Rapleys’ Senior Planning Associate Abraham Laker made Fellow of RTPI in recognition of his diversity & inclusion work

• Laker co-founded the BAME Planners Network
• Given the President’s Special Award for Planning Achievement in 2020
• Chartered Fellow is the highest professional membership grade offered by the RTPI

UK, 17 April 2024 – Rapleys Senior Associate Abraham Laker FRTPI has been elected Fellow of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), the highest professional membership grade and awarded only to chartered members who have made a major personal contribution to the planning profession.

Laker was elected thanks to his work in championing diversity and inclusion in planning, having co-founded the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Backgrounds (BAME) Planners Network, and in 2020 was given the President’s Special Award for Planning Achievement.

Abraham is a Senior Associate at Rapleys with over 10 years’ experience in town planning. He said: “It is a real honour to be elected as a Fellow and recognised for my professional achievements alongside my engagement and work with the BAME Planners Network to champion diversity and inclusivity within the planning sector. Being an elected Chartered Fellow further motivates me to continue my commitment to championing diversity and inclusivity within the institution and the wider built environment. I hope being a Fellow inspires younger people and especially those from ethnic minorities, to consider town planning as a successful career choice and enter a profession that can directly influence their built and natural environments.”

Robert Clarke, Senior Partner at Rapleys and Head of Town Planning said: “This is a huge achievement for Abraham and we are all really pleased for him, whilst being rightly proud. Abraham is not only a key member of our London planning team but he commits his personal time to making a real difference for the planning profession in the industry, championing inclusivity and inspiring others. He is a real example of someone who is action-oriented, showing real commitment to his colleagues and clients and we are really lucky to have him in our business.”