How Might We

Housing does not have to be a speculative asset. Levent Kerimol makes the case for a different model—one that gives residents real control, keeps homes affordable over time, and helps community-led housing grow without losing its local character.Levent is the founder of Collective Ownership, a secondary housing cooperative built on eight years of community-led housing work. In this conversation, he explains why resident-led housing projects can stall before they get started—and how a two-tier cooperative structure can reduce friction and risk, helping groups move from idea to acquisition.You’ll discover:

• What a secondary housing cooperative is and why it matters
• How collective ownership gives residents a say in repairs, governance, and daily decisions
• Why decommodifying housing means more than lowering rents
• How cost-based charges can help sustain long-term affordability
• How a central body can help cooperatives borrow more affordably and grow sustainably

The conversation also explores a deeper tension at the heart of the housing crisis: homes are increasingly treated as financial products, while stability, belonging, and resident control are pushed aside. Levent explains how community-led housing can protect those priorities while working within the realities of finance, regulation, and growth.He makes the practical case for acquiring existing homes rather than relying only on new development, discusses the climate benefits of reusing buildings, and identifies policy changes that could help the model spread—from grant funding barriers to stamp duty rules.If you care about housing, affordability, community, climate, or the future of ownership, this is an essential conversation about what homes are for—and how we might make them work better for the people who live in them.

Find out more and support Collective Ownership here

The conversation revolves around the mission of Don't Waste Buildings, a movement aimed at promoting the reuse of existing buildings to combat climate change and reduce embodied carbon. The speakers discuss the challenges and opportunities in the built environment sector, emphasizing the need for policy reform, economic incentives, and community engagement to shift the focus from new builds to retrofitting existing structures. They highlight the importance of collaboration across various stakeholders and the potential for significant social and economic benefits through adaptive reuse of buildings.

Find out more about Don't Waste Buildings here

00:00 Introduction to Online Publications and Technical Glitches

00:23 The Importance of Adaptive Reuse

07:14 The Economic and Social Opportunities of Retrofit

10:30 Changing Perspectives on Old Buildings

12:49 The Role of Local Councils and Policy Implementation

15:29 The Future of Building Development and Community Needs

19:23 Lack of Vision in Politics

21:07 Climate Responsibility and Governance

22:17 Decarbonizing Construction

23:26 Collaboration in the Built Environment

29:08 Engaging Communities in Built Environment

32:20 The Art of Persuasion in Climate Action

36:15 Drivers of Change in Policy

37:46 Financial Incentives for Sustainable Development

44:46 Global Examples of Successful Policies

this week patrick is joined by Isaac Vale as they delve into the ESG initiatives at Here East, focusing on sustainability, circular economy, and community engagement.

discover the challenges and successes of implementing these initiatives and the potential for Here East to become a hub for circular economy experiments.

read more about Here East's ESG work here

connect with Isaac here

In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of affordable art spaces with CEO of Second Floor Studios & Arts Nichole Herbert Wood. From her beginnings in business economics to her transformative journey into the arts, Nichole shares her insights on the challenges artists face in securing affordable studio spaces. We explore the concept of "creative destruction" and the importance of long-term decision-making in the arts sector.

Nichole also introduces her innovative formula for determining true affordability, emphasising the need for community-driven solutions and policy interventions.

Join us as we uncover the complexities of balancing passion and practicality in the art world.

Read more about the Herbert Affordability Formula (HAF) here

Check out Second Floor Studios & Arts Here

Chapters

00:00 Nichole's Journey into the Arts

06:52 The Importance of Long-Term Decision-Making

08:21 The Healing Power of Art

09:55 Addressing the Crisis of Affordability

17:21 Understanding the Economics of Artist Studios

24:31 Defining True Affordability for Artists

29:59 Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Artists

32:06 The Creative Industries vs. Traditional Arts

35:55 The Role of Artists in Society

40:13 Challenges in Acquiring Spaces for Artists

51:41 Alternative Models for Community-Driven Development

59:27 The Herbert Affordability Formula

This week I sit down with Councillor Chris Kennedy (London Borough of Hackney) who reflects on the complexities of working in local government for more than two decades. We cover affordable housing, the impact of global issues on local communities, and the joy found in serving the public. Kennedy emphasises the need for hope and resilience in the face of challenges, advocating for a collaborative approach to governance that includes local organisations and citizens.

