Urban Forecast

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 Apartment Size Restrictions Are Outdated -Across global markets, smaller units (like 18 sqm) coexist successfully within larger communities—London's restrictions may be self-defeating.4.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

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

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!

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

Welcome to Urban Forecast! In this special episode, Oli and Jon answer questions submitted by listeners, diving into bold predictions about the future of cities by 2050. They discuss the impact of climate change, the role of autonomous vehicles, the transformation of urban spaces, and the fascinating potential of AI-powered digital twins. If you’ve ever wondered how technology, the environment, and urban living will collide over the next few decades, this is the episode for you.Key TakeawaysUrban populations are expanding rapidly, particularly in developing areas, placing major pressure on cities.Climate change and urban heat islands will drive significant challenges for cities by 2050.Autonomous vehicles could dramatically reduce the need for private car ownership and free up enormous amounts of space currently dedicated to parking.Redesigning freed-up urban space could lead to cooler, greener cities, mitigating the urban heat bubble effect.Rising sea levels pose a serious threat to low-lying cities like London, necessitating major engineering interventions such as larger flood barriers.Digital twins and AI will enable real-time management of city systems like flood defences and waste management.Predictive modelling using digital twins can help cities better prepare for extreme weather events.The key to sustainable urban futures lies in combining green infrastructure with advanced digital technologies.Best Moments"With any change, it happens slowly — and then very fast.""There's 34 square kilometres of London currently dedicated to parking — imagine what we could do with that space.""Introducing trees and green space can bring down urban temperatures by up to eight degrees — and that’s life-saving.""An AI-enabled digital twin doesn't just model the future — it reacts in real-time to help cities manage crises as they happen."VALUABLE RESOURCEShttps://www.ackroydlowrie.com/your-guide-to-delivering-co-living-developments-that-work EPISODES 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 & CONTACTInstagramLinkedInEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com

In this episode of Urban Forecast, we sit down with Alex Ely, Founding Director of Mæ to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing architects today. From navigating procurement hurdles to finding a unique voice in the industry, we explore how architects can build their profile beyond design. We delve into the social value of good architecture, the role of leadership, and why great design shouldn't be a luxury. Whether you're an architect, developer, or just interested in the built environment, this conversation offers a compelling insight into the future of the industry.Key TakeawaysBalancing Specialism and Profile – Architects must develop niche expertise while also building their public profile to remain competitive.Procurement Challenges – The procurement process is increasingly complex and often prioritises cost over quality, making it difficult to deliver the best design outcomes.The Social Value of Architecture – Good design impacts physical and mental health, educational outcomes, and community well-being.Finding an ‘Unfair’ Advantage – Success in architecture often comes from leveraging unique experiences, whether through policy, teaching, or even podcasting.Leadership in Architecture – Modern leadership is about nurturing talent, fostering collaboration, and creating a ‘team of teams’ approach.The Shift in Public Sector Work – Many tenders are unrealistic in budget, pushing small and mid-sized practices out of the market.Sustainable Design as a Priority – The long-term benefits of sustainable architecture, like Passive House standards, outweigh the initial investment.Making a Case for Better Fees – Architects must better articulate the value of their work to ensure fair compensation for their expertise.Best Moments"I think as architects, we all need to both develop specialisms but also build profile, which is beyond the actual design skills we have.""Procurement has become so complex and bureaucratic that it’s often a barrier to delivering good projects.""Good architecture isn’t just about aesthetics - it has a tangible impact on people’s health, well-being, and quality of life.""If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. Procurement must recognise the real value of good design."VALUABLE RESOURCESJon Ackroyd - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jonackroydOliver Lowrie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-lowrie/?original_referer=&originalSubdomain=ukEPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTThe Future of Sustainable Design with Kelly Alvarez DoranIs the Future of Housing Rental? With Michael Keaveney from Grainger PLCABOUT 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

