Kevin Nesline is currently attending Northeastern University in Boston, completing his Masters of Science in Urban Planning including a semester abroad at the University of Amsterdam (Urban Studies – Research Master). Kevin is undertaking his summer internship with Troy Planning + Design in our Amsterdam office, working on a range of research tasks mainly related to Neighbourhood and Community Planning. To learn more about Kevin’s background and interest in Urban Planning, please see his interview below.
Where are you from originally?
I’m originally from near Boston, Massachusetts in the United States. I also lived in Washington, DC for several years before moving back to Boston to begin my master’s degree in planning at Northeastern University. Last fall, I completed an exchange semester at the University of Amsterdam as part of my graduate degree program.
Can you tell us about your previous career and education? Why did you decide to focus on urban planning as a career?
I’ve always been interested in learning about how cities can develop so differently around the world, and I previously earned a BA in International Studies from American University and a Master of Management degree from the University of Michigan. After university, I worked in finance and budgeting for a management consulting firm but eventually decided to go back to school to study urban planning after the pandemic demonstrated how important factors like urban design and housing policy can be for people’s wellbeing. I’m making a career transition to planning because I want to work more on topics like housing, transportation, and urban design that can make meaningful improvements in people’s daily lives.
What drew you to an internship with Troy Planning + Design?
Working at Troy Planning + Design will give me exposure to a variety of projects in an international context rather than just one particular city’s planning system. I think this variety of experience will be especially valuable early in my planning career. I appreciate the company’s focus on neighbourhood plans, and I’m looking forward to working on improving local factors that I’m passionate about such as walkability, cycling, and human-centred urban design. It’s also nice to be working at a smaller firm where I can get to know everyone!
What do you like most about living in Amsterdam?
The city feels very accessible compared to other places I’ve lived. It’s easy to get around thanks to the great cycling infrastructure and public transportation, and I’ve never felt limited to a specific neighbourhood. At the same time, Amsterdam also manages to still feel small and cozy despite being a large international city with tons of things to see and do.
Most importantly, what type of bicycle do you ride?
I’m currently renting an e-bike from Swapfiets. My bike has been my main mode of transport since moving to Amsterdam, but when I first arrived, getting an electric made it easier to adjust for someone who hadn’t regularly commuted by bike since high school! Having the electric assist also makes it easy to take day trips to surrounding towns and see more of the Netherlands.
