Urban Forecast

In this episode of Urban Forecast, hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd are joined by James Scott, Group Director of Strategy and Planning at Urban&Civic plc. From Cold War airfields to thriving new communities, James shares his journey through law, development and the complex world of placemaking in the UK. He explains what it really means to build new places, with early investment, deep engagement and a commitment to long-term thinking. Expect sharp insight on policy, infrastructure, green space and why flexibility always beats prediction.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Flexibility matters more than prediction
In long-term development, adaptability is far more valuable than fixed forecasts.

Master developers are a different model
Urban&Civic does not build houses or just secure planning. They focus on infrastructure and placemaking, then partner with housebuilders.

You must invest early in placemaking
Significant investment in community infrastructure, green space and schools builds long-term value and trust.

Planning is only part of the issue
The UK grants 300,000 housing consents annually, but delivery is held back by economic conditions, policy and geography.

Homes England can work well
Despite criticism, James highlights how Homes England has provided vital infrastructure finance that supports large-scale delivery.

Regional differences matter
London and regional areas face very different barriers to development. A one-size-fits-all policy approach does not work.

Green space needs scale
Strategic green infrastructure is far more effective than fragmented pockets of space. Landscape-led planning is essential.

Build with communities, not just for them
Successful development depends on listening to future residents and adapting over time rather than imposing a fixed vision.


 BEST MOMENTS

“Flexibility is better than prophecy.”

“You’re not trying to say, at 15 years, improve that junction at this cost. That’s bonkers.”

“It’s not about living next to a park. It’s about living in a park.”

“Pattern books are written by people who don’t live on the site – they’re not the ones who have to live with it.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.urbanandcivic.com 


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 the final episode recorded at UKREiiF 2025, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Paul Rickard, CEO of Pocket Living, to explore bold housing innovation in London. Paul brings a finance-savvy lens to the pressing challenges facing SME developers, explains why Pocket homes defy their compact dimensions, and outlines what is needed from policymakers to truly unlock urban affordability. With insights into planning, politics, risk and design, this is a compelling end to the UKREiiF series, and it champions the citymakers behind our cities.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Finance fluency matters: Paul explains how his financial background helps balance entrepreneurial drive with disciplined risk-taking, which is vital in today’s volatile market.

SMEs under pressure: With 4,000 construction insolvencies annually, SME developers like Pocket face vastly different funding and risk environments compared to housing associations.

The Pocket model: Offering discounted one-bedroom homes for first-time buyers, Pocket focuses on key workers who keep the city running but are priced out of it.

Not your average one-bed: Despite being 37 square metres, Pocket homes are carefully designed to feel spacious, challenging perceptions of small-scale housing.

Built-in community: From WhatsApp groups to rooftop parties, Pocket does not just deliver housing, it helps residents build social connections from day one.

Innovation is hard: Paul says more developers should innovate, but acknowledges the regulatory, funding and cultural hurdles that make it difficult.

Planning and perception: Pocket’s model has gradually gained acceptance from planners through persistent education and mission clarity.

Rental is next: Pocket is expanding into high-quality rental housing with a similar ethos, targeting affordability, longevity and community.


 BEST MOMENTS

“People that buy our homes have a lot in common… You go in already knowing your neighbours. That’s community from day one.”

“If local authorities want their nurses, teachers, police officers to stay, this is the answer.”

“We've spent 20 years making sure this doesn’t feel like a compact home.”

“I wish there were more people innovating. It can’t just be Pocket.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.pocketliving.com 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Future of Inclusive Design and Women in Architecture with Ana McMillin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANwoBM3PQAM 

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 UKREiiF 2025 special episode of Urban Forecast, Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd are joined by Dr Ana McMillin, Director of Architecture at Broadway Malyan, steering committee member of Women in Architecture, and executive member of the Urban Design Group.

Despite progress, cities continue to reflect a limited range of lived experiences. Too often, they are shaped by a small group of voices, leaving others excluded from the spaces where they live, work and move.

Ana shares her insights from major regeneration projects, including the Aylesbury Estate, and explores what it means to create truly inclusive places. From consulting meaningfully with communities to rethinking the design of homes, streets and blocks, she outlines what must change in both practice and leadership.

This episode challenges the status quo and asks how we can design cities that genuinely work for everyone.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Cities are still designed for some, not all: Too many lived experiences are still excluded from how we shape the built environment.

Leadership must reflect society: Inclusion starts with who is making the decisions, not just how they’re made.

The problem isn’t the guidance, it’s the delivery: We already know what makes a good place. We just don’t always implement it.

Regeneration is about relationships, not just buildings: Rethinking the spaces between buildings can create a radically different lived experience.

Community voices must shape design: From estate regeneration to street layouts, bottom-up planning makes cities more human.

Design affects opportunity: Access to safe, well-connected spaces influences everything from work to culture to quality of life.

The industry must confront its blind spots: Without intentional inclusivity, we will keep building cities that work best for the few.

Everyday needs matter: Small changes, like storing a buggy, or feeling safe walking home are critical to inclusive design.


 BEST MOMENTS

“People don't necessarily understand our language. So as architects, we have to find the language to communicate.”

“It's not just about replacing eight-storey blocks with 20-storey towers. It's about completely rethinking the urban form.”

“The built environment has been pretty much designed, built, funded by the same sort of people. That has to change.”

