Urban Forecast

In this episode of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Hari Phillips, co-founder of Bell Phillips Architects and Trustee at the Museum of Architecture, for a candid conversation about the realities of the profession today. Hari reflects on two decades at Bell Phillips, why he stepped away, and how he’s now mentoring the next generation of architects. From architecture’s social impact to the profession’s business blind spots, this discussion unpacks how architects can reclaim agency, value, and joy in an increasingly complex and regulated industry.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Architecture has the power to impact everyday lives, it should be accessible to everyone, not an elite pursuit.

Many architects struggle to articulate their purpose and value beyond design aesthetics.

The profession is facing a crisis of empowerment, squeezed by regulation, low fees, and eroding creative control.

The RIBA’s role is often misunderstood - it promotes architecture as a discipline, not necessarily its members.

Over 55% of UK architects are business leaders, yet few are trained in business or entrepreneurship.

Architects must shed the “tortured artisan” mindset and confidently value their work.

Talking about money and business health shouldn’t be taboo - it’s part of sustaining great architecture.

Mentorship and clearer definitions of purpose can help emerging practices thrive in a changing landscape.


 BEST MOMENTS

“We never started with a clear manifesto - it emerged through doing architecture.”

“Architecture has the power to impact the everyday person, to elevate and enhance their life.”

“The work you do has value, and you should not give that away.”

“Architecture should be at the centre of solving today’s spatial challenges - yet too often we’re pushed to the periphery.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Michael Clark’s Take on London’s Development Challenge

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMiUszt24jQ 

Are Architects Being Replaced by AI?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ4PNpsulic 


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 dive into the unexpected success of their TikTok clip that racked up over 70,000 views and the fiery comments it sparked. From the frustrations of being undervalued in architecture to the looming influence of AI, the duo explore what’s driving discontent in the profession, why mental health needs to be part of the conversation, and how architects can reclaim their value in a changing industry. It’s candid, relatable, and unfiltered - two seasoned architects confronting the realities of their field head-on.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Architects continue to feel undervalued and overworked, with many considering leaving the profession.

The industry’s culture of long hours and “all-nighter” deadlines fuels stress and poor mental health.

Comparing architecture to other professions like law or finance can be misleading - long hours are endemic across sectors.

AI is set to automate much of the “production” work in architecture, freeing architects to focus on design and storytelling.

Architects need to adapt by embracing data-driven design and understanding how people truly use spaces.

Hands-on experience with construction is becoming a lost skill - but one that AI can’t replicate.

Increasing technical complexity and regulation have fractured the architect’s traditional role, leading to reliance on more consultants.

The future lies in designing for longevity and reuse, moving away from a “throwaway” culture in buildings.


 BEST MOMENTS

“You just used to say to yourself on the way into work, one day we’ll all be dead - that was my way of getting through.”

“You can get AI to create something that looks pretty and cool, but how do you actually get that built?”

“We’ve lost touch with construction - architects need to get back on site.”

“We’ve only got one shot to use the resources left on this planet.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Michael Clark’s Take on London’s Development Challenge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMiUszt24jQ 

Labour’s Housing Delivery Crisis: Planning isn’t the Problem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76CxlOboM5A 


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 Michael Clark, Design Director at Hadley Property Group, to explore the evolving role of the architect, the realities of development in today’s market, and how community engagement can shape meaningful regeneration. Michael shares candid reflections from his journey across architecture, contracting, and development, revealing how trust, communication, and collaboration are central to delivering homes in one of the world’s toughest housing markets.

From the pressures of the Building Safety Act to the fine line between risk and reward in property development, this conversation gets to the heart of what it takes to build better, faster, and more responsibly in modern Britain.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Architecture is a profession full of highs and lows, and many practitioners are moving sideways into development and construction for broader impact.

The housing delivery cycle has stretched dramatically, from five to over eight years, due to planning complexity and new regulatory gateways.

Developers face “three major financial hurdles”: Section 106, CIL, and affordable housing quotas, which together strain project viability.

Despite public mistrust, developers like Hadley are rebuilding confidence through genuine community engagement and collaboration with local authorities.

The Building Safety Act has improved risk management and design quality but has also delayed funding and construction start times.

Digital technology and 3D modelling have made design coordination more precise, though arguably more complicated, without necessarily improving quality.

Strong leadership and teamwork between architects, contractors, and clients are critical to delivering successful projects.

Hadley’s agility and focus on local needs make it stand out among London developers, with a model grounded in communication and trust.