Are the UK’s building regulations stalling progress towards net zero? In this episode of Urban Forecast, we discuss how current policies and industry fears are limiting the use of sustainable materials like timber. From towering timber structures in Japan to the challenges of insuring low-carbon buildings in the UK, we explore whether regulation is holding back innovation in sustainable architecture.Key TakeawaysUK regulations restrict timber use – Anything above 18 metres eliminates timber as an option, limiting low-carbon building solutions.Global precedents exist – Countries like Japan build 40-storey timber buildings in earthquake zones, proving it’s possible.Insurance and mortgageability issues – Even when a building meets regulations, insurers and mortgage lenders may still refuse support.Grenfell’s legacy – While safety reforms were necessary, the reaction may have unfairly impacted timber as a building material.Embodied carbon matters – Reducing operational energy alone isn’t enough; the carbon cost of materials must be considered.Retrofit first – The best sustainability strategy is upgrading existing structures rather than defaulting to new builds.Timber can be a net carbon sink – Responsibly sourced timber absorbs more carbon than it emits, offering a sustainable alternative.Smarter design can reduce emissions – Combining minimal concrete with well-planned timber structures can significantly lower embodied carbon.Best Moments“Buildings going up in Japan that are like 40 storeys in timber, which has got earthquakes and all sorts of stuff we don’t have here.”“Retrofit first for me always makes sense.”“If your top floor is above 18 metres, timber’s gone. I don’t get it, I think it’s an overreaction.”“We have to learn from Grenfell, but also not learn the wrong things.”VALUABLE RESOURCESJon Ackroyd - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jonackroydOliver Lowrie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-lowrie/?original_referer=&originalSubdomain=ukEPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTThe Future of Sustainable Design with Kelly Alvarez DoranIs the Future of Housing Rental? With Michael Keaveney from Grainger PLCABOUT 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

In this insightful episode, we delve into the complexities of carbon emissions within the construction industry. Our guest, Gilbert Lennox King, CEO and co-founder of Construction Carbon, shares his mission to simplify carbon management for developers. We explore the crucial distinction between embodied and operational carbon, the drivers behind the growing focus on embodied carbon, and innovative financial incentives for sustainable development. Discover how Construction Carbon is helping developers and funders forecast, track, and reduce their carbon footprint, and gain valuable insights into the future of sustainable construction.  Key Takeaways● Embodied carbon refers to emissions from the materials and construction processes of a building, while operational carbon is associated with its energy use.  ● The importance of embodied carbon is growing as operational emissions decrease due to grid decarbonisation.  ● Construction Carbon aims to simplify carbon management for developers by providing tools to forecast, track, and reduce emissions.  ● Financial incentives, such as rebates on development loans, are being used to encourage developers to reduce embodied carbon.  ● The UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard provides benchmarks and definitions for net zero carbon in construction and operation.  ● Measuring and verifying embodied carbon is becoming increasingly important for reporting to voluntary frameworks and for due diligence.  ● There are differing views on the role of timber in reducing embodied carbon, particularly regarding the accounting of carbon sequestration.  ● The industry is working towards better integration of various standards and data to improve building sustainability.  Best Moments● "It's not that complicated really."  ● "Sometimes it's not that nice to run your company either."  ● "We're on a mission to try and make carbon simpler for developers."  ● "You could build the most energy-efficient building in the world and fly in the materials from coal-fired factories and nobody would actually care about that upstream emissions, whereas now I think there's sort of broader recognition that you need to look at the whole life of a building."  VALUABLE RESOURCESJon Ackroyd - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jonackroydOliver Lowrie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-lowrie/?original_referer=&originalSubdomain=ukEPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTThe Future of Sustainable Design with Kelly Alvarez DoranIs the Future of Housing Rental? With Michael Keaveney from Grainger PLCABOUT 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

