Our work methodology is based on merging a robust spatial-technical approach with innovative thinking and creative design applied to case-specific contexts. We devise strategies and solutions that are adapted to the reality of the place within the overarching framework of global concerns that shape international best practices.
TPDN was established in October 2012 with aim to provide a bridge for the transfer or experience in Albania and Western Balkans focusing on the evolving fields of territorial planning and design for the remodelling of urban spaces and landscapes. It was formed by professionals with several years of experience in the field of planning, architecture, urban development and socioeconomic analysis and research. The firm is managed by two main partners with important scientific and social activities, besides their professional skills.
In its ten years of operation, the Territory Planning & Design Network has successfully carried out emblematic public projects for the National Agency of Territorial Planning (AKPT) and the Albanian Development Fund (FSHZH) and private projects for prestigious investors such as ALBSTAR. We highlight the preparation of Local Plans for the four municipalities which comprise the Southern Coast (Albanian Riviera), the requalification of the 11.5km coastline of Vlore-Rradhim-Orikum and the development of a large-scale resort with the theme of a vernacular Italian town on the coast of Saranda (Manastir).
The firm’s work is developed in full compliance with EU standards, national policies, legislation and regulations. The partners and staff hold degrees from academic institutions with an international reputation and are experienced in collaborating with international clients and consultants. Up to now the firm has mobilized more than 25 international experts with missions in Albania.
Building on the above records, we are confident that we can provide high level services balancing the interest of our Clients with the benefit of the community and territorial quality.
TPDN was formed by a network of professionals with several years of experience in the field of planning, architecture, urban development and socioeconomic analysis and research. The firm is managed by two main partners with important scientific and social activities, besides their professional skills.
Dr. Athanasios Pagonis - Co-Founder and Director of TPDN.
Lead Designer and Planner. Technical Advisor for Land Use Management, Spatial and Urban Planning and harmonization with EU legislation, standards and territorial cohesion.
Associate professor of Urban Design and Planning at the School of Architecture Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens.
Professional expertise: Has been responsible for the preparation of several Local Plans as well as Masterplans and Detailed Plans. Team Leader in complex urban and architectural design projects. In 2018 he was responsible for the research project of Lycabettus Hill, Land Mark of Athens (50 ha) for the Municipality of Athens in the framework of 100 Resilient Cities Program.
Previous engagements: Urban Design and Planning Consultant in international projects in Greece and abroad.
Education: Arch Eng, NTUA, Msc (Distinction) in Urban and Regional Planning Studies, LSE, PhD in Urban Planning, National Technical University of Athens, 2006.
Mirlinda Rusi (MA) – Co-Founder of TPDN, Manager of the company, responsible for operations in Albania
Professional expertise: Extensive experience on market research, regional & urban planning, statistical analysis (SME Performance, tax legislation), environmental economics financial sector, local governance, EU integration issues, public finance analysis.
Previous engagements: In 2001 she founded the Centre of Research and Development, an NGO based in Tirana that has successfully undertaken more than 80 projects working with prestigious organizations such as the World Bank, the American Embassy, several Ministries and has collaborated with a large number of international consultants.
Education: 1999 - M.A. in European Studies (with distinction) from Katholike University Leuven, Belgium. The focus of the Master studies was European financial market integration and the impact on banking sector. Graduated in 1987 as Economist from University of Tirana.
Mrs. Rusi is the holder of series of diplomas for attending courses and seminars regarding business administration. She received two research grants from EC/PHARE programme and NATO fellowship programme and has published many professional articles in international and local journals.
Erion Cobani – Structural Engineer, Project Coordinator at TPDN
Education: Faculty of Civil Engineering, State University of Tirana Msc in civil engineering grade 8,6/10 graduated in 2017.
Professional expertise: Structural Design and detailed design for buildings and outdoor spaces. As technical coordinator he has worked closely with local and international architects and other engineers for a variety of projects of the company including bicycle route and parkings, hydraulic engineer works, marina works, hotels, outdoor sports and recreational areas. He has succefully participated in last years in 8 important projects.
