In this special debrief episode of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd reflect on the highs and lows of UKREiiF 2025 in Leeds. They explore the atmosphere, key themes and industry sentiment fresh from the event, comparing it to MIPIM, and sharing candid views on policy challenges and developer frustrations. With soundbites from local authority leaders, developers like Pocket Living, and advocates for inclusion like Women in Architecture, this episode tackles the state of UK housing delivery head-on. From Building Safety Act bottlenecks to affordability innovation, it’s a snapshot of a sector poised for action - if only regulation and leadership would catch up.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

UKREiiF 2025 felt more inclusive and optimistic than MIPIM, with stronger UK-centric engagement and a notable presence of local authority leaders, planners and policy-makers.

Weather makes a surprising impact on conference enjoyment, with Leeds sunshine lifting spirits compared to rainy Cannes.

The event's core message was clear: councils are “open for business” and hungry for delivery, but face real-world systemic blockers.

Viability remains the elephant in the room, with developers frustrated by unrealistic targets and post-event finger-pointing from the government.

The Building Safety Act is seen as a significant bottleneck, with many calling for clarity, simplification and practical reform to unlock housing delivery.

Pocket Living’s discounted housing model is an inspiring example of innovation in affordability, offering high-quality homes with a retained covenant for long-term market impact.

UKREiiF is around half the price of MIPIM, making it a more accessible and cost-effective event for firms looking to connect and collaborate.

There’s a growing appetite for collaboration across political lines and between sectors, but the rhetoric must match the resources and legislative clarity.


 BEST MOMENTS:

“The government has its foot on the accelerator and the brake at the same time.”

“Councils are saying we’re open for business, but are we actually set up to deliver?”

“Just tell us what we need to put in the gateways and it’ll be way easier.”

“UKREiiF is about half the cost of MIPIM, and you don’t have to pack your blue suit.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

How the Building Safety Act Is Changing Everything - Varun Soni

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei9p9yr1LKw

Global Challenges, Local Solutions for Architects – with Gary McLuskey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHJAWHJKrm4


ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.


CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/

LinkedIn

http://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcast

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Martyn Evans, Creative Director at Landsec, to explore how developers can create meaningful and enduring places, not just buildings.

Martyn shares the story of his unconventional entry into property through The Truman Brewery, and how authenticity, reuse, and patient vision can unlock extraordinary long-term value. He explains why developers must think beyond spreadsheets, why storytelling is an essential tool in shaping places, and how architects can prove their relevance by aligning design with purpose and performance.

This is a rich conversation about people, place, and the real ingredients of successful regeneration.


KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Great places start with people. Understanding how people live, work, and connect is the foundation of meaningful development.

Reuse over rebuild. The Truman Brewery’s transformation proves the value of working with what's already there.

Value takes time. Truly successful places may take decades to mature, but the long-term payoff is worth it.

Shared risk builds momentum. Turnover rent models and collaborative leasing strategies help unlock new opportunities.

Authenticity creates resilience. Real places, developed with care and patience, stand the test of time.

Creative direction matters. A clear narrative and strong design leadership bring coherence to complex urban sites.

Rethink the definition of value. Footfall, culture, and distinctiveness can be just as powerful as traditional covenants.

Architects must prove impact. Designers need to clearly demonstrate how their work adds commercial and social value.


BEST MOMENTS:

“Why would you not want to make a load of money by doing good stuff?”

“You don't need to demolish buildings if you can bring them back to life with a broom and a bit of vision.”

“Financial value is intimately connected to meaning. People go to places they want to be in places that resonate with them.”

“Start with ‘once upon a time’ and end with ‘the end’. The buildings come after the story.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 
https://landsec.com


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

How the Building Safety Act Is Changing Everything - Varun Soni
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei9p9yr1LKw

Global Challenges, Local Solutions for Architects – with Gary McLuskey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHJAWHJKrm4


ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.


CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/

LinkedIn
http://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcast

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Urban Forecast, Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Varun Soni, Director at The Property Smart Group, to unravel the complexities of the Building Safety Act and the Golden Thread. Varun shares hard-hitting insights into the regulatory shifts shaping how we design, deliver, and manage buildings, especially Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs).

From Gateway obligations to on-site coordination challenges, Varun breaks down what compliance now really means for architects, contractors, and developers alike. Whether you’re in planning, design, or construction, this episode is a must-listen if you want to stay ahead of the regulatory curve.


Key Takeaways:
The Golden Thread is non-negotiable – You must evidence everything from concept to completion, down to product substitutions on site.

Principal Designers face greater accountability – Even on non-HRBs, regular site presence is expected to ensure compliance.

As-built means as-built – Saying "as intended" is no longer acceptable; verified, accurate records are essential.

Applications face extreme scrutiny – Rejections now cover all Building Regs, not just fire safety, reflecting a more holistic standard.