In this episode of Urban Forecast, we sit down with Kelly Alvarez Doran, Co-founder and CEO of Half Climate Design, to discuss the crucial role of embodied carbon in architecture. Kelly shares insights from his career, from working in mining to leading sustainable projects in Rwanda, exploring the choices architects make and their far-reaching impact. We dive into why current regulations are stifling low-carbon construction, how embodied and operational carbon should be viewed together, and what needs to change to make truly sustainable building practices mainstream.Key Takeaways1. Embodied vs. Operational Carbon – It is not an either-or debate. Both must be considered over a building’s lifetime.2. The Scale of Architectural Impact – A single design decision, such as a foundation for a residential project, can have the carbon equivalent of driving a car for 60 years.3. Lessons from Rwanda – Working in a context where materials are expensive but labour is abundant offers a completely different design approach, freeing architects to be more innovative.4. UK Regulations Are Holding Us Back – Post-Grenfell fire safety rules have inadvertently made it harder to use lower-carbon materials like timber, despite these materials not being involved in the disaster.5. Architects' Agency in Sustainability – While building regulations are restrictive, architects still have influence over material choices, and even small decisions can make a difference.6. The Role of Education – Training architects and builders to understand the full carbon impact of their decisions is crucial for real change.7. The Future of Sustainable Building – Countries like Denmark have embraced whole-life carbon policies, setting an example for others to follow.8. Rethinking Materials – The construction industry relies too heavily on high-carbon materials like aluminium when lower-impact alternatives exist.Best Moments1. "One design decision I made for a foundation had the same carbon impact as driving a car for 60 years."2. "Once you see embodied carbon, it is hard to unsee it."3. "The irony is that post-Grenfell regulations have made it harder to build with sustainable materials that were not even involved in the fire."4. "Architects are like chefs who do not think about the slaughterhouse – we specify materials without truly considering where they come from or their impact."VALUABLE RESOURCESAckroyd Lowrie - https://www.ackroydlowrie.comHalf Climate Design - https://halfclimatedesign.com/ Jon Ackroyd - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jonackroydOliver Lowrie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-lowrie/?original_referer=&originalSubdomain=ukABOUT 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

In this special episode of Urban Forecast Podcast, we’re diving into the buzz of MIPIM – the global real estate event in Cannes. We discuss why we attend, how it compares to UKREiiF, and the evolving landscape of networking in the industry. From the shifting presence of local authorities to the changing culture of the event, we explore whether MIPIM still holds the same influence post-COVID and amid economic pressures. Tune in for insights on the value of attending, the realities of costs, and the opportunities that make it a must-visit for many in the built environment.Key Takeaways1. MIPIM remains a key global networking event – It offers a chance to connect with real estate professionals, investors, and decision-makers in an international setting.2. The role of local authorities is shifting – Post-COVID and with financial pressures, fewer local councils attend, altering the traditional networking landscape.3. UKREiiF vs. MIPIM – UKREiiF provides strong UK-focused opportunities, but lacks the global investment presence and glamour of MIPIM.4. The cost of attending is significant – With tickets, accommodation, and travel, budgets can easily hit £10,000 for two people.5. The culture of MIPIM is evolving – While it has historically been male-dominated, there is increasing diversity in attendees.6. London has a strong presence – The London stand at MIPIM acts as a key hub for architects, developers, and planners.7. Beyond the Palais – Much of the real networking happens in the bars, restaurants, and informal gatherings around Cannes.8. RIBA offers discounted access for chartered practices – This can help ease the financial burden for first-time attendees.Best Moments💬 "MIPIM is about networking, bringing people together, and having ideas—it’s more than just an expo."💬 "There’s a perception of it being a ‘champagne-on-the-beach’ event, but in reality, it’s where big discussions about investment and development happen."💬 "UKREiiF is great, but it can feel like a holiday park in Butlins compared to the international scope of MIPIM."💬 "Whether you’re in the Palais or just at the bars and restaurants, the real value of MIPIM is in the people you meet."VALUABLE RESOURCESAckroyd Lowrie - https://www.ackroydlowrie.comMIPIM - https://www.mipim.com/en-gb.html#/EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTHow ESG can make you money and help the planet with Andy Cox - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqQWYGnAuYQIs the Future of Housing Rental? With Michael Keaveney from Grainger PLC - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KUCVQHJ0HgABOUT 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/Email: info@ackroydlowrie.com