MEET OUR TEAM
Origin Transport Planning Consultants are a resilient team who together will always go that extra mile to ensure your project is a success.
Del Tester
MANAGING DIRECTOR
With over 25 years' experience in highway design, transportation planning and traffic engineering, Del is experienced in the preparation and assessment of Transport Assessments and Travel Plans, having prepared them for private sector clients for 16 years and been assessing them on behalf of Highway Authorities for 21 years. He has significant parallel experience with public and private sector clients with Origin continuing to assist Local Authorities in the delivery of their highways development management function.
Del typically deals with strategic, large and complex issues as well as running the business.
Out of the office Del enjoys cycling around the Oxfordshire countryside, travel and is an avid Chelsea FC supporter.
Tim Thurley
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Tim has 12 years experience in transport planning having worked for Buckinghamshire Council in their Highways Development Management section before joining Origin in 2014.
Tim is a key figure at Origin and is the responsible for the day to day work priorities of team members. He is experienced in assessing the highways and traffic implications of development proposals at all levels including complex sites and negotiating mitigation measures and legal agreements.
Tim regularly represents the company at client meetings and appeals.
Tim is a Dad of two, on a weekly basis you will see him running up and down on the football pitch. If he is not playing football you will find him watching his young son play. Tim also enjoys running and keeping fit.
Hilary Lofmark
ASSOCIATE
Hilary has over 25 years experience in the analysis of transport schemes and development proposals, twenty years of which have been consultancy.
This has included the preparation of Transport Assessments for a wide and varied range of development projects, developing access strategies for all modes and the preparation of Travel Plans.
Hilary has also undertaken a development control role for the Highways Agency, Transport for London and Buckinghamshire Council. In addition, Hilary has been expertly involved in the use of modelling techniques to carry out operational and economic assessments of highway proposals.
Out of the office Hilary enjoys spending time with her family, she also takes part in dog agility training with her beloved dog.
Sarah Halsey
PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT
Sarah has worked in transport for over 20 years, the last 10 years in transport planning. She previously worked for a large, nationally recognised transport consultancy.
She has worked on a wide variety of projects, preparing and reviewing Transport Assessments, Transport Statements and Travel Plans. She has also been involved with promoting strategic development sites through the planning system. She has experience with attending and preparing documents for planning appeals and has been involved with S106 negotiations.
Sarah is also experienced with public consultation events and stakeholder consultation. Sarah is currently working on a variety of residential and commercial projects of various sizes.
Out of the office Sarah is a keen horsewoman and often participates in dressage events and fun rides.
Claire Hemmings
Senior Consultant
Claire joined the Origin team in 2018. With over 8 years experience in the industry she previously worked for Buckinghamshire Council as a Senior Highways Development Management Officer and has vast experience in assessing the highways and traffic implications of development proposals at all levels including complex sites and negotiating mitigation measures and legal agreements.
Proficient at dealing with members of the public, Councillors, and Developers she has a deep understanding of the planning system and highways standards. She also has a post graduate Certificate in Management and the Chartered Management Institute Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership. She is also a member of the Institute of Highway Engineers (MIHE).
Claire in her younger days competed in Irish dance competitions. Nowadays, she enjoys going for a walk whether it's somewhere local or exploring somewhere new. A self-confessed 'crazy cat lady' she loves her adorable ginger cat, Mutton, who keeps her entertained.
Shalini Sharma
Consultant
Shalini has a master's degree from the University of Southampton, in Transportation Planning and Engineering (Distinction). She is a Consultant and also has a post-graduate degree in Construction Project Management.
She has previous experience of working with international firms. She has worked for an American Multinational Residential Structural Firm and an Infrastructure Project Management consultancy firm in India. She has experience of working both with public and private clients. Her 7 years of work experience includes research, contract management and financial structuring of large civil infrastructure projects.
Away from the office Shalini enjoys keeping fit (when she gets a chance with two young daughters keeping her busy). Not only that but she is an amazing cook and amateur photographer.