The Architect who entered politics

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Jan 28, 2025

Jay Morton, Director at Bell Phillips Architects and former political candidate, dives into the nexus of architecture and politics. He shares his unique path from biochemistry to advocacy, emphasizing architects as vital activists in shaping sustainable housing. The conversation explores the critical need for community engagement, local leadership's impact on urban development, and the ongoing challenges of retrofitting buildings. Morton also addresses the push for innovation amidst regulatory hurdles, highlighting the importance of a stable government vision in driving trust and effective project delivery.

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ANECDOTE

Accidental Architect and Political Candidate

Jay Morton accidentally studied architecture after initially planning to pursue biochemistry.
He stood for election in 2019 after realizing the impact of politics on architecture.

ADVICE

Act Quickly, Don't Aim for Perfection

Don't let perfection be the enemy of good; act quickly.
Respond without needing things to be perfect, especially in fast-paced environments.

INSIGHT

Bespoke Community Engagement

Engaging with communities and diverse groups requires a bespoke approach.
Find common ground with individuals to foster understanding and facilitate better communication.

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In this special episode, Urban Forecast Podcast teams up with Architects for Change to explore the intersection of politics, architecture, and urban regeneration. Jay Morton, Director at Bell Phillips and former political candidate, joins host Oliver Lowrie to discuss the vital role of government vision, sustainable innovation, and community engagement in shaping the built environment.

Together, they unpack how architects can navigate political challenges, influence policy, and drive meaningful change in cities. From tackling the housing crisis to bridging the gap between planning policies and real-world development, this episode offers invaluable insights for anyone passionate about the future of urban spaces.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Architect as Activist: Jay Morton’s unique journey from biochemistry to architecture and political candidacy.
Shaping Policy and Spaces: Why architects must influence politics to drive sustainable housing solutions.
Fast-Paced Decision-Making: Lessons from campaigning that translate to leadership in architecture.
Confidence in Construction: How a stable government vision impacts investor trust and project delivery.
Bridging Gaps with Design: The importance of bespoke approaches to engaging diverse communities in urban planning.
Sustainability Meets Regulation: Addressing the tension between fire safety laws and low-carbon innovation.
Local Leaders as Game-Changers: Why borough-level leadership often has the greatest impact on urban development.
Collaborative Innovation: The need for a cross-industry task force to drive innovation and sustainable construction.

BEST MOMENTS

"People make places - and that’s where the real power of architecture lies."
"Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good - sometimes you just need to act."
"A clear, consistent government vision is essential for confidence in the construction sector."
"Local leaders know their communities best - they’re the real changemakers in urban planning."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Ackroyd Lowrie

Bell Phillips

Architects For Change

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Vision 2040: What next for the City of London’s bold vision for transformation

Modernise or Die: the hard truths about MMC and housing delivery

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

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Email: info@ackroydlowrie.com