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: info@ackroydlowrie.com
