Jonathan Smales

Jonathan Smales is an experienced executive and sustainability advocate who currently serves as the Executive Chairman at Human Nature (Places), a position he has held since September 2015.1 With a career spanning over three decades, Smales has dedicated himself to sustainable development and environmental causes.

Career Highlights

Human Nature (Places): As Executive Chairman, Smales leads the company in developing sustainable real estate projects. His focus is on creating elegant, sustainable places at scale, applying great design to every detail, and working with outstanding partners to demonstrate how sustainable place-making, public realm development, and community building can go hand in hand.1

Beyond Green Group: Prior to his current role, Smales served as Executive Chairman at Beyond Green Group from January 2001 to December 2015. During his 15-year tenure, he was involved in various aspects of sustainable urbanism, including:

• Place visioning and planning urban extensions
• Framework and masterplanning
• Leading complex project and design teams
• Organizing stakeholder participation initiatives
• Developing public realm strategies and designs
• Creating new typologies for urban blocks and adaptable housing
• Implementing city climate change strategies1

The Earth Centre Charitable Trust: From January 1990 to March 2000, Smales was the Chief Executive of The Earth Centre Charitable Trust. This ambitious project aimed to create a world-class center for sustainability and became a National Millennium Project.1

Greenpeace (UK): Smales held the position of Managing Director and International Trustee at Greenpeace (UK) from August 1986 to December 1990.1

Education

Smales studied Geography and Health Services Management at Newcastle, Birmingham, and South Bank Universities between 1978 and 1980. He also holds a BA in Geography from Newcastle University.1

Expertise and Vision

Jonathan Smales is known for his expertise in:

• Sustainable urban development
• Place-making and public realm strategies
• Stakeholder involvement
• Complex, integrated, and multi-disciplinary design
• Climate change strategies and sustainability initiatives

His vision is to grow a leading new-generation sustainable real estate business, focusing on creating elegant and sustainable places that enhance community living and demonstrate the synergy between sustainability and better living.1