city transformations worldwide, ensuring participants leave inspired, empowered, and with practical tools to embed design-led thinking in their daily work
What Ludo Offers
Placemaking Audits & City Leader Walks
See your city differently. Through immersive street walks, Ludo works with leaders, businesses, and communities to identify challenges, unlock hidden strengths, and demonstrate how design-led thinking sparks economic, social, and environmental renewal.
Design-Led City: Tools & Tactics for Change
A practical roadmap of the statutory and non-statutory levers available to drive urban transformation. Learn how to create safer, more inclusive, and more liveable places—step by step.
Mentoring & Coaching
Tailored programs for executives, elected officials, and teams. Focused on boosting morale, confidence, and the skills to lead change—whether one-on-one or across entire organisations
Applied Learning Labs
Onsite charrettes tackling live urban challenges
Bespoke Masterclasses
Bespoke curricula for Councils, Agencies,
Universities on specific topics such as:
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Active Transport (Walking and Cycling),
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Density Done Well,
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Tactical Urbanism & Place Activation,
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Design Led City Frameworks,
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Pedestrian Friendly Cities,
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Designing for Universal Access
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Designing & Activating Vibrant High Streets
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Designing out crime
Outputs & Timeframes
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Training packs, toolkit, capability assessments
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One off workshops: 1-2 days
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Training Programme: 4-6 weeks.
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Longer-term capacity building including Executive, Team or Group mentoring program: 6 months of longer as required.
Global Insights & Walking Tours
From case studies of leading cities worldwide to in-depth walking tours of Auckland’s downtown and waterfront, participants gain a first-hand understanding of what successful transformation looks like—and how to adapt lessons to their own context.
Design Matters National - Auckland Study Tour 2025
Testimonial
'From the moment Design Matters National engaged Ludo to lead the opening day of our study tour, I knew we were in exceptional hands - but nothing prepared us for the experience he delivered. Ludo's energy, depth of knowledge and effortless ability to connect with his audience are unlike anything I've seen. His three- hour walking tour of Auckland was the highlight of the week.
Halfway through, one participant turned to me, wide-eyed and said, 'if this entire study tour were just this session, I'd be happy.' And she meant it.
Ludo brought Auckland's story to life with a narrative so compelling that our group was captivated from start to finish.
Engaging Ludo was the best decision we made. This was the second time Ludo has over-delivered for DMN's built environment professionals. I cannot recommend him highly enough. Thank You Ludo'
Danielle Johnston,
CEO Design Matters National
From Vision to Implementation
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Ludo’s training is more than theory - it’s a catalyst for action. With a unique blend of visionary insight and practical, on-the-ground experience, his sessions inspire collaboration, challenge conventional thinking, and deliver tangible outcomes.
Empower your team.
Transform your city.
Get in touch to explore a tailored training program for your organisation.