David Sweeting

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David is an urban development expert with a focus on urban-innovation, social entrepreneurship, human centred design, and participatory research. He has over 15 years experience in social, neighbourhood and urban planning and, in working with large complex organisations, such as: international NGOs, universities, urban poor federations, local community groups, city governments, planning authorities and large corporations. David is the Founder and Director of the The Urban Platform Studio, a research and advisory consultancy that supports clients to solve complex urban development challenges. David is formerly the Urban Resilience Advisor and Innovation Lead for Save the Children Australia, one of Australia's largest agencies dedicated to helping children in need. He is an Institute Associate with the Institute for Culture and Society at Western Sydney University, and recipient of the 2016 Asialink Leaders Program Dunlop Fellowship.

David's practical experience is supported by qualifications in Engineering and Business (Bachelor) from Swinburne University of Technology and Urban Development Planning (Masters) from University College London; David has worked extensively across the Asia-Pacific having supported social and infrastructure projects for the low-income urban communities in Cambodia, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.

David has a deep interest in creative and human centred design. In 2016, he co-led a technology start-up project with Save the Children Bangladesh called Kolorob, a service finder application for slum dwellers, and later, he founded Kolorob Jobs, an mobile app and website that enables young people living in informal settlements to transition out of hazardous, dangerous and exploitive activities, and onto a proper career pathway in the formal sector.

Experience

  • 2016–present
    Visiting Fellow, Western Sydney University
  • 2017–present
    Founder / Director / Principal, The Urban Platform Studio
  • 2014–2017
    Urban Strategy Advisor and Innovation Lead, Save the Children Australia
  • 2013–2014
    Urban Technical Specialist, World Vision International
  • 2012–2012
    Independent Consultant, AusAID and World Vision PNG
  • 2012–2012
    Independent Consultant, Baan Mankong Housing Program
  • 2012–2012
    Independent Consultant, World Vision UK
  • 2011–2011
    Independent Consultant, University College London and Tower Hamlets Council
  • 2011–2011
    Independent Consultant, World Vision Pacific Development Group
  • 2009–2011
    Senior Resource Mobilization and Planning Manager, World Vision Pacific Development Group
  • 2006–2006
    Renewable Energy Manufacturing Engineer, Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd
  • 2006–2006
    Engineering Project Advisor, Fiji Meteorological Services
  • 2004–2005
    Engineering Supervisor/Mechanical Design Engineer, Icon Equipment International
  • 2001–2002
    Engineering Maintenance Planner, Cadbury Schweppes

Education

  • 2012 
    University College London, MSc Urban Development Planning
  • 2003 
    Swinburne University of Technology, BEng Mechanical Engineering and BA Business Marketing

Contact David for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration
  • Research supervision