20 Jul Meet Our Newest Principal: Julia Malisos, LEED AP

At T&B Planning, leadership is built through experience, collaboration, and a commitment to helping clients and communities thrive. We are pleased to celebrate Julia Malisos, LEED AP, on her promotion to Principal.

With more than 20 years of experience in the development industry, Julia has built a career defined by thoughtful leadership, technical expertise, and a passion for moving projects forward. As a former Planning Commissioner, the current District Council Assistant Chair of the ULI Orange County/Inland Empire Chapter, and trusted advisor to clients, Julia brings a unique perspective to land use planning, understanding projects from both sides of the dais and from the eyes of a professionally trained planner. Beyond her project work, she is known throughout the industry for her collaborative approach, mentorship, and dedication to helping others succeed.

We recently sat down with Julia to reflect on her career journey, leadership philosophy, and what excites her most about the future.

What first inspired you to pursue a career in planning?

“My journey into planning began in architecture school. While I still loved architecture, I realized I was more fascinated by the bigger picture than individual buildings. After taking an introductory planning course, everything clicked. My first assignment was creating a cognitive map, and I immediately knew I’d found the right path. I wasn’t just interested in designing buildings – I wanted to help shape entire communities.”

Looking back on your career, what experiences have shaped you the most?

“For me, there have been several defining moments. Walking a project that I helped design and seeing it come to life gave me an entirely new appreciation for the work we do. Serving as a Planning Commissioner provided invaluable insight into how projects are evaluated and ultimately approved, which continues to influence how I approach every entitlement strategy today.

Another unexpected milestone came from sitting in on a marketing meeting where a community brand was being developed. It reinforced the power of storytelling and reminded me never to be afraid to share ideas. And, thanks to Toastmasters, I was able to become a better public speaker, which has become an important part of my career.

I’m still learning every day. Each project teaches me something new, and those lessons continue to shape who I am as a professional land use planner”

What does becoming a Principal mean to you?

“Becoming a Principal means being part of an incredible team that has placed its trust in me to help lead. It’s a reflection of what hard work and a genuine passion for this profession can accomplish. When you truly care about what you do, the work becomes meaningful, and that’s what continues to motivate me.”

How has serving as a Planning Commissioner influenced your approach to projects?

“My experience as a Planning Commissioner gave me valuable insight into how commissioners evaluate projects and make recommendations. That perspective has stayed with me throughout my career, helping me better navigate the entitlement process and ultimately deliver stronger outcomes for our clients.”

What do you enjoy most about mentoring and developing others?

“I love sharing my passion for great placemaking. I want people to recognize that planners are a vital part of creating places where people will live, work, and gather. Whether it’s a master-planned community, a commercial center, or an industrial business park, I want our teams to feel proud of what they’ve helped create.

I hope my enthusiasm for this industry inspires others to find that same passion because the more we care about the work, the better the outcomes are for both our clients and the communities they serve.”

What excites you most about the future of T&B Planning?

“I’m excited to see our talented team continue to grow and excel. The growth I’ve already seen since joining the firm in 2024 has been amazing. I look forward to creating more opportunities for our planners and analysts to develop their careers, embrace new challenges, and achieve their goals. As our staff succeeds, so do the communities we plan and the clients we serve. I’m excited to see the lasting impact we’ll continue making together.”

What advice would you give to young planners entering the profession?

 “Look around, walk built projects, and stay curious. There is always more to learn. Challenge yourself to make each new project better than the last. Continuous improvement is what leads to meaningful results and lasting success.”

Throughout her career, Julia has exemplified the values that define T&B Planning – collaboration, integrity, innovation, and a commitment to building stronger communities.

As she steps into a Principal role, we look forward to her continued impact shaping projects, mentoring future leaders, and helping guide the continued growth of T&B Planning.