Karthik is a city planning and design expert who has shaped the future of many developments around the world. His deep insights into the development process converts into value addition to the projects giving them a competitive edge in the market and ensuring financial and environmental resilience. Karthik Karkal is the Head of Strategy and Planning at SM Smart City Infrastructure and Development Corporation (a fully owned subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings), responsible for delivering integrated master planning projects under its portfolio. He recognizes that the success of large-scale master planning projects cannot depend on a singular approach or by emulating similar developments. And that its true value lies in crafting its own strategy and roadmap working with policymakers, local government, investors, and planning & design professionals. This approach stems from his prolonged exposure to projects in multiple sectors & scales, in different geographies of the world. Karthik has a focus on providing environmentally and financially sustainable solutions to complex urban problems. Seeking for progressive and custom-built solutions he continues to educate himself on emerging policy, investment, and development trends to provide the most comprehensive solution that works for the individual market’s need. He has experience in master planning, real estate investments, sustainability, and many others. His designs advocate for the originality of design intent as well as sensitivity to the socio-cultural context.