In this episode of Architects for Change, host Jay Morton sits down with Christopher Young KC—widely regarded as the UK’s leading planning barrister—for a no-holds-barred conversation on the future of housing, planning, and politics.

Chris shares his journey into planning law and dives deep into the big questions:

• How do we actually deliver 1.5 million homes?

• What’s holding the system back?

• Why has localism failed—and what needs to change?

• Is the green belt still fit for purpose?

• And what role should planning really play in shaping our national future?

With trademark clarity and unapologetic honesty, Chris makes the case for bold reform, better design, and a planning system that finally works for people—not just process.

🎧 A must-listen for anyone interested in the built environment, housing policy, or how real change can actually happen.

Also check out Chris podcast, Have We Wot Planning News For You : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcMtoF0MPgFble556ncjNvQ

#1.5millionhomes#labourparty #matthewpennycook#labourgovernment#Architecture#UrbanPlanning#HousingCrisis#PlanningPolicy#BuiltEnvironment#UrbanDesign#AffordableHousing#ChristopherYoungKC#ArchitectsForChange#CityMaking#PlanningReform#GreenBelt#HousingPolicy#Infrastructure#Regeneration

In this episode of Architects for Change, Jay sits down with the brilliant and unconventional Steve Webb of Webb Yates Engineers. From his early days growing up surrounded by builders and mechanics to pioneering the use of stone and timber in modern construction, Steve challenges the status quo of the built environment. We discuss why the industry resists innovation, the true carbon cost of materials like steel and concrete, and why he believes craftsmanship—not automation—could be the key to a more sustainable future. Thought-provoking, inspiring, and filled with fresh ideas, this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about rethinking the way we build.

Projects discussed:

The real estate industry is at a crossroads. With rising costs, outdated policies, and shifting workplace expectations, how do we build for the future without repeating the mistakes of the past?

On this episode of Architects for Change, I sit down with Tyler Goodwin, CEO of Seaforth Land, to explore:

🏗 Retrofit vs. New Build – Why demolition isn’t always the answer
💰 The Profit Crisis – Why real estate isn’t making money (and what needs to change)
🏢 Earning the Commute – How office spaces need to evolve to stay relevant
🏡 1 Million Empty Offices = 1 Million Potential Homes – Why aren’t we converting them?
🔄 Sustainability & Policy – Why current rules are making it harder, not easier, to innovate

Tyler brings decades of experience in global real estate investment, development, and sustainability.

Useful Links:

Seaforth Land: https://www.seaforthland.com/

Bleeding Heart Yard: https://nla.london/projects/8-bleeding-heart-yard-1

Tyler NLQ article: https://nla.london/new-london-quarterly/nlq-issue-59

#Retrofit #RealEstate #Sustainability #Architecture #UrbanDesign #FutureOfCities #Architectsforchange #seaforthland #tylergoodwin

Two Architects and political geeks come together in this special joint episode, Architects for Change teams up with Urban Forecast Podcast as Jay Morton and Oliver Lowrie dive into the powerful connection between politics, architecture, and urban regeneration.

Oliver, Director and founder of Ackroyd Lowrie Architects and host of Urban Forecast, shares insights on how local government leaders often have the greatest influence on urban development. He highlights why architects must engage with policymakers early, how political vision (or the lack of it) shapes major projects, and the challenges of navigating planning policies. Jay, Director at Bell Phillips, brings her perspective on sustainable innovation, community engagement, and lessons from her own foray into politics.

Together, they explore fast-paced decision-making, the impact of government stability on investor confidence, and why a cross-industry approach is essential for the future of construction and urban design.

 Links:

Ackroyd Lowrie: https://www.ackroydlowrie.com/

Bell Phillips: https://www.bellphillips.com/

Urban Forecast: https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanForecast

A short voice note from Jay the host of Architects for Change. Here Jay reflects on the past year and what listeners have to look forward to in 2025.