Expect the HRB net to widen – Commercial spaces and hotels could fall under HRB definitions as height thresholds drop.

Narrative documentation is now critical – Explaining the “how” and “why” of decisions in long-form documents is part of the new norm.

Planning departments are overwhelmed – Delays are sometimes deliberate due to backlog, adding further complexity.

Fee structures must evolve – The scope of design work has expanded, yet fees haven’t always caught up.


Best Moments:

"No, as-built. Not as-intended, not as-constructed - as-built."

"If it’s a HRB, you don’t leave that site."

"We just want to change from A to B - it’s like, whoa, whoa, whoa. That’s a thousand different implications."

"Even a good application can be rejected for reasons you’d never expect - like wind building up between two towers."


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Global Challenges, Local Solutions for Architects – with Gary McLuskey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHJAWHJKrm4

Leading with purpose - Chris Williamson RIBA President Elect

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY2TVr3nCHc


ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.


CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/

LinkedIn

http://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcast

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Gary McLuskey, Greystar’s Managing Director of Global Design, to explore the evolving role of architects in development. From policy barriers to international design lessons and the power of collaboration, Gary shares a candid view on where the industry is heading and what needs to change. Expect robust debate, rich anecdotes, and compelling insights from one of the sector’s leading voices.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Architects Must Reclaim Design Leadership - 
Gary advocates for architects to embed themselves earlier in the development process to maintain creative control and relevance.

2. Planning System Fatigue -
Over-regulation and excessive pre-app processes are delaying developments and adding costs, creating a risk-averse culture.

3. Apartment Size Restrictions Are Outdated -
Across global markets, smaller units (like 18 sqm) coexist successfully within larger communities—London's restrictions may be self-defeating.

4. Design Standards Should Reflect Real Lifestyles -
Regulations often ignore how people actually live—flexibility in policy could better support affordability and diversity.

5. Local Insight Is Essential -
Greystar’s success comes from pairing global systems with local expertise—no copy-paste solutions across cities or cultures.

6. Better Buildings Need Better Managers -
A strong community manager can offset poor design, showing that human interaction is as vital as bricks and mortar.

7. AI and Tech Are Critical to Future Success -
From streamlining data to informing briefs, Gary sees a strong role for tech in modernising design and construction.

8. Project-Centric Collaboration Wins -
Removing ego from the process and aligning around project goals makes for smoother, more effective outcomes.


VALUABLE RESOURCES

www.ackroydlowrie.com 

www.greystar.com


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Real Costs and Benefits of the Urban Forecast Podcast

Leading with purpose - Chris Williamson RIBA President Elect


ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.


CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: [email protected]

Podcast Description

What really makes a place thrive? In this episode of Urban Forecast, we sit down with John Stiles, Placemaking Manager at the London Borough of Brent, to unpack the complexities of urban change and regeneration. John shares honest reflections from both public and private sector roles, challenges assumptions around placemaking, and explores how real impact comes from shaping places with communities, not just for them. From the quirks of Harlow to the challenges of suburban intensification, this conversation is a deep dive into the human, political and practical dynamics of making better places.


Key Takeaways

Placemaking is about people, not just buildings – John challenges the term itself, suggesting “place shaping” better reflects the nuanced, collaborative work of working with what’s already there.

Successful regeneration goes beyond architecture – It’s more about use, access, and the needs of existing communities than glossy design statements.

Transport planning still lets places down – Harlow’s 25-minute walk from the station highlights missed opportunities in town planning.

Mid-density and suburban intensification are the next big frontiers – Brent is tackling the question of how to intensify suburban areas without losing character or community.

Public consultation is often undervalued – Design isn't what most people want to talk about; their concerns are often about function, traffic, and identity.

Regeneration doesn’t start from scratch – In areas like Staples Corner or Fish Island, new developments sit alongside existing industrial estates and communities. Balancing both is key.

We need influence, not fait accomplis – Brent's team values early involvement in planning rather than being handed completed schemes with no room to shape.

The tension between lifestyle aspiration and authenticity is real – Places like Hackney Wick illustrate how investment and local character can clash or combine to create something unique but unpredictable.


Best Moments (Quotes)

“Truly successful regeneration projects have very little to do with the architecture.”

“Places are almost always already made... I'm more interested in shaping than making.”

“It’s bonkers to plan a new town 25 minutes’ walk from the station. That still baffles me.”

“Driving equals freedom – it’s a British psyche thing, even if it leads to more frustration than liberation.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

www.ackroydlowrie.com 

www.brent.gov.uk


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Real Costs and Benefits of the Urban Forecast Podcast

Leading with purpose - Chris Williamson RIBA President Elect


ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.


CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackroyd-lowrie/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/discover/urbanforecast

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanForecast

Email: [email protected]

In this reflective episode of Urban Forecast, Jon and Oli unpack the real reasons behind launching their podcast — from the significant investment of time and money, to the unexpected returns in thought leadership, professional development, and business strategy. It’s a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about the power of platform-building, the intersection of architecture with politics and urbanism, and how long-form conversations can shape the city-making agenda. Whether you're a podcast creator, an architect, or just passionate about urban change, this episode peels back the curtain on the why behind the mic.


🧠 KEY TAKEAWAYS

Creating a podcast takes serious investment — £36K+ per year, plus time from senior leaders like Jon and Oli.

The podcast reflects their founding vision: to influence the future of cities, not just individual buildings.

It’s a tool for thought leadership — helping Ackroyd Lowrie lead, not follow, key industry conversations.

Long-form content allows more depth and nuance than traditional media.

Guests come from across sectors — politics, activism, authorship — expanding conversations beyond architecture.

With 12,000 listens a year, it’s a powerful amplification tool for ideas and values.

Getting people on the podcast is often a first step in building meaningful client relationships.

Above all, it’s a space for reflection, learning, and reaffirming their mission to shape the city of the future.


BEST MOMENTS (Quotes)

 “Just worth stating, I suppose, the level of investment that it requires to do a weekly podcast…” – Oli

“I walked into Richard Rogers’ offices 35 years ago and asked for a job…” – Jon

“If you were speaking to a room with 12,000 people in it, you’d think: that’s a lot of people — and that’s what this podcast does.” – Oli

 “One of the things I don’t think the podcast is… is a direct sales tool. It’s more a touchpoint — a way of drawing an ecosystem together.” – Jon


VALUABLE RESOURCES

www.ackroydlowrie.com 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Future of Sustainable Construction 
The Future of Sustainable Design 

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.


CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackroyd-lowrie/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/discover/urbanforecast

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanForecast

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Urban Forecast, we’re joined by Chris Williamson, co-founder of Weston Williamson + Partners, as he reflects on 40 years in architecture - from his unexpected pivot into the profession, to the evolution of his practice, and the deep value he places on mentorship, public service, and design with purpose. Chris shares raw insights on surviving multiple recessions, building a global reputation in infrastructure, and the future challenges facing architects - from education debt to the impact of AI. A must-listen for anyone passionate about the built environment, architectural legacy, and the social role of design.


Key Takeaways 

Purpose-Driven Beginnings: Chris’s architectural journey began with a book that revealed architecture’s social responsibility - an ethos that has shaped his career.

Longevity in Partnership: The 40-year success of Weston Williamson stems from complementary skill sets, shared values, and mutual respect.

Navigating Recessions: From the 1980s crash to the 2008 GFC, infrastructure work and adaptability were key to survival.

Competitions as Catalysts: Early recognition through RIBA’s 40 under 40 and design competitions helped launch and sustain the practice.

Mentorship and Legacy: Chris values nurturing young talent as much as building projects, citing the importance of career longevity and team development.

Architects as Businesspeople: He advocates for stronger business acumen in the profession, encouraging formal project management education.

The Future of the Profession: Chris is passionate about lifelong learning, accessible education routes, and embracing AI’s challenges while defending the empathetic, creative value of architects.

Call for Institutional Reform: He questions major investments like the RIBA HQ revamp and urges greater transparency and value for members across the UK and globally.


✨Best Moments

“The two most important days in your life are the day you’re born and the day you find out why. That book gave me my why.”

“We’ve built more underground than Norman Foster has above ground.”

“Every architect complains they’re not paid enough, but it’s partly because we love it too much.”

“AI might design your kitchen extension, but it can’t talk to your neighbours.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

www.ackroydlowrie.com 
www.architecture.com


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Future of Sustainable Construction 

The Future of Sustainable Design 


ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.


CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackroyd-lowrie/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/discover/urbanforecast

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanForecast

Email: [email protected]

Welcome to Urban Forecast! In this special episode, Oli and Jon answer questions submitted by listeners, diving into bold predictions about the future of cities by 2050. They discuss the impact of climate change, the role of autonomous vehicles, the transformation of urban spaces, and the fascinating potential of AI-powered digital twins. If you’ve ever wondered how technology, the environment, and urban living will collide over the next few decades, this is the episode for you.

Key Takeaways

Urban populations are expanding rapidly, particularly in developing areas, placing major pressure on cities.

Climate change and urban heat islands will drive significant challenges for cities by 2050.

Autonomous vehicles could dramatically reduce the need for private car ownership and free up enormous amounts of space currently dedicated to parking.

Redesigning freed-up urban space could lead to cooler, greener cities, mitigating the urban heat bubble effect.

Rising sea levels pose a serious threat to low-lying cities like London, necessitating major engineering interventions such as larger flood barriers.

