Fathom Studio Grows Planning Practice with Jacob Ritchie’s Return
Fathom Studio is proud to announce that Jacob Ritchie has rejoined the firm as Managing Principal – Planning, bringing with him over two decades of public-sector experience and leadership in city-building, infrastructure, and urban policy. His return marks a strategic milestone in the studio’s continued growth and will further strengthen the depth and capacity of its planning practice.
Jacob will support and collaborate with Rob LeBlanc, Fathom’s Founding Partner and Director of Planning, who will remain at the helm of the firm’s planning division. Together, Rob and Jacob will lead Fathom’s planning team into its next chapter, guiding the delivery of visionary, implementable, and community-focused planning projects across the region.
“Rejoining Fathom is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a growing and talented team,” says Ritchie. “I look forward to helping lead our teams as we solve the complex challenges facing cities and regions. Municipalities are currently seeking ways to prepare for an uncertain future. Fathom’s breadth of experience across diverse communities places us in a prime position to help all orders of government and the private sector make intelligent investments and build resilience.”
Over the past five years, Fathom has grown significantly across all its divisions—architecture, landscape architecture, experiential graphic design, and urban planning. Fathom is hard at work on the Dartmouth Waterfront Plan, multiple HRM growth nodes, the Stansfield’s Major Development in Truro, Dalhousie University’s Centre for Green Energy Innovation and new student residence, MSVU’s Centre for Child Care, and the much anticipated Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre. The firm just completed the Keshen Goodman Library Renovation, the new JACBA Centre of Excellence in Digby and Moncton Vision Lands plan.
Ritchie’s public-sector expertise directly complements Fathom’s mission and where the company sees opportunities for continued growth. At Halifax Regional Municipality, he served as Urban Design Program Manager, where he led the creation of the Dutch Village Road policy, oversaw the award-winning redesign of Argyle Street, and played a key role in the development and implementation of the Centre Plan—a bold growth strategy that redefined planning in the Regional Centre.
He later served as Director of Operations for the Halifax Regional Centre for Education, where he modernized the delivery of student transportation across HRM and introduced modular school construction to address pressing space needs in growing communities. These roles demonstrate Jacob’s ability to turn strategic policy into impactful, built outcomes—skills that will help support and amplify Fathom’s existing planning efforts under Rob LeBlanc’s leadership.
Earlier in his career, Jacob led placemaking and waterfront infrastructure projects at Waterfront Development Corporation (now Build NS). His career reflects a deep commitment to civic leadership, public benefit, and the long view of city-building.
“I tend to describe my work history as a series of design and policy experiences that encompass every aspect of city building,” says Ritchie. “From urban growth policy to education infrastructure and waterfront revitalization, I’ve seen how thoughtful planning can truly transform communities.”
“Jacob’s return is a welcome homecoming and a strategic investment in the continued strength of our planning team,” says Rob LeBlanc. “Jacob’s insight, experience, and collaborative approach will help us expand our impact and take on increasingly complex challenges.”
The Fathom’s approach is rooted in interdisciplinary collaboration and strong partnerships. The studio regularly works with governments, institutions, Indigenous communities, private developers, and peer firms to deliver inclusive and effective planning processes. With this strengthened leadership team, Fathom is poised to build on its legacy and continue shaping resilient, equitable, and future-ready communities across Atlantic Canada and beyond.