Grow Places

In this insightful episode of the Grow Places Podcast, Tom Larsson sits down with one of the most forward-thinking voices in the UK real estate sector – Denz Ibrahim of Legal & General.  As Head of Futuring & Place, Denz shares how he and his team are turning traditional development models on their head by embedding creativity, community, and customer-centric design into every layer of placemaking.

We dive into Foundry, Legal & General’s innovative co-working and micro-enterprise platform that’s bringing underused spaces in town centres and new residential neighbourhoods to life. From repurposed job centres in Poole to high street rejuvenation in Wandsworth, Denz explains how Legal & General is curating ground-floor experiences that boost retention, attract independents, and generate holistic value.

Discover how long-term thinking, community programming, and the power of local businesses can create places with true character and soul — not just commercial assets. This episode covers:

• Rethinking retail and residential ground floors as dynamic, community-led environments
• The shift from passive landlord to active place curator
• The role of data, partnerships, and programmatic use in creating value
• Real-world stories from Eastbourne, Hove, Walthamstow, Bromley, and more
• Why place personality matters — now more than ever

This is a must-listen for anyone working in regeneration, BTR, asset management, or urban design — or anyone who simply cares about how we build better places.

In this milestone 50th episode of the Grow Places Podcast, host Tom Larsson sits down with renowned architect Kai-Uwe Bergmann, Partner at BIG, to explore the interplay between design, place-making, and global urban transformation.

Recorded at BIG’s London studio, this episode dives into:

• The evolution of BIG’s London office and its roots in the Google King’s Cross and Serpentine Pavilion projects
• BIG’s philosophy of context-driven design, balancing global thinking with local relevance
• Powerful case studies like CopenHill (a power plant-turned-urban ski slope in Copenhagen) and The BIG U (a visionary climate resilience project for Manhattan)
• Insights on the architect's role as storyteller, collaborator, and midwife to ideas
• How diverse, inclusive engagement shapes better built environments—from Bhutan to New York

Whether you're in architecture, development, or just fascinated by how cities evolve, this episode offers compelling insights on how bold ideas and thoughtful design can shape the future of our urban world.

In this episode of the Grow Places podcast, Tom Larsson sits down with James Armitage-Hobbs, Director at DP9, to ask a big question: What role does co-living play in the future of our cities?

They explore:

• How co-living has evolved over the past decade from a niche idea into a recognised housing model.
• Why loneliness, affordability, and housing shortages make professionally managed shared living so relevant today.
• The planning and policy challenges of a use class that doesn’t neatly fit existing categories.
• Lessons from early schemes, and how case studies shaped today’s “second-generation” co-living projects.
• The tension between creating amenities that build community within buildings and ensuring they also contribute positively to neighbourhood life.
• The potential of repurposing outdated office stock into sustainable co-living communities.
• How public benefit stories—affordable housing, ground floor uses, and wider economic impact—are reshaping conversations with local authorities.

As James reflects, “It was only when people could see live case studies that the model really started to gain traction.”  And as Tom observes, “Successful projects must enrich not just the building, but the neighbourhood and the city around it.”

This conversation dives deep into the opportunities and challenges of co-living, why it matters for London’s housing mix, and how it can help create more connected, resilient urban communities.

In this episode of the Grow Places podcast, Tom Larsson sits down with Keir Regan Alexander of Arka Works to ask a big question: Can architects stay relevant in the age of AI?

They explore:

• Why architects need to move beyond aesthetics to embrace responsibility, coordination, and strategy.
• How AI tools—from masterplanning software to generative models—are reshaping design practice.
• The risk of architecture being reduced to “product” and how the profession can push back.
• The evolving role of the architect as lead consultant, custodian of vision, and human in the loop.
• What bundling, unbundling, and future industry structures might mean for practice over the next decade.

As Tom reflects, “If architects only define themselves by aesthetics, they risk giving away the real value they bring.”
And as Keir warns, “The danger is treating design like pure science—cities and places are more human than that.”

This wide-ranging conversation looks at where value lies in architecture, how the profession can adapt, and why human judgement, taste, and responsibility remain essential.

In this episode of the Grow Places Podcast, Tom Larsson sits down with Pip Simpson, Director of Buildings and Renewal, at the Barbican. They explore the evolving role of cultural institutions in shaping cities, fostering creativity, and building community. Pip shares insights from her experience at major UK institutions, discusses the Barbican’s unique mixed-use design, and reveals plans for its ambitious revitalization. From architecture and accessibility to programming and public engagement, this conversation uncovers how spaces like the Barbican can inspire, connect, and adapt for the future.

