Urban Forecast

In this insightful discussion, Chris Williamson, Chairman of Weston Williamson + Partners, shares how a single book transformed his life and career, launching him from a rural village to a prominent London architect. He dives into the importance of adapting to industry challenges, the evolving role of architects in project management, and how diversity can spark creativity in design. Chris also contemplates the implications of AI on architecture and stresses the need for empathy and community in addressing urban sustainability.

If you missed us at UKREiiF - catch all the insights here! In this episode of the Urban Forecast Podcast, live-streamed from the ‘Industry in Focus’ Pavilion at UKREiiF 2024, our panel of experts: Nicholas Boys Smith, Tim Heatley, Dan Swords and Ghislaine Halpenny, discuss the future of housing and placemaking.In this engaging and informal session, our panelists explore ‘Shaping Our Places in the Next 5 Years, tackling key topics such as regeneration, community engagement, and the pivotal role of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in urban development.The conversation is rich with practical insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping our urban environments, making it a must-listen for those interested in the latest trends in sustainable development.Grab a drink, sit back, and tune in to this stimulating episode that brings the lively UKREiiF discussion directly to you.

Karolina Grebowiec-Hall is Planning Decisions Manager at Enfield Council and started the 'Pinch yourself You're a Planner Podcast' in response to her feeling that the planning profession hasn’t been getting the admiration it deserves. In her words "Planners are a passionate bunch.  We need opportunities to take back the conversation, define by ourselves who we are and reclaim the joy of what we do.Pinch Yourself, You’re a Planner is a spirited place containing a mine of stories from planners all over the UK about what they take pride in and how they stay optimistic and engaged"In this episode we discuss Karolina's reflections on the UK and London Planning system, its challenges and nuances, and where it succeeds and fails. She gives us a Planners' view on the application process, and we discuss the potential opportunities and downsides of planning reform.

Mete Coban’s passion for giving young people a voice stems from his own experiences growing up in Hackney. Listen to this episode to hear about his inspiring journey; born in an estate in Hackney, and now Cabinet Member for Energy, Waste, Transport and Public Realm. He was the youngest ever elected Councillor in the London borough of Hackney, he has been implementing the Climate Emergency Plan in the London Borough of Hackney, introducing the most radical transport plan in London, as well as green grants and a pioneering Community Energy Fund.As Chief Executive of My Life My Say, Mete is best known for contributing to the increase of turnout for young people at the 2017 and 2019 UK General Elections.In the New Years 2020 honours list, Mete received an MBE for services to young people recognising his efforts to make politics more accessible for the younger generation.In this fascinating episode, Mete talks us through how the challenges of his childhood have empowered him as a young leader to seek out a voice for young people.

Recent architecture graduates share their frustrations with job hunting during the pandemic, leading to the creation of a podcast. The episode explores diverse career paths post-architecture education and the impact on underrepresented voices. It discusses strategies for architects to establish their own practices, the benefits of apprenticeships, and the evolution from startup mentality to a structured company. The conversation also delves into the increasing importance of entrepreneurship in architecture and the balance between architect and entrepreneur roles.

Join us in this episode where Nicholas Boys Smith, the Chair of the Government’s Office for Place and Founder of Create Streets, sets out his vision for how we tackle the two fundamental challenges that have changed the direction of planning policy, as well as his career:It matters that we don’t have enough homesIt matters what people like when it comes to the places that we createA drive through South London 12 years ago led Nicholas on a voyage of discovery to try to understand why the places that the current planning and development system creates appear (in his words) to “replicate many, but not all, of the errors of what it is replacing”Nicholas founded Create Streets to try to understand what people actually want, and advocate for design solutions that will lead to better outcomes in terms of resident satisfaction, and allow developers to build places that ‘make people fall in love with the future’.His work on the Building Better Building Beautiful Commission led to a role Chairing the Governments’ new Office for Place, which has been influential in the creation of planning policy over the last five years.In this episode, Nicholas describes his background, what drives his passion for places, and how he goes about working with private and public sector partners to define the future of our urban and sub-urban realm.

Welcome to this week's episode of our podcast, where we're joined by Danny Thorpe, former Leader of Greenwich Council whose passion for transforming places was shaped by his upbringing in the Ferrier Estate in Greenwich.In this episode, Danny takes us through his route into politics where his passion for social justice and community welfare saw him chosen for the role of Cabinet Member for Regeneration, before taking on the role of Leader of the Council.Danny discusses his experience of working with the Public and Private sectors to deliver ambitious transformation within the borough.As the former Leader of Greenwich Council, Danny spearheaded “Greenwich Builds”, the largest council house building programme the borough had ever seen and led responses to critical challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic. His leadership extended to broader roles within London, including overseeing health and care portfolios for London Councils.Today, Danny continues his impactful role working for Clarion Housing Association where he shapes the future of our cities through housing development and political advocacy.Join us as we delve into Danny's inspiring journey, his influence on the intersection of politics and property, and his enduring commitment to creating inclusive and thriving urban communities.

In the latest episode of the Urban Forecast, Ben Cross, Development Director at General Projects, shares his transformative journey from The North to the architecture scene in London. After a decade in renowned practices, Ben pivoted to development, realising the innate synergy between creative thinking and solving large-scale, complex problems. At General Projects, he uses his architectural background to navigate the issues that need to be solved when reimagining existing buildings, emphasising the need for creative solutions aligned with business plans and investor expectations. Don't miss this episode for a concise exploration of Ben Cross's unique path, and the insights that he has gained from working at one of the UK’s most pioneering commercial developers. 

In the latest episode of the Urban Forecast podcast, Krupa Sheth, the youngest councillor ever elected in Brent, takes us on a compelling journey from her unexpected entry into politics whilst still at University, to the transformation of the Borough of Brent during her time in Local Government. Reflecting on the constant concerns of the Brent community, including clean environments, education, and housing, Krupa discusses her instrumental part in crafting Brent's climate emergency policies and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explores the delicate balance between urban development and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of transparent dialogue with developers, and with residents. The conversation concludes with insights into the impact of budget cuts on local services and the critical need for national support in investing in local councils. Join us for a thought-provoking episode, where Krupa Sheth's experiences highlights the complex interplay of local governance, urban development, and climate action in shaping the urban forecast.

In this captivating interview, we sit down with Matt Griffiths-Rimmer, the Director of Communications and Impact at Hadley Property Group, to explore his unique journey from being a musician in his twenties and thirties to his role working at Hadley Properties focusing on engaging with Communities and Businesses to re-imagine how Placemaking can be undertaken in Regeneration Projects.Matt's transition from a "crazy artist" to a community advocate makes him the ideal person to negotiate the complex process of weaving creative communities into the fabric of a new development, and also makes him an ideal guest to talk about the future of cities.