Planners


Matthew Barnes

Matt joined UDS in January 2026 & brings over 24 years of planning experience in South Florida. He has worked with WGI, Akerman, the Town of Miami Lakes, and Siemon & Larsen, supporting a wide range of projects including industrial, retail, residential, mixed-use, lodging, and religious developments. He has experience in due diligence, entitlements, as well as public representation. He is a member of the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners, and currently serves as President of the Palm Beach Planning Congress. Matt holds degrees from Kansas State University and UNC–Chapel Hill. Outside of work, he enjoys time on the golf course and spending time with his family, including visits to his daughter in Manhattan, Kansas.

Luis Bencosme

Luis joined Urban Design Studio in 2026, bringing more than a decade of experience in planning, zoning, entitlements, and real estate development. He holds a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning and an MBA from Florida Atlantic University. His background in both municipal planning and private development provides a well-rounded perspective and strategic approach to navigating the entitlement and development process.

Originally from the Dominican Republic and a longtime resident of West Palm Beach, Luis enjoys spending time with his family and boating, whether cruising the Intracoastal Waterway or deep-sea fishing.

Shayna Broadnix

Shayne joined UDS in 2003 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida Atlantic University. With extensive experience in institutional, industrial, retail, residential, and mixed-use developments, she has contributed to a diverse range of planning projects throughout her career. Her comprehensive understanding of land use and development supports the successful planning and execution of complex projects. Outside of work, Shayne enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with family and friends.

Valentina Broglia

Valentina joined the UDS team in January 2025 after working in the public sector with the City of West Palm Beach. She holds a degree in Urban Design from Florida Atlantic University and is an active member of the APA Florida Chapter. Outside of work, Valentina enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to explore global architecture, urban planning, and cultures.

 

Lauren Golem

Lauren joined the UDS team in January 2026 and specializes in commercial real estate development and entitlement strategy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida Atlantic University and has worked on complex commercial redevelopment projects across the United States, primarily in high-density urban markets. Her experience includes large-scale projects that balance development goals with regulatory requirements, design quality, and long-term functionality. She became a LEED Green Associate in 2013. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys deep-sea fishing, cycling, painting, and, as a self-proclaimed foodie, she loves experimenting with new cuisines and recipes.

Lentzy Jean-Louis

Lentzy joined the UDS planning team in 2020 after first interning with the firm in 2018. He holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, with a minor in Urban Planning, from the University of Central Florida. His professional experience includes land use and zoning analysis, site plan review, and the coordination of development approvals for residential, commercial, institutional, and mixed-use projects. Outside of work, Lentzy enjoys traveling, attending live music events, exploring new restaurants, following sports, and building his vinyl record collection.

Kayla McKenzie

Kayla joined the UDS team in April 2024 after earning her Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida Atlantic University. She has a strong foundation in sustainable development and community planning. Outside of work, Kayla enjoys traveling with her family, exploring new cultures and landscapes, and roller skating with friends to stay active.

Alejandro Toro

Alejandro joined the Urban Design Studio team in October 2025, bringing more than four years of planning experience with EDC Inc. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning & an undergraduate certificate in GIS from Florida Atlantic University. An active member of the APA Florida Chapter, Alejandro is passionate about advancing public transportation and fostering more connected, sustainable communities. Outside of work, he enjoys video production, woodworking, leathercraft, renaissance festivals, and exploring the outdoors through a variety of sports.

 

Ailish Villalobos

Ailish joined Urban Design Studio in 2004 after previously working with Miller Land Planning, Inc. With more than 20 years of land planning experience in Palm Beach County and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida, she brings extensive expertise in planning, zoning, design, development application processing, and project coordination. Known for her thoughtful approach and attention to detail, Ailish provides effective land planning solutions and successfully guides projects through the planning and zoning approval process. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and embracing the South Florida lifestyle.