Episodes
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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.
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Missing episodes?
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Join us for this collaborative episode between Urban Forecast and the 1:100 Podcast.
For those who haven’t heard of the 1:100 Architecture Podcast, it is a transformative platform uniting architects and creatives worldwide. Through raw and relatable personal experiences as 7 women of colour, they ignite an ethical design approach while expanding opportunities for design enthusiasts everywhere. Their mission is to empower individuals like them, fostering confidence in their unique abilities to thrive with originality, creativity, and innovation. By curating engaging content, design tips, and thought-provoking architectural conversations, 1:100 cater to diverse backgrounds, inspiring confidence and enabling individuals to embrace their full potential.
In this joint episode, we discuss different perspectives on the role of the Architect, and how the education system currently serves those entering the industry from diverse backgrounds, and how entrepreneurship can allow the profession to transform in a shifting economy. -
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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In this episode of Urban Forecast, we delve into the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and architecture with guest Allister Lewis. A former architect turned AI enthusiast, Allister shares insights into the evolving landscape of AI tools within the construction industry. The conversation explores:
The likely significant impact of AI on the architecture and construction industries, particularly in generative design.The experimentation phase expected over the next three years, and how the industry will transform over the next 5-10 yearsThe potential for AI to unleash Offsite ConstructionThe potential for AI to create efficiency and redundancy in the same measure.The episode concludes with a sneak peek into Allister's startup, which aims to create a comprehensive marketplace for architecture, engineering, and construction software, promising to revolutionise the way professionals discover, test, and adopt these innovative solutions.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the evolving relationship between AI and the future of architecture and construction.
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How can we design and build cities that will design a fairer future : Panel debate recorded at the Labour Party Conference 2023 with Cllr Bella Sankey, Cllr Kieron Williams, Marvin Rees, Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cllr Mete Coban and Jon Ackroyd.
Welcome to a very special episode of the Urban Forecast Podcast! Recorded at our exclusive Breakfast Club Briefing, this episode features an impressive lineup of guest speakers who are leading the way in shaping the future of urban development. We had the honour of hosting Cllr Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council; Cllr Kieron Williams, Leader of Southwark Council; Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol City; Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure, and Climate Action, LB Brent; Cllr Mete Coban MBE, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, LB Hackney; and Jon Ackroyd, an award-winning Chartered Architect and Co-founder of Ackroyd Lowrie. Guiding our discussion as the event's chair is Oliver Lowrie, an Architect and Co-founder of Ackroyd Lowrie.
In this episode, our panel of distinguished speakers engaged in thought-provoking discussions and provided expert insights into designing cities that prioritise fairness, inclusivity, and equity for all. We explore innovative approaches, policies, and strategies that can transform our urban spaces into vibrant, inclusive environments, leaving no one behind.
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In this episode of the Urban Forecast Podcast, we sat down with Andrew Teacher, founder of Blackstock Consulting and currently the Managing Director for real estate in ESG at Montfort, whose life story is a testament to the pursuit of creativity and resilience.
We begin by revisiting Andrew's school days, where he and his friends ventured into the world of publishing, creating a magazine provocatively named "Balls." Their enthusiasm led them to cover diverse topics, from sports to music, and even secure press passes to major sporting events, igniting Andrew's passion for photography as well as journalism. However, life took an unforeseen turn when he faced a vision impairment, prompting him to use his talent for journalism and narrative within the Property Industry. Andrew takes us through the founding of Blackstock, from its early startup days to its acquisition last year by Montfort, and the insights he has gained into the property industry along the way.
Tune in to this episode of the Urban Forecast Podcast for a tale of determination, reinvention, and the enduring power of passion. -
In this episode of the Urban Forecast Podcast, we delve into the dynamic landscape of the macro economy behind the UK housing market and its impact on the future of cities. In a post-pandemic world, the economy has seen a seismic shift, influenced by unprecedented government interventions and unique inflationary pressures. Join us as we explore what has led to the economic position we are in today, what the means for the housing market now and how those trends are going to change over the next 3-5 years.
