Team — Place Cadets Trust

Our Team

Dr Wendy Hoddinott

Wendy is a landscape architect who designs with children, not just for them. With nearly 20 years’ experience working with schools, councils, and communities, her work centres on ensuring children’s insights are valued in the places they use every day. Supported by her PhD research, she brings a structured approach to participation that leads to more inclusive and meaningful outcomes.

Wendy is the founder of Place Cadets Trust and a member of the IFLA Child and Youth Working Group. Wendy’s work on Place Cadets has been recognised with a New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects award in recognition of its child-centred and collaborative approach to design.

Founder & Landscape Architect (Registered)

Rosie Murphy

Rosie works at the intersection of design, education, and participation. An architectural designer, educator, and facilitator, she brings experience in youth and community engagement, architectural education, and inclusive design practice, including work with MATT+FIONA in London.

At Place Cadets, Rosie works closely with children, schools, and communities on co-design projects, helping translate ideas into meaningful design outcomes. She has a particular strength in creating engaging and inclusive processes where children feel confident to contribute, explore ideas, and actively shape the places they care about.

Design & Youth Engagement

Design & Build

Jonny Hall

Jonny is the founder, designer, and maker behind Cast, a small design/build practice specialising in bespoke builds and adaptable modular solutions. He has a unique ability to turn children’s ideas into carefully crafted, buildable outcomes, finding practical ways to ensure the character, creativity and individuality of each project.

Jonny has been part of the Place Cadets team from the beginning, helping translate children’s ideas from sketches and models into real-world outcomes. His collaborative approach and hands-on making expertise help bridge the gap between imagination and construction, ensuring projects remain grounded in the original ideas and energy of the children involved.

Petra Mingneau

Petra captures the story of each project as it unfolds. Her photography focuses on the process as much as the outcome - subtle moments of curiosity and discovery and where children begin to see their ideas and experiences reflected in the places taking shape around them.

Petra has a natural ability to connect with children, putting them at ease and capturing the confidence, concentration and joy that emerges through the process. Her images communicate the value and impact of our work and create a lasting record of each project.

Photographer & Creative Support

Jono Kitt

Jono works alongside children and communities to support meaningful participation in Place Cadets projects. With a background in community work, he brings extensive experience in supporting wellbeing, relationship-building, and creating environments where people feel comfortable, included and able to contribute.

He has a particular strength in building trust and putting people at ease. This helps everyone, especially those who might otherwise hold back, feel confident to share their ideas. His warmth and sense of humour create a relaxed atmosphere where people can participate naturally and authentically.