 BEST MOMENTS

“You’re overtaxing the golden goose. London hasn’t got anything left to give.”

“Developers aren’t sitting on pots of gold. The reality is every developer is desperately trying to make money - but nobody will take that risk if the odds are stacked against them.”

“You can’t get too personally involved in design - it’s no longer your design, it’s everyone’s.”

“We spend time understanding what the community needs and build that into our designs. That’s how trust starts.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Future of the City of London with Tom Sleigh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx6bNuRrMYE 

Labour’s Housing Delivery Crisis: Planning isn’t the Problem

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76CxlOboM5A 


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, hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd dive into the outcomes and mood from the Labour Party Conference, exploring what it all means for the future of housing and planning in London. With housebuilding figures falling far short of targets, they discuss why planning reform hasn't been delivered, what could unlock development, and whether Labour will be bold enough to make the radical changes needed. From viability challenges to Sadiq Khan’s 35% affordable housing threshold and the Building Safety Act backlog, Oli and Jon dissect the numbers, policies and political realities shaping the UK’s urban future.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

London is on track to deliver just 5,000 homes against a target of 88,000, with £5.5 million spent on homelessness - signalling a housing crisis at breaking point.

Planning isn’t the main barrier; it’s viability. Over 280,000 homes have planning permission but aren’t being built because the numbers don’t stack up.

The 35% affordable housing requirement is under review, with Labour potentially open to temporarily lowering it to kick-start stalled projects.

Some councils are sitting on huge Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds that could be redirected to make schemes viable or support affordable housing.

Sadiq Khan appears reluctant to move first on policy changes without central government backing - a sign of political tension between City Hall and Westminster.

The Building Safety Act remains a bottleneck, with approval times up to 48 weeks, though new leadership promises to cut this to nearer 12.

Labour faces a “make or break” moment to deliver growth and housing or risk losing public confidence before the next election.

The hosts argue that scaling back affordable thresholds now could deliver far more homes overall, benefiting the economy and the Treasury in the long run.


 BEST MOMENTS

“Thirty-five percent of nothing is nothing.”

“If you want to get housing moving in London, you’ve got to do something about viability.”

“Ten percent of 88,000 homes is a hell of a lot more than 35 percent of 5,000.”

“We’re at crunch time now. Is this government going to be bold enough to do something real?”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Future of the City of London with Tom Sleigh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx6bNuRrMYE 

Engineering a Greener Future with Steve Webb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHIfzm-aMZA


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 are joined by Tom Sleigh, Councillor for Bishopsgate Ward at the City of London Corporation and Chair of the Planning & Transportation Committee. Tom offers an insider’s perspective on how the City is shaping its future. He explains how to balance heritage with tall towers and how the Square Mile is being reimagined as a cultural and leisure destination. He also shares stories from his visit to Ukraine, reflections on London’s resilience, and why retrofit-first planning could be key to sustainable growth.

Whether you are interested in the politics of planning, the meeting of old and new, or how cities find meaning beyond finance, this conversation gives a clear look at what makes London work today and how it might change tomorrow.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The City of London has a unique political setup, with no party system and committee-led decision-making, which creates space for collaboration across traditional divides.
• Living in central London brings disruption such as construction, nightlife and transport. It is part of the reality of living in a vibrant global city.
• After Covid, the City’s focus is less on increasing residential numbers and more on boosting footfall through culture, food, leisure and hospitality. This is part of the “Destination City” strategy.
• Balancing heritage and skyscrapers is still contentious. Tom argues that the blend of old and new is what makes the City iconic.
• The City’s retrofit-first planning policy makes it a leader in sustainable development, with half of all London retrofits taking place within the Square Mile.
• London remains resilient as a global financial centre because of its time-zone advantage, English common law, and the pound’s position between the euro and dollar.
• Cultural venues and heritage play a crucial role in giving cities meaning. Finance alone cannot provide that sense of identity.
• Major projects on the horizon, such as Smithfield Market’s regeneration and the Museum of London’s relocation, promise to transform the City’s cultural landscape.

 BEST MOMENTS

• “Yes, we want to bring people back, but it doesn’t mean we want them to live here.”
• “When you cycle across Tower Bridge and see the Tower of London with the eastern cluster behind it, it looks amazing.”
• “The City of London does half of all of London’s retrofits. We’re way ahead of the pack.”
• “Culture is where a city finds its meaning. It is not just in tall buildings or finance.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The devastating effect of cars in our cities with Henrietta L. Moore & Arthur Kay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44TWO0rTwtg 

Engineering a Greener Future with Steve Webb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHIfzm-aMZA

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

In this episode of Urban Forecast, hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Steve Webb, Director of Webb Yates Engineers, at Milieu 134 Old Street, a landmark project by HGG London. Designed around natural materials, Milieu is a workspace that reflects the future of sustainable architecture and the setting becomes part of the conversation itself.

