Grow Places

It was a pleasure to host Arup's Sustainability Director, Mel Allwood, as we explore examples from London and around the world, and how our daily habitats can move us forward, step by step. Our conversation uncovers the delicate dance between wellbeing and design, emphasising the transformative power of spaces that are as nurturing as they are sustainable. We learn from past global health cri...

Have you ever walked through a city and felt a wave of inspiration simply by experiencing the place? That's the magic Julian Lewis of East, describes in constructing spaces that don't just stand but speak to the soul of urban environments. This episode is a journey into the heart of vibrant public spaces, where Julian intricately weaves the tales of buildings and landscapes that transfor...

Embark on a journey through the intertwined paths of public service and urban development with Nick Walkley, our guest whose storied career of leading London Boroughs, Homes England and now at Avison Young provides unique and humble insights. It's not every day you get to pick the brain of someone who has been instrumental in the growth of places and the forging of alliances across the public...

Prepare to have your perspective on sustainable architecture transformed as we alongside David Saxby of Architecture 00, unravel the complexities of creating cities that not only stand the test of time but do so responsibly. As we navigate the intricate dance of fostering growth while respecting our planet, you'll gain valuable insights into the delicate balance required to shape our urban la...

Welcome to an enlightening conversation with Natascha McIntyre-Hall of Gleeds, who has a unique take on the intersection of holistic design, social media, and innovation. Tash's insight into creating inclusive spaces and revitalising town and city centres through digital intervention is well worth a listen. She brings the vibrant discussions from her popular "walk and talk" social m...

Have you ever pondered over how our individual choices, like the food we eat, the car we drive, or even the design of our homes, send ripples through the environment?  Our guest, Joe Morris, Founding Director of Morris & Company Architects and an advocate for veganism, takes us on a journey through his experiences with veganism and how it influenced his philosophy towards sustainable architect...

Do you ever wonder about the metaverse? That's exactly where we're taking you! We have the privilege of hosting William Polisano, a pioneer in the space and the COO and founding partner at Verse Prop. He takes us on an exciting journey, from his early days to his current role, exploring how the metaverse - a series of immersive 3D worlds where users are represented by avatars - is revolu...

What if the tranquillity you seek comes in the art and design surrounding you in your community? Join us as we welcome Shiro Muchiri of SoShiro, revealing the magic of how art shapes communities. Through captivating stories, we discover the power of art in bridging cultural gaps and reconnecting individuals with their roots. Be it a nostalgic building or a local eatery, these markers have the powe...

What if you could contribute to solving one of society's most pressing issues - homelessness? Our guest today is Rob Neale from St Mungo's, one of the UK's largest homelessness charities. He's here to share his journey from studying physics and human rights law, to becoming a pivotal figure in fundraising through corporate partnerships.  Hang tight as Rob throws light on the mu...

Welcome to an illuminating dialogue with the Co-founder of The Future Laboratory, Martin Raymond - a visionary who has reshaped the way we think about the future. Together, we're challenging traditional notions and masterplans, unearthing the beauty of chaos that has spawned cities like Paris, Rome, London, and New York. Ready for a deep dive into the heart of future urban planning and social...

Ever wondered how small changes in architecture and construction can contribute significantly towards a sustainable future? That's exactly what we unpack together with our guest for today, Andrew Waugh of Waugh Thistleton Architects, an architect-activist deeply devoted to sustainable practice. Andrew’s journey, from his early practice days, has been defined by a vision to construct not just...

How can we create a brighter future for young Londoners from low-income backgrounds and diverse communities? Join us as we chat with Louise Richmond from the Mayor's Fund for London and explore the power of community hubs - from schools to places of worship - and their role in the wellbeing of London's youth. Listen in as we discuss how vital these spaces are in bringing people together...

What does it take to create a truly inclusive and vibrant built environment that improves quality of life for all? Join our conversation with Professor Sadie Morgan OBE, founder of the Quality of Life Foundation and dRMM, as we uncover the essential components of design that foster well-being, from a sense of control and belonging to access to nature and healthy homes. This enlightening discussion...

What if buildings could transform the lives of the those people experiencing homelessness? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Heather Macey, founder of Architects Aware!, as we dive into the incredible mission behind her initiative: using architectural and urban design skills to help those experiencing homelessness access accommodation. Heather shares her experiences working with chariti...

What does it take to create spaces that truly improve the quality of life for all? Join us as we uncover the secrets behind designing meaningful places for everyday life with our special guest, Chloe Phelps, founder of Grounded Practice. We explore Chloe's journey from working at Brick by Brick to starting her own female-led architecture practice focused on housing and communities. Discover t...

Ever wondered how colour can transform a space and impact human emotions? Join us in our intriguing conversation with Hugh McEwen, a founding director of Office S&M Architects, as we uncover the fascinating effects of colour in architecture and community engagement. Together with Hugh, we'll explore the importance of empowering decision-making in the design process, using colours and mate...