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Tenant demand is at an all-time high in the UK, and this is driving the rapid growth of the Built-to Rent Sector. On this episode, we sat down with Polly Simpson, Head of Multifamily Development at Savills London, who has been fully immersed in this emerging sector since its inception ten years ago. We discuss the underlying market forces that are driving the growth of the sector, what is required to deliver a successful BTR scheme, and how the sector is faring in these highly challenging times for the whole UK property market.
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Join Jason Boyle, an architect with over 23 years of experience at Seller Limited and a seasoned professional in the nuclear industry, as he takes you on a journey through the world of architecture.
Get ready to dive deep into the human side of the profession, as Jason fearlessly addresses the tough issues that architects grapple with every day – from burnout and undervaluation to the challenges of architectural education. With a passion for mentorship, Jason founded the Global Architect Alliance, offering online mentoring to aspiring architects worldwide. He's on a mission to reshape architectural education, advocating for apprenticeship-style learning and tackling the industry's most pressing challenges head-on. Tune in as he shares insights, stories, and solutions to create a healthier, happier architecture profession.
And in a change to the usual format, Jason interviews the host Oliver!
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In this episode of the Urban Forecast Podcast, we deep dive into the co-living sector with Paul Wellman and James Hanmer, both experts in this brand-new, but rapidly expanding sector. We explore how big the demand for the product is, the challenges that exist for those delivering and funding it, and the different types of products that are emerging to meet this demand.
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Get ready for an exhilarating episode, where we go behind the scenes of UKREiiF, the UK’S fastest-growing and most disruptive property sector event.
We sat down with Matt Christie, Director External Relations and Content at UKREiiF, to discuss the layers of strategies aimed at crafting a program of activities that drive the success of UKREiiF. We delve into how they’ve made UKREiiF more accessible, inviting broader participation and enabling attendees to voice their concerns directly to decision-makers...and how this is changing the landscape of property events through its success. Their strategy extends to engaging young and hard-to-reach individuals in the built environment, offering them a platform, stimulating future decision-making.
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In the latest episode of Urban Forecast, Ashley Perry, Investment Director at Apache Capital, joins us. We delve into many topics, from insights gained at a ULI UK event to the broad spectrum of build-to-rent operators and their strategic development processes. We examine the transformation of regional cities and unused sites into thriving communities, discuss the rental market dynamics in light of tax reforms, and foresee the future of the build-to-rent sector, including growth trajectories and the transition to long-term ownership.
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In the latest episode of Urban Forecast, we were joined by Jonathan Director of Inward Investment & Higher Education Academic Relationships at London Borough of Waltham Forest.
In this episode, we cover Jonathan’s background working within a number of the former New Towns, and focus on the work Jonathan is currently engaged in; rapidly transforming the vibrant borough of Waltham Forest.
In this conversation, we cover the conversion of iconic landmarks into lively community centres, the inspiring collaborations that have moulded the borough, and Waltham Forest's ambitious plans, which emphasises a net-zero carbon future. -
In an emergency, unscheduled episode, we sat down with Peter George on the Urban Forecast Podcast to discuss the state of the industry, and what he recommends that RIBA do to attempt to reverse the decline.
Peter is Strategic Director of Economy and Sustainability at London Borough of Ealing and also shares his vision for the many departments in the borough that report to him. In this episode, Peter also reflects on his experience leading the Meridian Water project whilst the Director of Development at LB Enfield. This is one of the best and most exciting episodes we have recorded, you don’t want to miss this! -
In this episode we speak to Kunle Barker; Property & Construction Expert, Writer, & Broadcaster. Kunle is the star of Channel 4’s Project Home with Nick Grimshaw, ITV’s ‘Save Money: My Beautiful Green Home and has a regular column in Architects Journal.
Kunle has 20 years of experience in the Construction and Design industry, having delivered thousands of residential refurbishments, 120 Schools and 3 sports centres refits with his company Illustrious Homes.
In 2018, he won the Property Expert of the Year award. Apart from his work with his company, Kunle has consulted with the central government working with RT. Hon. Mathew Hancock.
His knowledge of different construction and building topics and his experience writing a regular column for the Architects Journal and for the Homes & Property Section of the Evening Standard make him the perfect guest for this brand-new episode.
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