

Urban Forecast
Ackroyd Lowrie
The show where Ackroyd Lowrie's co-founder and director, Oliver Lowrie talks to the people defining the future of our cities. Discussing their background, what drives them and the insights they have learnt along the way. This is a show for investors, developers, planners, consultants and anyone who is interested in how we will work, live and play in the cities of the future and what that means for the property market today.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 7, 2025 • 25min
Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester
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 TAKEAWAYSAlice’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 RESOURCEShttps://www.ackroydlowrie.com https://www.harlow.gov.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTBuilding Fairer Cities with Cllr Claire Hollandhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UznEV9fWYS0Harlow’s Regeneration Comeback | How Harlow Delivers More Homes with Cllr Dan Swordshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMcoe24JLPA ABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/LinkedInhttp://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcastEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com

Jun 30, 2025 • 20min
Harlow’s Regeneration Comeback | How Harlow Delivers More Homes with Cllr Dan Swords
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 TAKEAWAYSThe 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 RESOURCEShttps://www.ackroydlowrie.comhttps://www.harlow.gov.ukEPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTBuilding Fairer Cities with Cllr Claire Hollandhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UznEV9fWYS0Is UKREiiF better than Mipim? Did Keir Starmer try to ruin it?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sat9clIoKXUABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/LinkedInhttp://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcastEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com

Jun 23, 2025 • 18min
Building Fairer Cities with Cllr Claire Holland
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 TAKEAWAYSLambeth’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 RESOURCEShttps://www.ackroydlowrie.com https://www.lambeth.gov.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTIs UKREiiF better than Mipim? Did Keir Starmer try to ruin it?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sat9clIoKXUWhy Places Fail - and How to Build Ones That Don’t with Martyn Evanshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWK_JjFIzeA ABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/LinkedInhttp://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcastEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com

Jun 16, 2025 • 17min
Is UKREiiF better than Mipim? Did Keir Starmer try to ruin it?
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 TAKEAWAYSUKREiiF 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 RESOURCEShttps://www.ackroydlowrie.com EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTHow the Building Safety Act Is Changing Everything - Varun Sonihttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei9p9yr1LKwGlobal Challenges, Local Solutions for Architects – with Gary McLuskeyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHJAWHJKrm4ABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/LinkedInhttp://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcastEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com

Jun 9, 2025 • 46min
Why Places Fail - and How to Build Ones That Don’t with Martyn Evans
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 RESOURCEShttps://www.ackroydlowrie.com https://landsec.comEPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTHow the Building Safety Act Is Changing Everything - Varun Sonihttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei9p9yr1LKwGlobal Challenges, Local Solutions for Architects – with Gary McLuskeyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHJAWHJKrm4ABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/LinkedInhttp://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcastEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com

Jun 2, 2025 • 46min
How the Building Safety Act Is Changing Everything - Varun Soni
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 RESOURCEShttps://www.ackroydlowrie.com EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTGlobal Challenges, Local Solutions for Architects – with Gary McLuskeyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHJAWHJKrm4Leading with purpose - Chris Williamson RIBA President Electhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY2TVr3nCHcABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/LinkedInhttp://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcastEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com

May 27, 2025 • 1h 16min
Global Challenges, Local Solutions for Architects – with Gary McLuskey
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 TAKEAWAYS1. 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 RESOURCESwww.ackroydlowrie.com www.greystar.comEPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTThe Real Costs and Benefits of the Urban Forecast PodcastLeading with purpose - Chris Williamson RIBA President ElectABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagramLinkedInEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com

May 19, 2025 • 57min
Its Placeshaping, not place making - John Stiles, London Borough of Brent
Podcast DescriptionWhat 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 TakeawaysPlacemaking 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 RESOURCESwww.ackroydlowrie.com www.brent.gov.ukEPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTThe Real Costs and Benefits of the Urban Forecast PodcastLeading with purpose - Chris Williamson RIBA President ElectABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackroyd-lowrie/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/discover/urbanforecastYoutube - https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanForecastEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com

4 snips
May 13, 2025 • 13min
The Real Costs and Benefits of the Urban Forecast Podcast
Discover the real costs of launching a podcast and why it requires a hefty investment of time and money. The hosts reflect on their mission to influence urban design, highlighting the blend of architecture, politics, and societal issues. They discuss the benefits of engaging with diverse guests, offering richer conversations than traditional media can provide. Also explored are the vital connections formed through long-form content and how these interactions can lead to meaningful professional relationships. Tune in for insights on shaping the cities of the future!

May 6, 2025 • 59min
Leading with purpose - Chris Williamson RIBA President Elect
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 RESOURCESwww.ackroydlowrie.com www.architecture.comEPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTThe Future of Sustainable Construction The Future of Sustainable Design ABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackroyd-lowrie/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/discover/urbanforecastYoutube - https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanForecastEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com