Grow Places

Rachel Coleman, Head of Research at Turner & Townsend Alinea, takes us on a fascinating journey through the interconnected worlds of construction economics, data analytics, and place-making in this thought-provoking conversation. With disarming candour, Rachel shares how she stumbled into a career in construction after studying physical geography — intending just a one-year office stint before...

In this episode, Tom Larsson speaks with Faisal Butt, founder of Pi Labs, about the evolution of PropTech and real estate venture capital. Faisal reflects on his journey from a tech-driven background to pioneering investments in property technology, coining the term “PropTech.” He discusses Pi Labs’ progression across three funds, investing in startups ranging from SaaS to robotics and AI. Highlig...

In this episode of the Grow Places Podcast, host Tom Larsson speaks with James Pellatt, founder of Digital Trees and former Director of Innovation at GPE, about the deep structural inefficiencies in real estate—and how data and technology can be the key to unlocking lasting change. James shares the thinking behind launching Digital Trees, his pragmatic approach to innovation, and why leadership, c...

In this episode of the Grow Places Podcast , host Tom Larsson sits down with journalist and CREtech's Head of Content, Emily Wright , to explore the evolving narratives around real estate, design, and the human experience of place. Emily shares insights from her 20-year career in the industry, reflecting on how conversations around well-being, sustainability, and placemaking have shifted from...

Welcome to the Grow Places Podcast , where we explore the virtuous circle of people, growth, and place. Hosted by our founder, Tom Larsson , this episode takes a deep dive into architecture, development, and urban living with Tom & James Teatum , co-founders of Noiascape . Noiascape is redefining the way we think about housing, blurring the boundaries between living, working, and social space...

Discover the transformational power of purposeful design with Angela Crowther, a director at Arup, as she shares her journey from engineering to master planning and how her work in post-tsunami Indonesia reshaped her perspective on community resilience. Angela reveals the vital role that thoughtful design plays in rebuilding communities, emphasizing the significance of ecological restoration proje...

In this episode of the Grow Places Podcast , host Tom Larsson is joined by Lucy Musgrave , founder of Publica, to explore the intricate relationship between urban policy, design, and real-world impact. From shaping London’s most iconic streets and spaces to influencing major policy initiatives like Good Growth by Design , Lucy shares her insights on how cities can evolve in a way that is both incl...

In this episode of the Grow Places Podcast , host Tom Larsson speaks with Nicholas Worley , partner at Fletcher Priest Architects and a passionate photographer, about the power of authenticity in visual storytelling for architecture and design. Nicholas shares his journey from studying architecture to becoming a renowned photographer, highlighting how his dual careers have influenced his approach...

Discover how traditional economics is being reshaped to meet the complexities of modern life with the pioneering insights of Bridget Rosewell CBE. Bridget shares her journey from the classrooms of Oxford University to leading infrastructure projects like Crossrail, where she champions a more human-centered approach to economic modelling. Her insights reveal the transformative potential of integrat...

Be as provocative as you dare towards the Real Estate Industry ... Will your business survive the future? Discover the future of real estate with Richard Pickering, the Head of Innovation for Cushman & Wakefield in the EMEA region. Explore the critical role of strategic foresight in real estate, as Richard shares his journey from consulting to leading innovation. Gain insights on translating v...

Every project needs a good client, so today we hear from one!  Colm Lacey, whose deep experience being a Client on built environment projects in public housing and education for entities such as Brick By Brick, provides the insights. Colm's journey from housing development to shaping educational estates in London and beyond provides a unique lens through which we explore the concept of "...

Ever wondered how to empower female talent in real estate ? Join us as Vanessa Murray, a former music student turned senior asset manager, shares her inspiring journey from having zero industry connections to managing high-profile projects like the former BBC Television Centre redevelopment. Vanessa's story is a testament to the power of mentorship and determination, leading her to establish...

What happens if our cities are National Parks?  We're joined by Mark Cridge, the director of the National Park City Foundation, as we explore this bold vision, using London as a ground-breaking example. Almost half of London is green and blue space, filled with diverse species and rich with potential. This episode challenges the traditional view of urbanity by reimagining cities as thriving e...

Discover the essence of strategic planning with insights from industry expert David Morris, board director at DP9, an independent planning consultancy in London. Journey with us as David shares his path from a geography student to an influential planner, highlighting the critical value of long-term relationships and collaboration in the planning sector. Learn how fostering teamwork and communicati...

Join us on a special on-site episode of the Grow Places Podcast, hosted by founder Tom Larsson, as we explore the vibrant ecosystem of the Truman Brewery in East London. Recorded live in the heart of Brick Lane, Spitalfields, and Banglatown, this episode features an in-depth conversation with Steve, the site manager of the Truman Brewery, who shares how this iconic space has evolved into a thrivin...

Change can be a good thing ... Ever wondered how historic neighbourhoods evolve while preserving their character and enhancing their public benefit?  🎧 Grow Places Podcast episode DROP - Catch it here now! www.growplaces.com/podcast We take you behind the scenes of one of London’s most iconic sites—Truman Brewery on Brick Lane.  Join us as we walk with architects Simon and April from Henley Haleb...

Discover how the dynamic economic ecosystem of East London is shaping up in our latest episode recorded at the iconic Truman Brewery. Joined by Alex O'Byrne and Peter Reddy from Volterra Partners, and Tom Larsson, the development manager from Grow Places, we promise a deep dive into the socioeconomic impacts of major developments in Tower Hamlets. Learn about the importance of nurturing a nat...

Welcome to the Grow Places podcast, where we delve deep into the symbiotic relationship between people, growth, and place. In this special episode, recorded on-site at the historic Truman Brewery in East London, host Tom Larsson is in discussion again with another key team member from our ongoing redevelopment project. Discover how the plans for the existing Cooperage building (Block K) and a new...

Dive into our latest conversation with Angela Crowther and Letty Lucy from Arup on the groundbreaking redevelopment of East London's iconic Truman Brewery. Discover how sustainable practices, community impact, and innovative design are helping this historic area to grow as a vibrant urban space. Unlock the secrets behind transformative neighbourhood scale regeneration! Angela, an expert in st...

Curious about how urban redevelopment projects can connect places and provide flexible spaces that are interesting and open to change?  On this our 5th episode of our Truman Brewery Series Edmund and Jonathan from Morris + Co unravel our ambitious redevelopment project in East London. We’ll dive into the masterplan detailing how Morris + Co have designed their "Block 3" into a hub for cr...

What happens when once closed areas of a neighbourhood open up to be enjoyed by all? Join us as we walk around our Truman Brewery site with Giles and Rosie from Spacehub to explore their sensitive work on the Landscape and Public Realm design for our Truman Brewery redevelopment in East London. In this episode, we unravel their strategies for creating interconnected, functional outdoor spaces that...

Ever wondered how historic buildings can maintain their charm while adapting to modern needs?  Join us as we chat with architects Chris Dyson and Mathew Witts of Chris Dyson Architects about the remarkable transformation of the Truman Brewery's Listed old Boiler House "Block O". Originally a stable block from 1800's, this space has been reimagined to serve as a flexible, functi...

What if we could help grow a neighbourhood while preserving its cultural roots?  Join us on a journey through East London's Truman Brewery with our guest Anna Mansfield from Publica. Anna shares her team's extensive research and the invaluable data they've gathered on the wider areas of Brick Lane, Spitalfields, and Banglatown to inform our current project. You'll gain insights...

Welcome to the Grow Places podcast, your go-to source for understanding the dynamic interplay of people, growth, and place.  In this special episode, we take you to the heart of East London, broadcasting from the iconic Truman Brewery. Here, we're collaborating with the Truman Brewery and local stakeholders from Brick Lane, Spitalfields, and Banglatown to bring forward planning applications f...

Have you ever walked through a place that felt like it was part of your soul - that you belonged?  Join us on the Grow Places podcast with Joy Nazzari, Founder of DNCO, who weaves her global experiences and cultural insights into the art of storytelling, brand and Place Purpose, that resonate with our deepest human needs.  Our conversation takes you on a journey through the essence of storytelling...