Hello, I’m Tharini Prakash!
Welcome to my blog! I’m thrilled to share a bit about my journey and the exciting milestones along the way.
I recently graduated from the Master of Community Planning Program and worked as a student research assistant at the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute (MABRRI). My journey began in Dubai, UAE, where I was partly raised, but my roots trace back to southern India. I moved to Nanaimo as an international student, eager to dive into the world of community planning.
When I’m not immersed in planning projects, you’ll find me creating pastel art and sketching urban streets. I love capturing the essence of places and believe that people truly bring spaces to life. Fun fact: I have an uncanny ability to look at a photo of a street and accurately guess its geographic location—call me “the city whisperer”! This quirky talent makes my travels even more exciting as I decode different cityscapes.
With a background in architecture, I bring a unique lens to urban planning, focusing on innovative solutions that enhance livability and sustainability. A recent highlight has been my appointment as the Planning Student Lead for Port Alberni's Official Community Plan review engagements. One of the most rewarding aspects of this role is witnessing how communities trust keen students with their invaluable stories, underscoring the crucial role of community involvement in planning.
This summer, I’ve transitioned to a full-time role as a Planning Assistant. During my time at MABRRI, I’ve had the privilege of working on First Nation planning projects on Vancouver Island, including a comprehensive masterplan for the Snuneymuxw First Nation. This hands-on experience allowed me to bridge architectural and planning intricacies into practical, community-centered solutions.
I’m also excited to share that I was nominated for the Outstanding Graduate Student Award by the Canadian Institute of Planners and recognized as a “Graduate Student with an Impact” by Vancouver Island University. My thesis, which focused on developing build-out scenarios for K’omoks First Nation’s Indian Reserve #1, emphasized land use patterns, urban design, and climate-responsive solutions.
Throughout my journey, I’ve aimed to infuse diverse perspectives into my planning decisions, drawing on my global experiences to create resilient, inclusive urban environments.
Join me on this exhilarating journey with MABRRI as I navigate the world of community planning. Feel free to come say hi—P.S., we always have candy in the office to go with our conversations!