Steve shares how projects like Milieu point towards a new way of thinking about construction. He discusses the role of timber and stone in hybrid systems, the challenges of evolving fire regulations, and the wider cultural need for tenacity in the design industry. The conversation ranges from the forgotten lessons of 1990s sustainable architecture to the idea of developing a uniquely local architectural language in the UK.

Recorded in a building that embodies these principles, this episode brings sustainability, engineering and design to life in a very real context.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The construction industry often lacks tenacity. Too many innovative ideas are dropped at the first sign of resistance instead of being pushed through to realisation.

Sustainability in architecture is not new. It flourished in the 1990s but was largely forgotten after the financial crash of 2008.

Hybrid timber and stone systems provide a path forward. They reduce reliance on concrete while offering the thermal mass needed to avoid air conditioning in lightweight buildings.

Fire safety regulations following Grenfell have reshaped design, yet with careful thinking innovation remains possible.

Cross-laminated timber still has value even when it is not left exposed. Its real importance lies in reducing embodied carbon, though more efficient uses of timber must be explored.

Local materials can create distinct architectural languages. Just as Mallorca builds with sandstone, the UK should define its own future through homegrown resources.

The industry continues to rely on Victorian era materials such as brick, despite their inefficiency and enormous carbon footprint.

BEST MOMENTS

“What’s missing most of the time is tenacity. People need to want to do it, make the argument, and push through the problem.”

“We’re still using Victorian material in a unit sized for a sick Victorian labourer. The industry is incredibly backward.”

“If you put CLT in a building but cover it up, people say what’s the point? But actually, there’s still a good point. It’s about carbon.”

“Why aren’t there 7,000 architectural languages, one for each of the world’s 7,000 spoken languages?”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 
https://webbyates.com
https://hgglondon.co.uk/project/milieu

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Big Opportunity London Can’t Waste with Jace Tyrrell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn00DOeooaE 

The devastating effect of cars in our cities with Henrietta L. Moore & Arthur Kay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44TWO0rTwtg 

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 Professor Dame Henrietta L. Moore, Founder and Director of the Institute for Global Prosperity at UCL, and Arthur Kay, CEO & Founder of Skyroom. Together they discuss their book Roadkill, which explores the urgent need to rethink our car-dominated cities. From the myths and politics surrounding 15-minute cities to the promises and risks of autonomous vehicles, this conversation challenges us to ask: what kind of urban future do we really want?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Car ownership is deeply ingrained, but shifting towards people-centred cities is both possible and necessary.
• European cities like Paris and Barcelona show bold examples of reclaiming streets for pedestrians, though not without resistance.
• The rise of 15-minute cities has been misunderstood and politicised, sparking conspiracy theories during the pandemic.
• Autonomous vehicles may transform transport, but they risk worsening congestion and surveillance unless carefully regulated.
• Public perceptions often lag behind lived experiences: initial resistance to pedestrianisation often turns into long-term support.
• Car dependency drains household income and shapes city economies in damaging ways.
• Technology should be embraced thoughtfully, with policymakers setting boundaries that prioritise liveability.
• The future of urban transport is not inevitable - it will be determined by the decisions we make today.

BEST MOMENTS

• “Why would you want to drink a beer next to a car? You much prefer to have a beer next to a person.” – Henrietta L. Moore
• “Cars are still going to be there, but I think the drivers are not.” – Arthur Kay
• “It shows how toxic, dangerous and controversial what was a relatively niche urban design policy can become if it’s picked up in the wrong way.” – Arthur Kay
• “Instead of protesting once something’s already happened, you need to be part of the process of deciding what is going to happen for you and with you.” – Henrietta L. Moore

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

http://www.getroadkill.com/

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Big Opportunity London Can’t Waste with Jace Tyrrell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn00DOeooaE 

Housing and Regeneration in Tower Hamlets with David Joyce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M03j0_NPBPw 

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 are joined by Jace Tyrrell, Chief Executive of Opportunity London. Jace shares how London can stay ahead in the global race for investment, why it matters that the city works together, and what we need to fix to attract the next wave of funding. From planning delays to public and private collaboration, this episode explores how to unlock billions for housing, transport and regeneration. It is a hopeful but honest look at what London needs to do next.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

London gives people space to be themselves, which sets it apart from other global cities

Opportunity London connects investors with projects to help get developments off the ground

The real competition is with cities like New York and Singapore, not other parts of the UK

Planning delays are a major barrier that push investors to faster-moving markets

Boroughs and developers need to collaborate more to unlock bigger opportunities

There is growing demand for mixed use places, greener streets and better transport

London's planning system must become more flexible so buildings can adapt over time

Public private partnerships can work, but many councils need support to get investor ready


 BEST MOMENTS

“We will become the poster child globally of mixed use.”

