Urban Forecast – Details, episodes & analysis

Urban Forecast welcomes Mike Reader, British Labour Party politician and Member of Parliament, for a candid conversation on the realities of delivering change in the UK’s built environment.

Drawing on his background in construction and public sector delivery, Mike shares what it’s really like stepping into politics, and what the government is doing to increase the pace of change in the industry. The discussion dives into housing delivery, quality issues in new homes, and the balance between regulation and viability.

The episode also explores the future of construction through the lens of skills, AI adoption, and productivity challenges. From the risks of over-regulation to the opportunities for smarter policy and better data, this is a grounded and pragmatic look at how the UK can build better, faster and more sustainably.


Key Takeaways

The construction sector still struggles with productivity, and iwe question whether the industry itself is the main barrier to change

Skills are a critical issue, but data shows positive momentum with a growing proportion of younger workers entering the industry

AI presents major opportunities but adoption is slowed by concerns around intellectual property, liability and insurance

Housing quality remains a serious challenge, with widespread defects and snagging issues in new builds

Delivering homes is not just about quantity but also quality of place, product and user experience

Layers of regulation and policy often fail to deliver real-world value and can actively slow or prevent development- how can we make smart policies that do not add another layer of burden?

Long-term policy consistency is difficult in a political system where priorities can shift every election cycle


Best Moments

“Politics is a lot of process and scrutiny. That means the pace of change is really slow.”

“There are still too many homes built poorly, with too many snagging issues.”
“Can we make housing great again? Can we make developers want to build housing again?”

“Finding how we break through the legal quagmire of central government is the biggest challenge.”

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon 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 & CONTACT

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/

LinkedIn
http://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcast

Email: info@ackroydlowrie.com

Urban Forecast host Oli Lowrie sits down with Phineas Harper, British writer, cultural leader, and Guardian contributor, to unpack the real forces shaping our cities.

From the myth that “ordinary people don’t care about architecture” to the uncomfortable truth about who really controls housing, Phineas challenges the narratives that dominate the built environment. The conversation dives into media influence, political power, global capital, and why architects might be thinking about their role all wrong.

Phineas argues that architecture isn’t just about design, it’s about activism, communication, and navigating messy political systems. Whether it’s the housing crisis, foreign investment, or the decline of grassroots practices, this episode exposes the deeper structures behind the places we live.

A sharp, honest discussion about power, responsibility, and what it really takes to create change in the built environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Everyone in the built environment should act as an activist, using their platform to drive change and shape public debate
• Public interest in architecture is far greater than the industry assumes, but it needs to be communicated in an accessible way
• The built environment has huge economic impact but fails to articulate its value compared to sectors like finance
• Architects are largely absent from mainstream media and political discourse, limiting their influence on national decisions
• The dominance of large firms and procurement systems is stifling small practices, innovation, and diversity in the industry
• Not all investment is equal, and foreign ownership can extract value from the UK economy rather than reinvesting in it
• Good ideas alone are not enough, real change requires political strategy, communication, and coalition-building
• Architects often overestimate their influence, while politics, capital, and policy are the true drivers of the built environment

 BEST MOMENTS

• “We should all be activists in whatever field we’re in.”
• “Ordinary people really care about architecture if it’s presented in the right way.”
• “It’s not good enough to have a good idea.”
• “Architects are so far down the food chain of decision making.” 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon 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 & CONTACT

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/

LinkedIn

http://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcast

Email: info@ackroydlowrie.com

In this episode of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd are joined by Tom Sleigh, Councillor for Bishopsgate Ward at the City of London Corporation and Chair of the Planning & Transportation Committee. Tom offers an insider’s perspective on how the City is shaping its future. He explains how to balance heritage with tall towers and how the Square Mile is being reimagined as a cultural and leisure destination. He also shares stories from his visit to Ukraine, reflections on London’s resilience, and why retrofit-first planning could be key to sustainable growth.

Whether you are interested in the politics of planning, the meeting of old and new, or how cities find meaning beyond finance, this conversation gives a clear look at what makes London work today and how it might change tomorrow.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The City of London has a unique political setup, with no party system and committee-led decision-making, which creates space for collaboration across traditional divides.
• Living in central London brings disruption such as construction, nightlife and transport. It is part of the reality of living in a vibrant global city.
• After Covid, the City’s focus is less on increasing residential numbers and more on boosting footfall through culture, food, leisure and hospitality. This is part of the “Destination City” strategy.
• Balancing heritage and skyscrapers is still contentious. Tom argues that the blend of old and new is what makes the City iconic.
• The City’s retrofit-first planning policy makes it a leader in sustainable development, with half of all London retrofits taking place within the Square Mile.
• London remains resilient as a global financial centre because of its time-zone advantage, English common law, and the pound’s position between the euro and dollar.
• Cultural venues and heritage play a crucial role in giving cities meaning. Finance alone cannot provide that sense of identity.
• Major projects on the horizon, such as Smithfield Market’s regeneration and the Museum of London’s relocation, promise to transform the City’s cultural landscape.

 BEST MOMENTS

• “Yes, we want to bring people back, but it doesn’t mean we want them to live here.”
• “When you cycle across Tower Bridge and see the Tower of London with the eastern cluster behind it, it looks amazing.”
• “The City of London does half of all of London’s retrofits. We’re way ahead of the pack.”
• “Culture is where a city finds its meaning. It is not just in tall buildings or finance.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The devastating effect of cars in our cities with Henrietta L. Moore & Arthur Kay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44TWO0rTwtg 

Engineering a Greener Future with Steve Webb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHIfzm-aMZA

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon 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 & CONTACT

Instagram

In this episode of Urban Forecast, hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Steve Webb, Director of Webb Yates Engineers, at Milieu 134 Old Street, a landmark project by HGG London. Designed around natural materials, Milieu is a workspace that reflects the future of sustainable architecture and the setting becomes part of the conversation itself.

Steve shares how projects like Milieu point towards a new way of thinking about construction. He discusses the role of timber and stone in hybrid systems, the challenges of evolving fire regulations, and the wider cultural need for tenacity in the design industry. The conversation ranges from the forgotten lessons of 1990s sustainable architecture to the idea of developing a uniquely local architectural language in the UK.

Recorded in a building that embodies these principles, this episode brings sustainability, engineering and design to life in a very real context.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The construction industry often lacks tenacity. Too many innovative ideas are dropped at the first sign of resistance instead of being pushed through to realisation.

Sustainability in architecture is not new. It flourished in the 1990s but was largely forgotten after the financial crash of 2008.

Hybrid timber and stone systems provide a path forward. They reduce reliance on concrete while offering the thermal mass needed to avoid air conditioning in lightweight buildings.

Fire safety regulations following Grenfell have reshaped design, yet with careful thinking innovation remains possible.

Cross-laminated timber still has value even when it is not left exposed. Its real importance lies in reducing embodied carbon, though more efficient uses of timber must be explored.

Local materials can create distinct architectural languages. Just as Mallorca builds with sandstone, the UK should define its own future through homegrown resources.

The industry continues to rely on Victorian era materials such as brick, despite their inefficiency and enormous carbon footprint.

BEST MOMENTS

“What’s missing most of the time is tenacity. People need to want to do it, make the argument, and push through the problem.”

“We’re still using Victorian material in a unit sized for a sick Victorian labourer. The industry is incredibly backward.”

“If you put CLT in a building but cover it up, people say what’s the point? But actually, there’s still a good point. It’s about carbon.”

“Why aren’t there 7,000 architectural languages, one for each of the world’s 7,000 spoken languages?”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 
https://webbyates.com
https://hgglondon.co.uk/project/milieu

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Big Opportunity London Can’t Waste with Jace Tyrrell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn00DOeooaE 

The devastating effect of cars in our cities with Henrietta L. Moore & Arthur Kay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44TWO0rTwtg 

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon 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 & CONTACT

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/
LinkedIn
http://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcast
Email: info@ackroydlowrie.com

In this episode of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Professor Dame Henrietta L. Moore, Founder and Director of the Institute for Global Prosperity at UCL, and Arthur Kay, CEO & Founder of Skyroom. Together they discuss their book Roadkill, which explores the urgent need to rethink our car-dominated cities. From the myths and politics surrounding 15-minute cities to the promises and risks of autonomous vehicles, this conversation challenges us to ask: what kind of urban future do we really want?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Car ownership is deeply ingrained, but shifting towards people-centred cities is both possible and necessary.
• European cities like Paris and Barcelona show bold examples of reclaiming streets for pedestrians, though not without resistance.
• The rise of 15-minute cities has been misunderstood and politicised, sparking conspiracy theories during the pandemic.
• Autonomous vehicles may transform transport, but they risk worsening congestion and surveillance unless carefully regulated.
• Public perceptions often lag behind lived experiences: initial resistance to pedestrianisation often turns into long-term support.
• Car dependency drains household income and shapes city economies in damaging ways.
• Technology should be embraced thoughtfully, with policymakers setting boundaries that prioritise liveability.
• The future of urban transport is not inevitable - it will be determined by the decisions we make today.

BEST MOMENTS

• “Why would you want to drink a beer next to a car? You much prefer to have a beer next to a person.” – Henrietta L. Moore
• “Cars are still going to be there, but I think the drivers are not.” – Arthur Kay
• “It shows how toxic, dangerous and controversial what was a relatively niche urban design policy can become if it’s picked up in the wrong way.” – Arthur Kay
• “Instead of protesting once something’s already happened, you need to be part of the process of deciding what is going to happen for you and with you.” – Henrietta L. Moore

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

http://www.getroadkill.com/

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Big Opportunity London Can’t Waste with Jace Tyrrell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn00DOeooaE 

Housing and Regeneration in Tower Hamlets with David Joyce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M03j0_NPBPw 

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon 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 & CONTACT

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/

LinkedIn

http://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcast

Email: info@ackroydlowrie.com

In this episode of Urban Forecast, Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd are joined by Jace Tyrrell, Chief Executive of Opportunity London. Jace shares how London can stay ahead in the global race for investment, why it matters that the city works together, and what we need to fix to attract the next wave of funding. From planning delays to public and private collaboration, this episode explores how to unlock billions for housing, transport and regeneration. It is a hopeful but honest look at what London needs to do next.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

London gives people space to be themselves, which sets it apart from other global cities

Opportunity London connects investors with projects to help get developments off the ground

The real competition is with cities like New York and Singapore, not other parts of the UK

Planning delays are a major barrier that push investors to faster-moving markets

Boroughs and developers need to collaborate more to unlock bigger opportunities

There is growing demand for mixed use places, greener streets and better transport

London's planning system must become more flexible so buildings can adapt over time

Public private partnerships can work, but many councils need support to get investor ready


 BEST MOMENTS

“We will become the poster child globally of mixed use.”

“Our competition is Singapore, Paris, parts of the US.”

“If it takes 12 years here and 2 years in the US, capital will go elsewhere.”

“We are London's Cupid, matchmaking capital with projects.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://opportunity.london/ 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Reinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Living

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyE1R-IZgdQ 

Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to 


ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon 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 & CONTACT

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/

LinkedIn

http://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcast

Email: info@ackroydlowrie.com

In this episode of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with David Joyce, Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration at the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. David shares his insights into the challenges and opportunities of housing delivery in London, the importance of regeneration, and the delicate balance between community priorities, developer interests, and government policy. From Tower Hamlets’ impressive track record in housing delivery to the debate around co-living and the future of Canary Wharf, this conversation explores what it takes to shape thriving, sustainable communities in one of London’s most dynamic boroughs.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Tower Hamlets consistently leads London in housing delivery, outperforming other boroughs year after year.

Despite delivery successes, the borough faces a decline in social rented homes due to high levels of leaseholders and right-to-buy.

David stresses the importance of working in partnership with developers, investors, and community groups to deliver regeneration at scale.

Co-living is a divisive issue: while it may offer flexibility, David questions whether it genuinely serves the needs of the communities it claims to support.

Early-stage, low-cost planning meetings in Tower Hamlets encourage open dialogue with developers, making the borough attractive for investment.

Major regeneration areas, such as Whitechapel and Canary Wharf, highlight the need to balance commercial development with housing provision.

The borough’s diversity and strong community cohesion are seen as unique strengths that drive regeneration success.

David advocates for policies that make traditional C3 residential housing more viable for developers, rather than simply restricting alternative models like co-living.


 BEST MOMENTS

“Tower Hamlets has been the top housing delivery borough every single year for the last twenty years, and by a magnitude of two.”

“I remain to be convinced that the co-living sector is genuinely delivering for the people it claims to serve.”

“We’re not just regeneration-oriented, we’re community-oriented - this is our community, we live here.”

“Sometimes we need to be less purist about place-making and focus on what communities actually need in their daily lives.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/Home.aspx 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Reinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Living

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyE1R-IZgdQ 

Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to 


ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon 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 & CONTACT

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/

LinkedIn

http://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcast

Email: info@ackroydlowrie.com

In this episode of Urban Forecast, Oli and Jon are joined by Anna Lisa McSweeney, UK Networks Lead at Built by Nature, a pioneering not-for-profit working to accelerate the shift toward biobased construction materials. With a background in architecture and activism, Anna Lisa brings sharp insight into what the UK needs to do to keep up with Europe in timber construction, what myths still cloud the conversation, and how networks, funding, and data are being leveraged to unlock a low-carbon future for buildings. They discuss regulatory barriers, insurer perceptions, and the practical steps needed to mainstream natural materials in the built environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The UK is an outlier: Compared to Europe, the UK ranks fire safety as the number one perceived barrier to using timber, whereas other countries cite cost.
• Insurers aren't the problem, entirely: Many mass timber buildings already have insurance, but a lack of early engagement and data perpetuates hesitation.
• Natural materials require different thinking: Biobased materials like hemp and clay vary naturally, complicating traditional testing and approval methods.
• Data collection is crucial: From energy performance to human health benefits, there's a major push to build robust data sets to support wider adoption.
• Networks are the key: Built by Nature sees the strength of their stakeholder network, developers, insurers, designers, cities, as more powerful than grants alone.
• Design with nature, not against: The principles emerging around responsible timber construction advocate seeing ourselves as part of nature, not separate from it.
• Misconceptions fuel resistance: Concerns around deforestation and fire risk are often based on outdated or incorrect information that doesn't reflect current evidence.

