Jonathan Smales has never taken the easy route — from leading Greenpeace UK to creating one of the UK’s most sustainable neighbourhoods. In this episode, we explore his journey into ethical development, the radical thinking behind the Phoenix in Lewes, and what it really takes to transform how we build homes and communities. He shares lessons from a lifetime of activism, the practical challenges of using timber and hempcrete, and why Human Nature is part developer, part movement. It’s a hopeful, grounded vision for the future of place. #podcast #humannature #architectsforchange #architectureandpolitics #architecture #planning #1.5millionshomes #labourgovernment #climatechange #biobasedmaterials #regenerativearchitectureLinks: https://www.humannature-places.com/

In this episode of Architects for Change, host Jay Morton sits down with Tamara Cincik, founder and CEO of Fashion Roundtable, to explore how fashion has successfully built political influence — and what architecture and the built environment can learn from it.

Tamara shares her personal journey from a working-class background into the fashion industry and politics, offering insights on community, aspiration, and the importance of creative industries to the UK economy.

They discuss the decline and regeneration of the high street, why policy needs to better support creative sectors, and how valuing cultural capital can help communities thrive. This conversation unpacks how government could rethink support for industries beyond the usual "jobs for the boys" and why investing in creative industries means investing in place, people, and prosperity.

Links:

Fashion Roundtable:

https://www.fashionroundtable.co.uk/

Fashion Roundtable podcast: https://www.fashionroundtable.co.uk/podcast

Regenerating Great British Wool:

https://www.fashionroundtable.co.uk/what-we-do-change-agency

#ArchitectsForChange
#Podcast
#TamaraCincik
#FashionRoundtable
#CreativeIndustries
#FashionAndPolitics
#PolicyAndPlace
#HighStreetRevival
#CulturalCapital
#UrbanFuture
#PlaceMaking
#CreativeEconomy
#FashionPolicy
#ArchitectureAndPolitics
#FutureOfPlace

What if developers didn’t just build homes — but built communities, hope, and long-term change?In this episode of Architects for Change, Jay Morton is joined by Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital & Centric and one of the UK’s most progressive voices in urban regeneration. From flipping his first house in Salford to investing millions each week in socially conscious development, Tim’s journey is anything but typical.He talks about transforming overlooked towns like Farnworth, the power of retrofit, working with metro mayors, and founding initiatives like Regeneration Brainery and Embassy Village. Whether it’s tackling homelessness or rethinking what regeneration can mean, Tim shares an honest, energetic, and often surprising take on what the future of housing could — and should — look like.

#capital&cetnric #architecture #politis #placemaking #housing #1.5million homesLinks: https://www.capitalandcentric.com/

https://www.embassyvillage.co.uk/

What if housing policy and design started with children in mind? In this episode, Jay Morton speaks with Dinah Bornat—co-director of ZCD Architects and author of the upcoming All to Play For: How to Design Child-Friendly Housing—about how play, community, and public space are being squeezed out of our cities. From forgotten post-war estates to the silent epidemic of parental isolation, Dinah shares eye-opening insights backed by years of research. We dive into why the UK’s current housebuilding model is failing families, what the government gets wrong about health and housing, and how small design moves—like moving the car—can radically transform lives. This is a powerful conversation about reclaiming our streets, reimagining suburbia, and building places where everyone can thrive. #housing #architecture #1.5millionhomes #labourparty #labourgovernment #politics #1960estates #gardencities

Useful links:

All to Play for: All to Play For: How to design child-friendly housing | RIBA BooksZCD Architects: ZCD Architects | Experts in people-centred city-making, architecture, and development

What if the voices most affected by the housing crisis never make it into the planning process? In this episode of Architects for Change, Jay is joined by Wyn Evans and Millie Dodd from Just Build Homes — a campaign amplifying the voices of the silent majority who want more homes built.

They explore their new report 6,000 Reasons to Build, based on real planning comments from supporters across the country. It reveals five powerful motivations for backing development — from hardship and generational fairness to sustaining rural communities.

It’s a rallying call to the built environment sector: change the language, centre human stories, and reframe housing as a public good. #YIMBY #Housing #labourgovenrment #planningreform #architecture #builtenvironment #politcs #architectsforchange

This week, Jay is joined by Mark Stevenson — author, advisor, and former comedian — whose work sits at the intersection of science, storytelling and systems change. Mark’s not a fan of the term “futurist,” but his career has been spent helping governments, companies and NGOs navigate what’s coming — and what needs to change.

He’s the author of An Optimist’s Tour of the Future and We Do Things Differently, co-founder of the carbon removals platform CUR8, and a Global Ambassador for ClientEarth. He also co-hosts the podcast Jon Richardson and the Futurenauts — and brings his trademark wit and clarity to this conversation.

Together, they explore:
– Why short-term thinking is wrecking our systems (and how to change the incentives)
– What architecture can learn from nature
– How carbon behaves like the “slut of the periodic table” and how to remove it.
– And why feelings, not facts, are often what drive real change

This is a funny, fiery and deeply practical episode about power, politics, and what it takes to build a future worth living in. Take it as a call to arms for us all to make the change we want to see.

Find out more about Mark Here: https://markstevenson.org/

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