Name: Tiziana Cilia 
Main Responsibilities: Assistant Planning Officer
Educational Background: Degree in Architecture and Civil Engineering 
Hobbies: Travelling and reading  

 1. Can you explain what your role entails and your main areas of responsibility?
As part of the planning directorate my day to day job involves the assessment of  development planning applications. Here I evaluate whether the proposal complies with the established policy framework both from land-use and design aspect. The procedure consists in carrying out  consultations pertaining to various issues which need to get assessed (eg. accessibility, heritage, sanitary) both with competent authorities and also within Mepa. Depending on scale and constraints of the site, some projects may entail more challenges than others.  In my current work I am experiencing new challenges which include the evaluation of palnning applications realte to Housing Estates, specialized complexes and others.  My previous experience and training as an architect helps me to better understand the applicants’ point of view and approach to any particular project. 
 
 2. Could you describe a typical day within your role?
The majority of the time during the day is spent in my office assessing applications, replying to emails and answering public queries regarding the applications I am responsible for. During the day I attend to pre-submission appointments and meetings to discuss amendments to be carried out during the processing of the applications either with Mepa officers or external consultees. I also carry out site inspections which play an important role when assessing and compiling a project report with a recommendation for the Environemnt and Planning Commission to decide upon. 
 
3. What have the highlights of your career at MEPA  been so far?
I have been working with Mepa for almost two years  during which I have had the opportunity to meet with many professional people and contribute  towards finding a comprehensive solution towards planning and developing the applicant’s site. Following months of hard work and meeting positive feedback  is the greater satisfaction in my career.
 
4. What challenges have you faced/do you face within your role?
Some planning applications present more challenges than others. Following, the reform, the target dates for the processing of an application have become much tighter, making the process more challenging yet more efficient. Challenges form part of the learning curve which I enjoy. 
 
5. What is your main motivation that keeps you dedicated to delivering a top quality service?
The fact that I can contribute towards the future built environment through better planning keeps me motivated. Also, growing and learning within a dynamic organisation such as Mepa motivates me to deliver a top quality service.