Alekos Liangos – Structural Engineer, (licensed in Greece), Senior Technical Advisor for Structural Design, Infrastructure and Detailed Design Education: Faculty of Civil Engineering, State University of Tirana, 30 years working experience Professional expertise: He has constructed a large number of buildings and complex projects in Greece working for large construction companies and alone in Thesaloniki, Grevena, Athens. Chief Engineer for the Project of the Requalification of Vlore Coastline and other design projects of TPDN. Dr. Theodora Giantzi - Structural Engineer, Marina Expert with30 years working experience. Education: National Technical University of Athens, Hydraulics Division, University of Piraeus Professional expertise: Member and Teaching Staff at the Laboratory of Harbour Works, National Technical University of Athens. She has a vast experience in the design of marina projects in Greece and abroad. Has conducted a large number of research programs and evaluations with NTUA. Julian Beqiri – Architect, Designer Education: Polytechnic University of Tirana, with Msc Architectural Design, Delft University of Technology with golden medal. Professional expertise: Architectural Design, Concept Design and Modelling, Design development. Experience in large scale projects and trained in working in international environments. Advanced computer and presentation skills. Experience in teaching and studio work. Previous engagements: Prior to joining TPDN upon returning to Tirana Julian has worked for 3 years in the office of OMA in Rotterdam. Kristi Roshanji – Architect Education: Polytechnic University of Turin Italy, graduated Architecture Engineering, results grade 104/110 Professional expertise: Architectural Design, Detailed Design and Modelling. Has more than 10 years’ experience in project design. Advanced computer skills. Previous engagements: Architect with private consultancies in Torino studios 2007-2009 and later on in Albania. Belina Belortaja – GIS expert Education: Master’s degree in Geographic Information Science and Cartography and Master of Science on Geoinformatics, Polytechnic University of Tirana Professional expertise: GIS expert and collaborator for the General Local Plans for the Municipalities of Vlora, Himara, Saranda and Konispoli. Drafting of the maps and their technical data for thisprojects. Preparing gis database for properties in Lot 1and 2 of Vlora Lungomare, pdv of Saranda prepared the maping system. Previous engagements: Specialist at Aluizni since 2014 and Manager at Metro Company from 2014 to 2016. Ervin Minarolli – Mechanical Engineer Education: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, State University of Tirana Professional expertise: Mechanical installations projects, environmental projects, transport projects, energy saving projects. Previous engagements: Director of Infrastructure, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport Edi Beqiri - Civil Engineer, BoQ and Estimation Engineer Education: Faculty of Civil Engineering, State University of Tirana with 30 years working experience. Professional expertise: Project design, implementation and control of construction work and process, licensed supervisor participating in different projects implemented from central or local government and private investors. Previous engagements: Director of Urban Planning, Commune of Qender, and Municipality of Vlore etc. Bexhet Çobani - Civil Engineer Education: Faculty of Civil Engineering, State University of Tirana Professional Experience: More than 20 years experience in design, implementation and control of construction work and process, in the position of supervisor in different subjects from central or local government or private investors. Designing in roads, water supply and buildings. Urban planning local expert for Himara General Local Plan and also local infrastructure expert for the drafting of the Detail Local Instrument of Jala. Previous engagements: Ex-Director at Albanian Regional Directory of Road Transport. Majlinda Guri- Administrator Education: Mediterranean University Tirana, Msc in Finance 2017 Professional Experience: Has supported TPDN team for more than 5 years as local manager and bookkeeper. Collaborators The main collaborator with TPDN is the Greek well-known company operating in market for more than 50 years, Thymio Papayannis and Associates Inc (TPA). The firm is among the few in Greece to provide internationally, integrated services in the fields of urban and spatial planning, architecture, landscaping, civil engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, and environmental science. TP & D has collaborated for issues related with transport planning and road design with DROMOS Consulting, one of the leading independent consulting organisations in Greece providing expertise in the areas of Road Design, Engineering and Transport Projects. TP & D has collaborated since 2017 for landscape design with the firm IO CARYDI, a Greek design studio based in Athens that specialises in landscape design and architectural infrastructures. DEA Studio sh.p.k represents one of the most qualified architectural companies in Albania with a large portfolio. The Company has more than 180 assigned projects and more than 130 finalized works. TP & D has collaborated for aspects of infrastructure design with HMK consulting sh. p.k, a well-established technical company in Albania that is licensed in all fields of infostructure design and project design. GENTALBA shpk (Genti Qirjazi and Konstantin Qirjazi) have been the main experts of TPDN for the preparation of topographic surveys, working with GIS, drones and orthophotos technology. Kujtim Sevrani, Hydro Engineer,with more then 35 years of experience. Cunsultant of TPDN for hydraulic part of the project of Vlora urban designe Lot 1-2. Adviser for different hydraulic iisues related in project designe that we developed. Albana Zotaj - GIS Expert Ertila Druga – Economist, Management, Socioeconomic Expert
International experts hosted by TP & D – CRD with missions in Albania since 2010 in the context of our projects:
Katerina Andritsou, Landscape Architect
Kosmas Anagnostopoulos, Urban Planner, Sustainable mobility expert
Io Carydi. Landscape Architect
Marios Danakos, Spatial Planner
Ioannis Demagkos, Road Engineer
Thymio Dimopoulos, Urban Planner
George Dimitropoloulos, Urban-Spatial Planner
Theodora Giantsi, Marina Engineer
Dr. Aris Ikkos, Tourism Expert
Dr. Nikos Karadimitriou, International Planning Expert
Panita Karamanea, Landscape Architect
Pinelopi Koutretsi, Urban Planner
Paris Kokorotsikos, Tourism and Socioeconomic Expert
Bart de Maar, Landscape Planner
Ersi Mantziara, Architect
Ivy Nanopoulou, Architect
Thymio Papayannis, Planning Expert and Environmentalist
Dimitris Poulios, Urban Planner
Giorgos Psarras, Architect
Aristidis Romanos, Architect and Urban Planner
Loukas Triantis, Urbanist
Eirini Tsakiropoulou, Urban Planner
Vasilis Tsesmetzis, Architect
Fereniki Vatavali, Urban Planning Expert
Konstantinos Zekkos, Transport Planner
Michalis Zekkos, Transport Planner
Bernard Cobani, Architect
Albana Kocollari, Architect
Ela Tolcucci, Sociology
Eno Kotmilo, Architect
Meri Laro, Architect
Franc Golemaj, Architect
Olsi Mehmeti, GIS Expert
Altin Kokaj, Architect
Lule Meta, Environmental engineer
