A fellow of The Landscape Institute, Fernandes joins the company with extensive public sector experience in landscape architecture, masterplanning, urban regeneration, public realm, active travel, climate adaptation, and blue-green infrastructure.

She has previously played a leading role in the delivery of major infrastructure programmes, local authority frameworks, climate adaptation strategies, waterfront regeneration initiatives, and complex placemaking projects across the UK. Over the course of her 20-year career, Fernandes has led multidisciplinary teams while overseeing technical leadership, client relationships, business development, and project governance.

In her new role at Stantec, Fernandes will work with Stantec’s community development and wider teams to develop creative and innovative design solutions to challenges relating to climate resilience, biodiversity, nature recovery, and health and wellbeing.

Working with a diverse range of public and private sector clients across the water, transport, and environment sectors, Fernandes will help shape sustainable, holistic, place-based strategies that deliver lasting value for communities and the environment.

Fernandes has worked closely with local authorities and public sector organisations to secure funding for projects, supporting clients in transforming early-stage ideas into funded initiatives with measurable outcomes.

“Many of the projects I enjoy most start with a bold vision and ambition rather than a fully developed brief,” said Fernandes. “I love working alongside clients and communities to shape their initial vision, unlock opportunities, and develop meaningful design outcomes that deliver tangible benefits for people and places. I’m excited to contribute to Stantec’s impressive growth in these regions and work across disciplines, markets, and sectors.”

“Ujwala is a strategic leader who is passionate about creating healthier, more resilient and more equitable places and environments,” said Greg Dickson, Stantec’s regional practice lead for Scotland and Northern England. “This ethos, her broad, diverse range of experience, and her creative approach to projects make her a perfect fit for Stantec, as we continue to expand our community development teams, skills, and offering both locally and nationally.”

Fernandes will be based out of Stantec’s Glasgow office.