KEAVA CAMPBELL

Keava Campbell is a Planner at Winterbrook Planning, where she brings a strong blend of technical expertise and a deep passion for sustainable urban development. Her focus lies in creating people-centered spaces that enhance community livability, driven by her ability to engage with stakeholders and navigate complex planning environments. Keava’s strengths include her proficiency in using visual tools and research to thoroughly understand the spatial and social contexts of the projects she undertakes, as well as her ability to manage high-volume, multifaceted planning applications.

“Often people think about planning in an urban context first, however we need our rural communities and I find working in these areas really gratifying.“

Keava Campbell’s career path is rooted in a strong technical foundation and a passion for the social aspects of urban development. She began at Oregon State University, earning dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil Engineering and Sustainability, where she developed her skills in problem-solving and sustainable design, and graduated Summa Cum Laude in both degrees. Here, she worked in the OSU Sustainability Office and as a Traffic Safety Intern at ODOT. As she finished school, she worked her way from intern to full-time Structural Design Technician at DOWL Engineers, where she broadened her knowledge of the engineering processes, materials, and grew her technical skills in the software, like AutoCAD.

Realizing her interest in the broader impacts of infrastructure, Keava pursued a Master’s degree in City Planning and Design at Queen’s University Belfast. There, she deepened her understanding of urban development and focused on creating sustainable, livable communities. Her master’s thesis, which developed a toolkit for community groups to enhance local spaces, showcased her commitment to grassroots planning.

After graduating, Keava joined WHP Telecoms Ltd as a Town Planner, managing telecommunications planning applications across the UK. Her work involved navigating statutory planning documents, engaging with stakeholders, and leading significant rural development projects. Now at Winterbrook Planning, Keava brings her diverse experience and passion for sustainable development to her new role, eager to tackle fresh challenges and contribute to the team.

Outside of work, Keava is an avid outdoors enthusiast who loves exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest through hiking, backpacking, and biking around town. She also enjoys cooking and baking, with a special fondness for making bagels, and is looking forward to reconnecting with Portland’s vibrant music scene. A dedicated traveler, Keava has explored much of Europe and is excited to continue discovering new places locally. Additionally, she is a keen reader with a growing interest in modern literary fiction.

Representative Projects:

Shared Rural Network Project with WHP — This project aimed to improve rural connectivity in remote UK areas through a government-funded initiative. The goal was to install new cell towers in regions with no mobile coverage or only one operator, expanding access to all four major UK providers. By hosting multiple operators on these towers, rural communities gained access to reliable mobile service and greater provider choice for the first time. This enhanced connectivity supports better economic opportunities, population retention, and increased safety. Keava Campbell played a key role in the project, taking over management responsibilities. She ensured timely planning submissions, coordinated with external suppliers, and worked closely with landowners and interdisciplinary teams.

Engaging Community Spaces: Urban Planning and Design Toolkit (Master’s Thesis) — Keava’s Master’s thesis focused on creating a theoretical toolkit to help community groups enhance their local spaces. The toolkit offered flexible design solutions for various environments, such as gardens, patios, and courtyards. It provided a “menu” of scalable options, from planting wildflowers to building community kitchens or natural playgrounds, allowing groups to choose based on their specific needs and space. Keava worked with Groundwork Northern Ireland, a nonprofit dedicated to community development, to design the toolkit for distribution to local organizations. Through this project, she gained valuable experience in stakeholder engagement and tailoring design strategies to meet diverse client needs.