Last month, Hana Novak joined RICK’s Planning + Design Division, and we are more than excited to have her join the RICK family. Hana’s 25 years of experience in both the private and public sectors and her unique perspective are already bringing fresh insights to the Planning team. She brings an understanding of what makes plans economically viable while also keeping government regulations and approval conditions top-of-mind. Her passion for city planning and design paired with her drive to cultivate authentic relationships with collaborators make her a fantastic asset to RICK already.
“I’m so glad to be here and excited for the chance to grow our Planning + Design Division along the central coast of California.” —Hana Novak | RICK Principal Planner II
In her role as Principal Planner II, Hana is ecstatic for the chance to leverage her public sector and environmental planning experience to support larger projects, and she is looking forward to developing new relationships with RICK’s clients and partners. Hana will work out of our San Luis Obispo office, collaborating closely with RICK’s engineers and planners across the company.
While earning her bachelor’s degree in City and Regional Planning from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Hana discovered her love for all things city planning. After graduating, she began her first job working for the County of San Luis Obispo in both the Current Planning Division processing land use permits and in the Long-Range Planning Division processing general plan amendments.
From there, Hana worked for the City of Santa Maria processing and developing large and small subdivisions, and she assisted the Public Works Department with environmental review. Eventually, Hana began work for The Wallace Group, where she gained experience in project management and served as a consultant to the Los Osos Community Services District as the Wastewater Project Coordinator and Grant Writer.
In 2004, Hana started her own small residential development company, where she employed skills acquired in both public and private sectors, and she engaged in projects from start to finish. During her time there, Hana developed a wide variety of impactful projects. For example, her role as developer for the Forden Estate Subdivision in San Luis Obispo involved Hana leading a team to create a 2-acre subdivision of the old estate into 4 buildable residential lots.
She was also the developer of the legacy Hana Subdivision Project in Nipomo, California. After the completion of the 5-acre Hana Subdivision, a road in the area was named ‘Hana Lane’ as a marker of Hana’s exceptional work.
A streambed alteration with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the Rossi Pedestrian Bridge Project in Templeton, California was an environmental project highlight for Hana. Her coordination with biologists and education of crew members, among other tasks, all ensured the protection of a streambed ecosystem.
After years of honing and executing her skills, Hana’s early passion for contributing meaningfully to the built environment remains strong.
“Being able to affect the built environment in a way that impacts people’s lives is powerful.”
Outside of work, Hana has served as an Architectural Review Commissioner for the City of San Luis Obispo’s Architectural Review Committee, and she is looking forward to joining the Homebuilders Association’s Committee for Government Affairs. She also received a certificate of appreciation for serving on the City of San Luis Obispo’s Architectural Review Committee.
Welcome to the team, Hana! We are delighted to have your authentic and perspective-driven approach here at RICK; thank you for choosing RICK as your work home.