“Our competition is Singapore, Paris, parts of the US.”

“If it takes 12 years here and 2 years in the US, capital will go elsewhere.”

“We are London's Cupid, matchmaking capital with projects.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://opportunity.london/ 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Reinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Living

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyE1R-IZgdQ 

Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to 


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 David Joyce, Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration at the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. David shares his insights into the challenges and opportunities of housing delivery in London, the importance of regeneration, and the delicate balance between community priorities, developer interests, and government policy. From Tower Hamlets’ impressive track record in housing delivery to the debate around co-living and the future of Canary Wharf, this conversation explores what it takes to shape thriving, sustainable communities in one of London’s most dynamic boroughs.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Tower Hamlets consistently leads London in housing delivery, outperforming other boroughs year after year.

Despite delivery successes, the borough faces a decline in social rented homes due to high levels of leaseholders and right-to-buy.

David stresses the importance of working in partnership with developers, investors, and community groups to deliver regeneration at scale.

Co-living is a divisive issue: while it may offer flexibility, David questions whether it genuinely serves the needs of the communities it claims to support.

Early-stage, low-cost planning meetings in Tower Hamlets encourage open dialogue with developers, making the borough attractive for investment.

Major regeneration areas, such as Whitechapel and Canary Wharf, highlight the need to balance commercial development with housing provision.

The borough’s diversity and strong community cohesion are seen as unique strengths that drive regeneration success.

David advocates for policies that make traditional C3 residential housing more viable for developers, rather than simply restricting alternative models like co-living.


 BEST MOMENTS

“Tower Hamlets has been the top housing delivery borough every single year for the last twenty years, and by a magnitude of two.”

“I remain to be convinced that the co-living sector is genuinely delivering for the people it claims to serve.”

“We’re not just regeneration-oriented, we’re community-oriented - this is our community, we live here.”

“Sometimes we need to be less purist about place-making and focus on what communities actually need in their daily lives.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/Home.aspx 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Reinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Living

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyE1R-IZgdQ 

Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to 


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 and Jon are joined by Anna Lisa McSweeney, UK Networks Lead at Built by Nature, a pioneering not-for-profit working to accelerate the shift toward biobased construction materials. With a background in architecture and activism, Anna Lisa brings sharp insight into what the UK needs to do to keep up with Europe in timber construction, what myths still cloud the conversation, and how networks, funding, and data are being leveraged to unlock a low-carbon future for buildings. They discuss regulatory barriers, insurer perceptions, and the practical steps needed to mainstream natural materials in the built environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The UK is an outlier: Compared to Europe, the UK ranks fire safety as the number one perceived barrier to using timber, whereas other countries cite cost.
• Insurers aren't the problem, entirely: Many mass timber buildings already have insurance, but a lack of early engagement and data perpetuates hesitation.
• Natural materials require different thinking: Biobased materials like hemp and clay vary naturally, complicating traditional testing and approval methods.
• Data collection is crucial: From energy performance to human health benefits, there's a major push to build robust data sets to support wider adoption.
• Networks are the key: Built by Nature sees the strength of their stakeholder network, developers, insurers, designers, cities, as more powerful than grants alone.
• Design with nature, not against: The principles emerging around responsible timber construction advocate seeing ourselves as part of nature, not separate from it.
• Misconceptions fuel resistance: Concerns around deforestation and fire risk are often based on outdated or incorrect information that doesn't reflect current evidence.

 BEST MOMENTS

• “The UK sits as a bit of an outlier from the rest of the European networks… Fire is the number one perceived challenge.”
• “It must be safe, right? These buildings in America aren’t burning down.”
• “People perform better in timber buildings, heart rates go down, concentration goes up.”
• “We need to start collecting more data to show that energy performance is better than the U-value predictor suggests.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https:/www.builtbn.org 

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Reinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Living

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyE1R-IZgdQ 

Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to 

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