John ACHARI

John Achari is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore, College of Design and Engineering – Department of Architecture. He teaches in the Master of Urban Planning (MUP) programme, where he coordinates the Year 1 Studio and the Planning Foundations and Software Workshop. A former Deputy Programme Director, he has contributed to curriculum restructuring and the integration of applied design and data-driven methods. He also teaches in the NUS Cities Programme and is a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Queensland, leading a masterclass on urban design and resilient urbanism.

An award-winning urban planner and designer, John has more than three decades of professional experience across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Oceania. Before founding his Singapore-based consultancy, Achari Concepts, he held senior leadership roles with major multidisciplinary firms in Singapore, the Gulf, Australia, and New Zealand, and has served as an advisor to government agencies on large-scale planning and development strategies. His international portfolio spans mixed-use, waterfront, housing, and regional frameworks that integrate planning, design, and implementation within diverse cultural and environmental contexts.

John’s academic and professional interests focus on resilient and adaptive urbanism, strategic land-use transformation, and the translation of planning vision into implementable frameworks. His teaching emphasizes scenario planning, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based design. Through his combined practice, research, and mentorship, he promotes sustainable and inclusive urban development that aligns feasibility with community well-being and long-term resilience.