Digital twins and AI will enable real-time management of city systems like flood defences and waste management.

Predictive modelling using digital twins can help cities better prepare for extreme weather events.

The key to sustainable urban futures lies in combining green infrastructure with advanced digital technologies.


Best Moments

"With any change, it happens slowly — and then very fast."

"There's 34 square kilometres of London currently dedicated to parking — imagine what we could do with that space."

"Introducing trees and green space can bring down urban temperatures by up to eight degrees — and that’s life-saving."

"An AI-enabled digital twin doesn't just model the future — it reacts in real-time to help cities manage crises as they happen."


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com/your-guide-to-delivering-co-living-developments-that-work 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Future of Sustainable Construction 

The Future of Sustainable Design 


ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.


CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Urban Forecast, we sit down with Alex Ely, Founding Director of Mæ to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing architects today. From navigating procurement hurdles to finding a unique voice in the industry, we explore how architects can build their profile beyond design. We delve into the social value of good architecture, the role of leadership, and why great design shouldn't be a luxury. Whether you're an architect, developer, or just interested in the built environment, this conversation offers a compelling insight into the future of the industry.


Key Takeaways

Balancing Specialism and Profile – Architects must develop niche expertise while also building their public profile to remain competitive.

Procurement Challenges – The procurement process is increasingly complex and often prioritises cost over quality, making it difficult to deliver the best design outcomes.

The Social Value of Architecture – Good design impacts physical and mental health, educational outcomes, and community well-being.

Finding an ‘Unfair’ Advantage – Success in architecture often comes from leveraging unique experiences, whether through policy, teaching, or even podcasting.

Leadership in Architecture – Modern leadership is about nurturing talent, fostering collaboration, and creating a ‘team of teams’ approach.

The Shift in Public Sector Work – Many tenders are unrealistic in budget, pushing small and mid-sized practices out of the market.

Sustainable Design as a Priority – The long-term benefits of sustainable architecture, like Passive House standards, outweigh the initial investment.

Making a Case for Better Fees – Architects must better articulate the value of their work to ensure fair compensation for their expertise.


Best Moments

"I think as architects, we all need to both develop specialisms but also build profile, which is beyond the actual design skills we have."

"Procurement has become so complex and bureaucratic that it’s often a barrier to delivering good projects."

"Good architecture isn’t just about aesthetics - it has a tangible impact on people’s health, well-being, and quality of life."

"If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. Procurement must recognise the real value of good design."


VALUABLE RESOURCES

Jon Ackroyd - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jonackroyd

Oliver Lowrie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-lowrie/?original_referer=&originalSubdomain=uk


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Future of Sustainable Design with Kelly Alvarez Doran

Is the Future of Housing Rental? With Michael Keaveney from Grainger PLC


ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.

CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackroyd-lowrie/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/discover/urbanforecast

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanForecast

Email: [email protected]

Are the UK’s building regulations stalling progress towards net zero? In this episode of Urban Forecast, we discuss how current policies and industry fears are limiting the use of sustainable materials like timber. From towering timber structures in Japan to the challenges of insuring low-carbon buildings in the UK, we explore whether regulation is holding back innovation in sustainable architecture.


Key Takeaways

UK regulations restrict timber use – Anything above 18 metres eliminates timber as an option, limiting low-carbon building solutions.

Global precedents exist – Countries like Japan build 40-storey timber buildings in earthquake zones, proving it’s possible.

Insurance and mortgageability issues – Even when a building meets regulations, insurers and mortgage lenders may still refuse support.

Grenfell’s legacy – While safety reforms were necessary, the reaction may have unfairly impacted timber as a building material.

Embodied carbon matters – Reducing operational energy alone isn’t enough; the carbon cost of materials must be considered.

Retrofit first – The best sustainability strategy is upgrading existing structures rather than defaulting to new builds.

Timber can be a net carbon sink – Responsibly sourced timber absorbs more carbon than it emits, offering a sustainable alternative.

Smarter design can reduce emissions – Combining minimal concrete with well-planned timber structures can significantly lower embodied carbon.


Best Moments

“Buildings going up in Japan that are like 40 storeys in timber, which has got earthquakes and all sorts of stuff we don’t have here.”

“Retrofit first for me always makes sense.”

“If your top floor is above 18 metres, timber’s gone. I don’t get it, I think it’s an overreaction.”

“We have to learn from Grenfell, but also not learn the wrong things.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

Jon Ackroyd - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jonackroyd

Oliver Lowrie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-lowrie/?original_referer=&originalSubdomain=uk

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Future of Sustainable Design with Kelly Alvarez Doran

Is the Future of Housing Rental? With Michael Keaveney from Grainger PLC

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.

CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackroyd-lowrie/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/discover/urbanforecast

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanForecast

Email: [email protected]