“Maren is a consumate professional and a pleasure to work with. As a Planner, her work is detailed and complete without it being boring or complicated. She is able to communicate ideas effectively. Possessing a sensitive and respectful demeanor, Maren works well with others to quickly earn their trust and cooperation. The enthusiasm she has for her work is mildly contagious and underscores her passion and commitment.”
We respectfully acknowledge that while our work takes place across Turtle Island, the land on which we live, work and play is located on the unceded, Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.
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Maren Luciani, MA, MCIP, RPP
Founder & Principal Planner
For more than 20 years, I've had the privilege of working alongside municipalities and Indigenous communities to support planning that reflects community values, strengthens relationships, and creates lasting positive change.
I founded Meraki Community Planning in 2016 because I believe planning involves more than policies and land use—it's about people, relationships, and caring for the places we call home. My role is to help communities navigate complex decisions through collaborative, respectful, and community-led planning.
My work focuses on community-led land use planning, strategic planning, and policy development. I approach every project through a relationship-based lens, recognizing existing governance frameworks and ways of knowing while helping build stronger, more resilient communities. I believe great planning should be both practical and inspiring, combining meaningful community engagement, creative visualization, and innovative approaches tailored to each community to create plans that people understand, connect with, and are excited to bring to life.
I'm honoured to have my work recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Indigenous Planning Studio at the University of Manitoba. What matters most to me is earning the trust of the communities I work with and supporting planning processes where people feel heard, respected, and empowered.
Outside of work, you'll typically find me on my bike, hiking with my dogs, or working in my garden. Spending time outdoors keeps me grounded and continually reminds me of the importance of thoughtful stewardship and community-centred planning.
Saeideh Hejazi, MURP
Planning & GIS Specialist
I support Meraki's planning projects through community engagement, research, data analysis, and GIS mapping for Indigenous and municipal planning initiatives. With a background in Urban and Regional Planning and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), I enjoy using mapping, data, and visual communication to transform complex information into clear, meaningful insights that support thoughtful planning and decision-making.
I bring a collaborative and detail-oriented approach to every project and have contributed to a wide range of planning and mapping initiatives, including municipal infrastructure projects and volunteer work supporting disaster mitigation planning with organizations such as the United Nations, the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association, and Crowd2Map Tanzania.
Outside of work, I enjoy gardening—especially growing herbs—along with biking and painting, and I'm always eager to learn new skills.
Jennifer Cook, BA
Design & Visual Communication Specialist
I help bring planning projects to life through thoughtful design, visual storytelling, and clear communication. With a background in both print and digital design, I support Meraki's work through branding, WordPress website design, publication layout, infographics, data visualization, and user-focused design that makes complex information more engaging and accessible.
I enjoy transforming ideas into visually compelling deliverables that reflect each community's unique identity while helping plans communicate clearly, inspire action, and leave a lasting impression.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through weightlifting, CrossFit, hiking, trail running, mountain biking, paddleboarding, and golf. I'm also a former Ironman triathlete, having completed five full Ironman races and numerous half-Ironman events.
Josef Perszon
Photography, Film & Drone Specialist
I help communities share their stories through cinematic photography, videography, and aerial imagery that capture the people, places, and landscapes that make each community unique. With a background in commercial and corporate productions, I bring a creative perspective to Meraki's planning projects by creating visual content that enriches engagement, celebrates community identity, and brings planning initiatives to life.
I believe powerful imagery can strengthen connections and communicate ideas in ways that words alone cannot. Through thoughtful cinematography, drone photography, editing, and sound design, I create authentic visual experiences that help communities communicate their vision with clarity and impact.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through running, skiing, and rock climbing.
