Nicole Friend

Principal / Director of Planning

With over a decade of experience in planning, urban design, and architecture, Nicole brings a distinct perspective to creating innovative solutions across various scales.

Her work spans both public and private sectors, collaborating with clients such as Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and the University of California San Diego.
Nicole has built strong, collaborative relationships with clients, communities, and stakeholders, focusing on the intersections of higher education and urban environments. Her integrated approach leverages in-depth data analysis and consensus building to deliver inclusive, aspirational, and actionable built environments tailored to each client’s unique needs.
As an educator at institutions like Harvard University and an advisor for the ULI Hines Student Competition, Nicole shares her passion for planning and design. She is an active member of professional organizations, including the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), APPA, and the Urban Land Institute (ULI).