In this episode of the Grow Places Podcast, we sit down with Rob Marten, co-founder of SPACE+, to explore why tribes — small, intentional communities — are at the heart of human-centric real estate events.

Rob reflects on his journey from organising a village music festival called “Twigstock” as a teenager to co-creating SPACEUK, one of the UK’s most distinctive property events. Through candid stories and industry insights, he explains how smaller, more focused gatherings help challenge assumptions, create serendipity, and foster the kind of connection the real estate sector urgently needs.

We discuss:

• The philosophy behind SPACE+’s "tribes" approach and why scale and intimacy don't have to be at odds.
• The importance of genuine diversity in event programming — and the responsibility organisers have in shaping who gets heard.
• Why real estate struggles with public-facing language (think: build-to-rent and single-family housing), and what that means for the sector’s future.
• How SPACE+ aims to “curate serendipity” and why in-person events still matter more than ever in a post-pandemic world.

From live music to meaningful placemaking, this episode is a deep dive into how we bring people together — and why it matters.

🔗 Listen now and discover how human-centred convening can change the face of real estate.

In this energising episode of the Grow Places podcast, Tom Larsson speaks with Kristian Riis—former rock musician and founder of creative placemaking agency Volcano —about the urgent need to rethink how we shape our cities, communities, and lives.

From life on tour with his band Nephew to working alongside governments, cultural entrepreneurs, and the King of Bhutan, Kristian shares how his passion for togetherness has evolved into a mission to transform the built environment. He unpacks the link between culture and wellbeing, why good placemaking is good business, and how temporary activation and flexibility are essential tools for the cities of tomorrow.

Recorded during Kristian’s visit to London for ULI Europe, this conversation weaves global perspectives with real local insight—from Copenhagen to Ulaanbaatar, Victoria Station to Truman Brewery. A powerful reminder that meaningful places aren’t just built—they’re grown, with creativity, compassion, and community at their core.

In this episode of the Grow Places Podcast, host Tom Larsson sits down with Sophie Rosier, Head of London Mixed Use, Development, at Savills to explore the evolving landscape of city-making. From her early days at Television Centre to leading complex regeneration projects like Brent Cross Town, Sophie shares how passion, collaboration, and strategic vision are reshaping London’s urban fabric.

They discuss the increasing complexity of unlocking major mixed-use developments, the role of long-term partnerships, and the transformative impact of early community engagement. Sophie also highlights the importance of programs like UrbanPlan in inspiring the next generation and how simple values—like building trust and safe, inclusive spaces—can drive long-lasting impact.

Whether you're a seasoned property professional or someone curious about how our cities are shaped, this episode offers a heartfelt and insightful look into the people and purpose behind large-scale development.

🎧 Tune in to hear how cities evolve—and how we can make them better.

In this new episode of the Grow Places Podcast, we explore one of the most critical but often overlooked elements of successful regeneration: trust.

Kat Hanna, Co-Managing Director (London) at Avison Young, joins us to talk about her journey from public policy into real estate, and how meaningful partnerships—rooted in trust—are essential for delivering real, long-term change in our towns and cities.

🎯 We cover:

• How regeneration strategies must evolve beyond physical design
• The role of inclusive thinking and authentic engagement
• What public and private sector actors can learn from each other
• Why building trust early is key to sustainable urban transformation

💬 “Regeneration can’t be delivered without trust—it’s not just strategy, it’s the foundation.” – Kat Hanna

What if we told you that the biggest driver of quality of life in a building isn’t space, location, or sleek design – but how connected people feel to each other?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Grow Places Podcast, Tom Larsson sits down with Adam Hinds, co-founder of LifeProven, to unpack what truly makes a place thrive. From ESG’s misunderstood reputation to surprising data on mental well-being in housing, this is a deep dive into how buildings influence lives – and how the real estate sector is only just beginning to catch up.

Adam shares the real reason LifeProven was born (hint: it started with a very awkward question from a university client), and how their pioneering approach is shifting decision-making for investors, developers, and policymakers alike.

Expect insight, humanity, and a few well-earned reality checks – plus a vision for the kind of places we should be creating, and what happens when data meets empathy at scale.

You’ll learn:

• Why the most powerful ESG investors aren’t backing down
• What “quality of life” really means – and how to measure it
• How dense urban living can still be deeply human
• Why clutter causes anxiety (and how to design that out)
• The design decisions that really matter – and the ones that don’t

If you care about the future of cities, real estate, or just want to know how your environment shapes your wellbeing – this one’s for you.

Learn more at growplaces.com