Chapters

00:00 From Acting to Politics: A Journey

02:29 The Intersection of Acting and Politics

04:46 The Role of a Councillor: Representation and Responsibility

06:46 Engaging with Constituents: Beyond Political Affiliations

10:11 The Burden of Local Politics

15:51 Changes in Local Governance: A Historical Perspective

19:06 Addressing Housing Affordability Challenges

22:33 Global Issues Impacting Local Politics

26:55 Finding Joy in Local Governance

29:44 The Joy of Making a Difference

30:33 Intuition vs. Evidence in Decision Making

34:04 The Complexity of Social Issues

34:56 Government and Responsibility

35:55 Co-production and Community Engagement

38:55 Technology and Local Government

43:15 The Evolution of Hackney Wick

46:16 Changing Demographics and Community Needs

52:33 Building Community Spaces Together

56:52 Navigating Social Friction in a Diverse Community

01:03:00 Complexities and Joy in Local Governance

In this conversation, Tom Lewith discusses the evolution of his architectural practice from TDO to New Works, emphasising a collaborative approach that prioritises mental health and creativity. He introduces the concept of 'Field Work', a new initiative aimed at engaging landowners in a way that aligns their values with community development. The discussion explores the challenges of the construction industry, the importance of trust in relationships, and the potential for generational thinking to foster resilience in communities. Lewith advocates for a shift in focus from short-term profits to long-term community benefits, highlighting the need for innovation and collaboration in architecture.

Subscribe now to stay updated on future episodes where we continue to explore the intersection of profit and purpose in various industries.

Find out more about New Works

Chapters

00:00 The New Works Model: A Shift in Architecture Practice

14:05 Field Work: Collaborating with Landowners for Community Benefit

21:12 Aligning Interests: Landowners and Developers

27:38 Creating Community Value Over Profit

32:56 Building Trust in Development

37:22 Generational Thinking and Resilience

41:39 The Future of Development: Collaboration and Change

This week, Ryan Walker discusses his journey in the culinary world, focusing on the innovative practices at Silo, a zero waste restaurant. He shares insights on balancing roles in the kitchen, the challenges of implementing sustainable practices, and the importance of fermentation in creating flavors while minimising waste. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of food waste management and the need for systemic change in the food industry to address environmental concerns.

Find out more about Silo here

Chapters

00:00 Balancing Roles: Kitchen, Restaurant, and Factory

03:49 The Challenge of Zero Waste Cooking

09:47 The Journey to Fermentation and Innovation

16:51 Challenges in Implementing Sustainable Practices

29:08 Transforming Waste into Resources

40:06 Building a Community-Centric Industrial Ecosystem

In this week's conversation, Patrick and Dr Johnny Drain discuss the anticipation surrounding Johnny's upcoming book Adventure in Fermentation, the journey of writing and reflection, and the exploration of fermentation as a spiritual and creative process. They delve into the role of serendipity in discovery, the intersection of creativity in science and cooking, and the understanding of microbial intelligence. The conversation also touches on the future of food, sustainability, and the importance of community in driving change.

Pre-Order Adventures in Fermentation here

Learn more about WinWin Food Labs here

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Johnny Drain Author of Adventures in Fermentation

07:27 Fermentation: A New Frontier in Food

20:28 Understanding Biofilms and Their Impact

26:29 The Art of Smen: Aged Butter from North Africa

37:39 João Loco: A Journey to Sustainable Farming

47:21 Lab-Grown Meat: A New Frontier

51:56 Creativity and Nature: Reflections

In this conversation, Kae & Patrick discusses the challenges and innovations in the textile recycling industry, particularly focusing on Fibrelab's journey in creating sustainable products from textile waste. The discussion covers the importance of community engagement, the recycling process, and the future vision for Fibrelab, emphasising the need for collaboration and support from local businesses and government to drive change in the industry.

Find out more about Fibrelab here

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of Fibrelab and Paper Text

05:25 The Recycling Process and Innovation

08:35 Navigating Business Identity and Funding

11:19 Community Engagement and Local Impact

17:26 Sustainable Business and Policy Landscape

24:29 Challenges in Textile Waste Management

28:46 The Need for Space in Sustainable Practices

33:24 Balancing Revenue and Impact

37:24 Vision for the Future of FibreLab

In this week's conversation, Nathan Miller discusses the ambitious vision for the East London Waterworks Park, a community-led initiative aimed at transforming an underused industrial site into a biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds and outdoor learning spaces. The project emphasises community engagement, co-design, and sustainability, while navigating challenges related to funding and social value.

Find out more about East London Waterworks Park

Chapters

00:00 The Vision for East London Waterworks Park

12:37 Community Engagement and Co-Design

24:14 Funding Challenges and Future Prospects

40:55 Navigating Complexity in Community Engagement

51:25 Creating Organic Collaboration in Projects