About — Javier Leal

Javier is a Mexican urban planner and designer whose work focuses on the pursuit of a healthier and more equitable planet through transformative urban projects. Javier has dedicated his career to adapting cities into inclusive and resilient places from both the private and public sector through urban design, planning and architecture.

As the former Managing Director of IMPLANG, the San Pedro City Planning Institute in the Monterrey Metropolitan Area, he led efforts to overcome a historic disinvestment in public space and sustainable urban policies, overseeing the renovation of more than 15 parks and streets, and leading the city’s approval of zoning changes to promote new housing development.

Previously, he led the Design and Business Development team at CREO, managing real estate and public realm projects, including Arboleda and Distrito Valle del Campestre. An active member of his community, Javier serves on the committees of leading organizations in Monterrey: Distrito Tec, Chipinque Reserve, and Consejo Cívico.

Javier now leads a personal practice that blends the design and development of high-impact urban projects with consulting for like-minded mayors, developers, architecture firms, and organizations committed to a more equitable world for all.

EDUCATION
Massachusetts Institute of Technology / Master in City Planning, 2016
Tec de Monterrey / BArch, 2011

WORK EXPERIENCE
Municipal Institute for Urban Planning / San Pedro Garza García, México
General Director / 2020 - 2024
Mobility Director / 2018 - 2020

CREO / San Pedro Garza García, México
Urban Planning and Design Director, 2016 - 2018

Ciudad Emergente / Santiago, Chile
Urban Designer, 2015

Barco Estudio / San Pedro Garza García, México
Co-founder, Design Director, 2011 - 2014

Snohetta / New York City, U.S.A.
Design Intern, 2011