I'M
MATTHEW TINDAL, AICP

I’ve been fascinated by the unique character of cities, places, and cultures since childhood... from ancient and mythological societies to modern metropolises. That early curiosity about the complex interactions of people and places eventually led me from an initial major in cell biology — in which I was drawn to the intricacies of interconnected systems working to create a whole greater than the sum of its parts — into the world of design and urban development, where I found my true passion. I ultimately earned a B.S. in Environmental Design, grounding myself in systems thinking and analysis while developing a design mindset and technical skillset that complements my policy planning and allows me to approach urban challenges with a versatile, interdisciplinary perspective. My time studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark deepened my appreciation for walkable, human-centered urbanism and inspired my first capstone project, which focused on using urban analytics to strategically target investments in disadvantaged neighborhoods and close persistent equity gaps.

I later earned my Master’s in City and Regional Planning where I concentrated in economic development and urban design. My capstone thesis explored how layering of historic social, physical, and economic systems can help forecast patterns of gentrification and neighborhood change — providing cities with tools to proactively predict and reduce displacement pressures. Over the past four years, I’ve applied this blend of design thinking, community insight, and data analysis as an urban planning and design consultant supporting governmental, institutional, and nonprofit clients across the Southeast. My work is driven by a passion for people and place, a belief in the value of data-informed decision making, and a commitment to advancing equitable, high-performance urban environments that strengthen quality of life for everyone.