“Sometimes the most important thing in a plan is a single tree – and letting that shape the entire masterplan.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.harlow.gov.uk 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Harlow’s Regeneration Comeback | How Harlow Delivers More Homes with Cllr Dan Swords

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMcoe24JLPA 

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 special UKREiiF 2025 edition of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Alice Lester, Director for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration at Brent Council. Alice shares her journey from a geography student fascinated by cities to shaping one of London’s most ambitious regeneration areas. They explore the delicate balance between delivering much-needed homes and protecting local character, the evolving role of green infrastructure, and how policy can either unlock or stifle good development. With honest insights from the frontlines of planning and place-making, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of our cities.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Alice’s early fascination with urban geography and how human behaviour is shaped by the built environment sparked her career in planning.

Her first ‘you had me at hello’ planning moment came atop Piccadilly Circus, inspecting air conditioning units behind the iconic Coca-Cola sign.

Place-making is not one-size-fits-all: successful development responds to the unique identity of each neighbourhood.

Brent’s regeneration, especially around Wembley Park, has been transformational, but local resistance highlights the need to bring communities along.

The planning system is increasingly overburdened, with competing requirements leaving little room to negotiate on affordable housing.

Green infrastructure and access to open space are now recognised as fundamental to health, happiness, and successful places.

The decline in car ownership, coupled with better public transport and cycling infrastructure, is reshaping London’s urban landscape.

Flexibility and pragmatism within local planning teams can help unlock stalled sites and drive delivery.


 BEST MOMENTS

“If you’re annoying lots of people, you’re probably doing something right.”

“The thing we want most is affordable housing… but that’s the only thing left to negotiate.”

“You can’t just have a blueprint for development. You have to respond to the uniqueness of each place.”

“Living in London’s good… and it’ll just get even better in the future.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.harlow.gov.uk 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Building Fairer Cities with Cllr Claire Holland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UznEV9fWYS0

Harlow’s Regeneration Comeback | How Harlow Delivers More Homes with Cllr Dan Swords

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMcoe24JLPA 


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 UKREiiF 2025 special of Urban Forecast, hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Cllr Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, to explore how bold leadership, effective partnerships and a focus on people are driving one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration stories. From stalled schemes to strategic joint ventures, Dan shares the real challenges and hard won lessons behind delivering housing and town centre renewal in Harlow. An honest, inspiring conversation for anyone passionate about urban transformation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Power of Partnership: Harlow’s joint venture with Hill is unlocking stalled developments and delivering much-needed housing.

Delivering on Vision: Getting planning permission is only the beginning - the real challenge lies in making projects viable.

Learning from Others: Even successful councils like Southwark are now struggling to make schemes stack up - simple, effective partnerships could be the answer.

Rebuilding Local Pride: Regeneration isn’t just about bricks and mortar, but about creating places where people feel proud to live.

Leadership Matters: Dan emphasises the role of strong, proactive council leadership in overcoming development obstacles.

Private Sector Skills in the Public Sector: Harlow has brought in people with property expertise to help deliver its ambitious plans.

Avoiding Pitfalls: Other councils can learn from Harlow’s approach to avoid common mistakes and stalled projects.

A Town with History and a Future: Harlow’s legacy as a New Town provides both inspiration and responsibility for today’s regeneration efforts.

BEST MOMENTS

“People feel proud to live there, proud to say I live in Harlow… That is at the heart of it.”

“Getting the planning is, in some ways, the easy bit.”

“Lots of other councils are really struggling to deliver their own housing.”

“It’s not ever really gonna go that wrong… Well, tell Woking that.”

“Viability is the number one issue for London - not planning reform.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com

https://www.harlow.gov.uk

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Building Fairer Cities with Cllr Claire Holland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UznEV9fWYS0

Is UKREiiF better than Mipim? Did Keir Starmer try to ruin it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sat9clIoKXU

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 special UKREiiF 2025 edition of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Cllr Claire Holland, Leader of the London Borough of Lambeth and Chair of London Councils. From the urgent need for affordable housing to the power of public-private partnerships, Claire shares her bold vision for inclusive growth across London. She reflects on her personal journey rooted in social justice, how collaboration can unlock infrastructure potential, and why Lambeth’s history of innovation is shaping its ambitious future. This is a candid, inspiring conversation about leadership, opportunity, and why London is truly “open for business.”


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Lambeth’s housing crisis is urgent, with nearly 5,000 families in temporary accommodation - building affordable homes is a moral and social priority.

Claire’s leadership is driven by a passion for social justice, influenced by her upbringing and career as a legal aid children’s lawyer.

Viability is the #1 barrier to housing delivery in London, not planning reform - unlocking permissions requires new financial models and increased grant funding.

Lambeth is pro-growth and open to partnership, encouraging developers who prioritise inclusive growth and community benefit.

Collaboration is key - the London Growth Plan, Warmer Homes initiative, and partnerships like the one at County Hall show how pooled resources drive impact.

Waterloo Station regeneration is a flagship project, reimagining the area with Network Rail and Places for London to improve the public realm and experience.

Lambeth has a long tradition of transformation, from David Bowie to Black activism, and continues to innovate through clean tech and cultural infrastructure.

Public engagement is crucial, especially amplifying voices of underrepresented groups in development conversations to ensure growth is equitable.


BEST MOMENTS

“We have nearly 5,000 families living in temporary accommodation - that’s a lot of families away from their networks and their communities.”

“Lambeth is open for business. London boroughs are open for business.”

“We’re not afraid of change - we’ve always transformed. It’s about doing it in a way that brings everyone with us.”

“Viability is the number one issue for London - not planning reform.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.lambeth.gov.uk 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Is UKREiiF better than Mipim? Did Keir Starmer try to ruin it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sat9clIoKXU

Why Places Fail - and How to Build Ones That Don’t with Martyn Evans

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


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 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]