A call to action for architects to take the lead in transforming the profession and the industry:

In this episode, Jat sits down with Doug Hodgson, co-founder of New-works, to discuss how his practice is redefining sustainability in architecture. From materiality and workforce well-being to the importance of collaboration and specialism, Doug offers an insightful look into the shifts needed in our industry. We explore New-works’ innovative approach to balancing creative flow with structured processes, their focus on sustainability in design and practice, and the pressing need for architects to unify and advocate for meaningful change. A must listen for anyone passionate about the future of architecture and its role in shaping better communities.

New-works: https://www.new-works.net/

The Pheonix, Lewes: https://www.phoenixlewes.com/

#architecture #profession #sustainable #riba #buildings #places

 In this episode, Jay sits down for an inspiring conversation with Eliot Postma, partner and group leader at Heatherwick Studio.

Eliot shares how Heatherwick Studio’s philosophy—focusing on detail, visual complexity, and emotional design—has shaped projects like the Olympia redevelopment. From the neuroscience behind great architecture to the role of lift buttons in making spaces feel human, this episode is packed with insights for anyone passionate about the future of our cities.

Tune in to discover how design can inspire joy, connection,

#HeatherwickStudio #HumaniseCampaign #Architecture

Projects discussed

Olympia, Heatherwick Studio: https://heatherwick.com/project/london-olympia/

Burgess Park, Bell Phillips: https://www.bellphillips.com/burgess-park-pavilion

Appleby Blue, Witherford Watson Mann: https://www.wwmarchitects.co.uk/projects/almshouse-southwark

Humanise campaign: https://humanise.org/

Drinks Reception, Thursday 28th November: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/architects-for-change-drinks-reception-tickets-1050871724617

In this episode of Architects for Change, Jay sits down with Charlie Lemner, a Healthy Homes expert and host of The Healthy Home Show. With a background in property development and building biology, Charlie shares her journey from real estate to advocating for human-centered design that prioritises well-being.

Together, they discuss:
🔹 The hidden health risks in our homes and workplaces, from toxic materials to poor ventilation
🔹 Practical steps architects and developers can take to create healthier environments
🔹 How sustainability and health go hand in hand in building design
🔹 The challenges—and opportunities—of shaping healthier cities and communities

From retrofitting older properties to designing the homes of the future, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and bold ideas for creating spaces that truly support human health.

Useful links:

https://charlielemmer.com/ where you can access Charlies podcast The Healthy Home Show .

Appleby Blue Alms House: https://hdawards.org/scheme/appleby-blue-almshouse/

In this episode of the Architects for Change Podcast, Jay sits down with Pierre Bidaud, a master stonemason and creative director of the Stone Masonry Company. With a deep passion for sustainable building practices, Pierre shares his journey from joining a journeyman guild to mastering the art of working with natural stone. Together, they explore why stone should be seen as a commodity rather than a luxury and how the disconnect between architects, engineers, and the materials they use has impacted the industry.

Pierre delves into the challenges facing the construction world today, including the invisibility of craftsmen in the building process, the importance of respecting raw materials, and how stone, despite being centuries old, can be a sustainable, low-carbon alternative to modern materials. They also discuss innovative ways to reintroduce stone as a structural material in affordable housing projects and rethink its role in the broader construction industry.

This episode is a must-listen for architects, builders, and anyone interested in the future of sustainable architecture and the role of traditional materials in modern design.

#stone #architecture #politics

Useful links :

15 clerkenwell close Amin Taha: https://www.architecture.com/awards-and-competitions-landing-page/awards/riba-regional-awards/riba-london-award-winners/2018/15-clerkenwell-close?srsltid=AfmBOor6N7Z6X-yY08XqZkMGZHIvqhITay6Fj8A8mLwWye5g32fU0rDC

The stone masonry company : https://www.thestonemasonrycompany.co.uk

In this episode of Architects for Change, Jay sits

Join us as we explore what it takes to create healthier,

Find out more about Gil and 8 80 cities here:

#Architecture

#Architectsforchnage

#politicsofspace

#poltics

#canada

#toronto

#urbanplanning

#housing