About Douglas McDaniel

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Doug is Manager of Research and Innovation in Urban Planning at NEOM, where he is part of a team that manages a broad portfolio of advanced urban research projects with world-class architects, urban experts, economists, and behavioral scientists. From his long-standing work with archaeologists, urban planners, construction and engineering firms, as well as with mobility experts, concept artists, futurists and filmmakers, he brings a unique storytelling perspective to urbanism: one that that explores the past, present and future of sustainable city design.

He is also one of the producers of “Zero Gravity Urbanism: Principles for a New Livability,” a NEOM exhibition hosted at the historic Abbazia di San Gregorio in parallel to the Venice Architectural Biennale from 20 May-24 September 2023. The exhibition presents seven revolutionary, key design principles and extraordinary possibilities of THE LINE – NEOM’s flagship city.

He was previously a senior communications specialist at Bechtel, when he was first seconded to NEOM Urban Planning's Research and Innovation Department.

Prior to this assignment, he was one of the lead authors and editors on multi-billion dollar proposals in the global nuclear, security, environmental, and civil infrastructure industries in North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Southwest Asia, including Bechtel's landmark proposal for the NEOM Spine, a $50bn procurement.

He is the author of five books and a writer, director and producer of three feature-length films. Also a playwright, he has had three of his one-act plays performed by the Tennessee Stage Company under grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission.

Doug is a former newspaper beat reporter, sportswriter, and speechwriter who has interviewed national figures including Albert Gore Jr. and written speeches for former CDC Director (later Surgeon General) Dr. David Satcher. Doug was previously a public information specialist for SAIC and wrote numerous press releases and public affairs communications for the U.S. DOE and the CDC. He was an editor on the Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health.

Doug was also previously a software executive, managing multi-million dollar projects for the Federal Highway Administration and commercial clients.

Doug attended Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee.