Let’s make your complex ideas clear!

Hello! I’m Lisa.

I’m the founder and principal consultant at Scribe Technical. As an urban planner skilled in technical communications, I help write and edit the documents that professionals prepare every day.

I help other urban experts tell their story to decision makers, partners, and the public – for clarity, understanding, and impact.

I specialize in editing the reports, plans, proposals, studies, and the many other documents that community- and city-builders need.

It’s a unique combination in Canada, and beyond!

I’m on a mission to make your writing clear, persuasive, and most of all, effective.

Learn more about me.

Lisa Orchard sitting behind a white desk holding a coffee cup with the words "Scribe Technical"

An editor who understands communities and cities

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Clear

I edit for accuracy and consistency to build greater understanding of your project and help you get the buy-in you need to move your project forward.

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Persuasive

I assess, analyze, and refine your documents for your intended audience and purpose – whether you want to win hearts, minds, or both.

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Effective

I create positive, action-oriented, polished documents so you can meet your project objectives – and build your reputation as a subject matter expert.

City Builders Write writing guides.

Your civic clarity partner

I do more than just edit your documents! I build individual and team capacity by providing:

  • Writing guides for new and seasoned professionals and tools for organizations of all kinds.
  • Training webinars for groups of all sizes and courses for small groups.

Learn more about our tools and training.

Technical skills alone will only get you so far!

As your editor, I

  • evaluate your drafts,
  • transform them with clear, understandable, actionable language,
  • edit them for precision and readability, and
  • add the final polish that helps you impress your readers and build credibility as a trusted expert.

Learn more about how I can help you have an impact.

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We all need a boost from time to time

Professionals in planning, engineering, architecture, design, and related fields recognize the need to tell a compelling story, even about the most complex subjects, to get the results they’ve been working for – often for months.

As your editing partner, my services include helping you

  • figure out who your main reader really is
  • tell a clear, compelling story, with strategic insight
  • be competitive when the big, exciting projects are at stake
  • showcase your subject matter expertise
  • improve internal workflows (we all want to wrap up by version 17!)
  • connect with, and build support from, decision-makers, project partners, and the public
  • influence how our communities work, grow, and develop – today and over the long term.

I’m proud that our clients come back to us

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“In my years as a publisher and an urban planner, I have never come across an expert who understands ‘plannerese’ in urban planning and is able to translate it into ‘plain language’ as much as Lisa Orchard ! As part of our London Zoning By-law review team, and as our back-up editor at NRU Publishing, I’ve had the opportunity to see her apply her keen eye to detail, strategic advice and understanding, and top-notch editing skills to a number of projects. She is collegial and always delivers on what’s promised. I recommend her for any organization that wants to deliver clear, accurate, professional reports and plans.”

— Ian Graham, Publisher at NRU Publishing & Director at R.E. Millward + Associates Ltd.

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“Contrary to some of my previous experiences, Scribe was able to upgrade my project without leaving me with the sense that I was losing control of its direction. Scribe was willing to put up with my own suggestions and comments, and got back to me promptly with each solution or change… I would recommend Scribe to others. In my business, I deal with lots of other small businesses with similar needs, and I will definitely be passing Scribe’s contact info!”

— Jeremy Hudspith, South Light Design/Build

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“Lisa is the technical writer you want on your team. She is a great listener and a great writer and you can rest assured that the deliverable is top notch. She is also an incredibly pleasant person to work with.”

— Naama Blonder, Smart Density

Let’s connect!

Send me a message at [email protected] or use the contact form below.