 BEST MOMENTS

• “The UK sits as a bit of an outlier from the rest of the European networks… Fire is the number one perceived challenge.”
• “It must be safe, right? These buildings in America aren’t burning down.”
• “People perform better in timber buildings, heart rates go down, concentration goes up.”
• “We need to start collecting more data to show that energy performance is better than the U-value predictor suggests.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https:/www.builtbn.org 

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Reinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Living

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyE1R-IZgdQ 

Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to 

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon 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 & CONTACT

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/

LinkedIn

In this episode of Urban Forecast, hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd are joined by James Scott, Group Director of Strategy and Planning at Urban&Civic plc. From Cold War airfields to thriving new communities, James shares his journey through law, development and the complex world of placemaking in the UK. He explains what it really means to build new places, with early investment, deep engagement and a commitment to long-term thinking. Expect sharp insight on policy, infrastructure, green space and why flexibility always beats prediction.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Flexibility matters more than prediction
In long-term development, adaptability is far more valuable than fixed forecasts.

Master developers are a different model
Urban&Civic does not build houses or just secure planning. They focus on infrastructure and placemaking, then partner with housebuilders.

You must invest early in placemaking
Significant investment in community infrastructure, green space and schools builds long-term value and trust.

Planning is only part of the issue
The UK grants 300,000 housing consents annually, but delivery is held back by economic conditions, policy and geography.

Homes England can work well
Despite criticism, James highlights how Homes England has provided vital infrastructure finance that supports large-scale delivery.

Regional differences matter
London and regional areas face very different barriers to development. A one-size-fits-all policy approach does not work.

Green space needs scale
Strategic green infrastructure is far more effective than fragmented pockets of space. Landscape-led planning is essential.

Build with communities, not just for them
Successful development depends on listening to future residents and adapting over time rather than imposing a fixed vision.


 BEST MOMENTS

“Flexibility is better than prophecy.”

“You’re not trying to say, at 15 years, improve that junction at this cost. That’s bonkers.”

“It’s not about living next to a park. It’s about living in a park.”

“Pattern books are written by people who don’t live on the site – they’re not the ones who have to live with it.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.urbanandcivic.com 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Reinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Living

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyE1R-IZgdQ 

Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to 


ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon 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 & CONTACT

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/

LinkedIn

http://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcast

Email: info@ackroydlowrie.com

In the final episode recorded at UKREiiF 2025, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Paul Rickard, CEO of Pocket Living, to explore bold housing innovation in London. Paul brings a finance-savvy lens to the pressing challenges facing SME developers, explains why Pocket homes defy their compact dimensions, and outlines what is needed from policymakers to truly unlock urban affordability. With insights into planning, politics, risk and design, this is a compelling end to the UKREiiF series, and it champions the citymakers behind our cities.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Finance fluency matters: Paul explains how his financial background helps balance entrepreneurial drive with disciplined risk-taking, which is vital in today’s volatile market.

SMEs under pressure: With 4,000 construction insolvencies annually, SME developers like Pocket face vastly different funding and risk environments compared to housing associations.

The Pocket model: Offering discounted one-bedroom homes for first-time buyers, Pocket focuses on key workers who keep the city running but are priced out of it.

Not your average one-bed: Despite being 37 square metres, Pocket homes are carefully designed to feel spacious, challenging perceptions of small-scale housing.

Built-in community: From WhatsApp groups to rooftop parties, Pocket does not just deliver housing, it helps residents build social connections from day one.

Innovation is hard: Paul says more developers should innovate, but acknowledges the regulatory, funding and cultural hurdles that make it difficult.

Planning and perception: Pocket’s model has gradually gained acceptance from planners through persistent education and mission clarity.

Rental is next: Pocket is expanding into high-quality rental housing with a similar ethos, targeting affordability, longevity and community.


 BEST MOMENTS

“People that buy our homes have a lot in common… You go in already knowing your neighbours. That’s community from day one.”

“If local authorities want their nurses, teachers, police officers to stay, this is the answer.”

“We've spent 20 years making sure this doesn’t feel like a compact home.”

“I wish there were more people innovating. It can’t just be Pocket.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.pocketliving.com 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Future of Inclusive Design and Women in Architecture with Ana McMillin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANwoBM3PQAM 

Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to 


ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon 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 & CONTACT

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/

LinkedIn

http://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcast

Email: info@ackroydlowrie.com