Director

Neasa is a specialist in community consultation and engagement, with over a decade of experience leading co-created projects that amplify community voices in public space design. She is a founding member and director of A Playful City.

Neasa previously practised as a barrister-at-law from 2006 to 2015. She wrote and delivered the Environmental Law module for the MSc in Energy Management at DIT (now TU Dublin) for eight years. 

Passionate about using play and participatory design as catalysts for meaningful engagement, Neasa works to create more inclusive, sustainable, and liveable public spaces that reflect community needs. Her methodology ensures that A Playful City projects result in public spaces that are playful, inclusive, and community-driven.

From 2018 to 2024, she co-coordinated, co-wrote, and co-lectured a module for the MSc Urban Environment at UCD. In 2021, this module was selected by UCD as its showcase for Irish educational excellence and community-engaged learning at The Global Higher Education Conference at Harvard University, Boston, USA.

Director

Naomi is a co-founder of A Playful City, she has a degree in Creative and Cultural Industries and Masters in Design Practice Naomi has 10+ years of experience in these industries - and approaches consultation and placemaking in a more innovative way - through a creative, collaborative and user-led design lens.

Director

Cathal has over 10 years of experience in architecture and design practice in the UK and Ireland. He has had extensive involvement in both collaborative and creative solutions to stakeholder engagement - as well as design brief development for buildings and communities. 

Cathal has led consultation in large design teams for Town Centre First Policy projects (New Ross and Skibbereen) as well as the development of the Cork Docklands Masterplan Framework.

Cathal is a lecturer in Urban Design Futures (UCC) and tutors in the Cork Centre for Architectural Education. He currently coordinates a Masters programme jointly designed and delivered by the UNIC alliance: Redesigning the Post-Industrial City (MSc).

Director

Aaron has over 20 years of experience in education, public arts, and community placemaking. His work has been recognised and awarded both nationally and internationally.

With a background in education and a strong foundation in community-engaged practice, Aaron takes a collaborative approach to projects. His expertise spans project management, community liaison, client relations, and advocacy. He has extensive experience leading intergenerational consultative projects that shape public spaces, ensuring they are inclusive, accessible, and meaningful.

Aaron is particularly passionate about active travel and supporting children’s independent mobility, championing initiatives that create safer, more accessible, and people-friendly environments.

Project Lead

Heitor is an interdisciplinary designer and creative strategist whose work sits at the intersection of innovation, design for good, and sustainable development. As a graduate of IADT’s MA in Design for Change, he brings a unique perspective that combines design methodologies with collaboration and a life-centred approach.

As a visual design consultant and facilitator, Heitor’s commitment to co-design and value-led practice, coupled with his research-driven approach and strategic design thinking, helps bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical, community-led solutions. Through his work, he facilitates meaningful dialogue between communities, spaces, and experiences to promote positive change.

Passionate about climate justice and social equity, Heitor’s work consistently emphasises the importance of inclusive design practices and the development of a sustainable future. He blends storytelling, participatory research, and strategic design to craft solutions that inspire positive change in the world.