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The show where Ackroyd Lowrie's co-founder and director, Oliver Lowrie talks to the people defining the future of our cities. Discussing their background, what drives them and the insights they have learnt along the way. This is a show for investors, developers, planners, consultants and anyone who is interested in how we will work, live and play in the cities of the future and what that means for the property market today.
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In this episode of Urban Forecast, Oli sits down with Chris Worrall, Director at LSL Partners, for a frank and fast-paced conversation about the realities of the UK housing crisis. Chris dismantles common myths around land, planning and development, critiques the political narratives driving dysfunctional policy, and explains why supply, zoning and sensible regulation matter far more than ideology. From the failures of the building safety regulator to the economics behind the 1 percent housin...
In this episode of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Nick Cuff, Managing Director and founder of Urban Sketch, to unpack why London has stopped building and how we can start again. From his beginnings in local government to leading one of the most design-driven housing innovators in the UK, Nick offers rare insight into the real economics behind development, the policy traps slowing progress, and why storytelling might just be the key to rebuilding trust in the...
In this episode of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Hari Phillips, co-founder of Bell Phillips Architects and Trustee at the Museum of Architecture, for a candid conversation about the realities of the profession today. Hari reflects on two decades at Bell Phillips, why he stepped away, and how he’s now mentoring the next generation of architects. From architecture’s social impact to the profession’s business blind spots, this discussion unpacks how architects...
In this episode of Urban Forecast, Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd dive into the unexpected success of their TikTok clip that racked up over 70,000 views and the fiery comments it sparked. From the frustrations of being undervalued in architecture to the looming influence of AI, the duo explore what’s driving discontent in the profession, why mental health needs to be part of the conversation, and how architects can reclaim their value in a changing industry. It’s candid, relatable, and unfiltered...
In this episode of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Michael Clark, Design Director at Hadley Property Group, to explore the evolving role of the architect, the realities of development in today’s market, and how community engagement can shape meaningful regeneration. Michael shares candid reflections from his journey across architecture, contracting, and development, revealing how trust, communication, and collaboration are central to delivering homes in one o...
In this episode of Urban Forecast, hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd dive into the outcomes and mood from the Labour Party Conference, exploring what it all means for the future of housing and planning in London. With housebuilding figures falling far short of targets, they discuss why planning reform hasn't been delivered, what could unlock development, and whether Labour will be bold enough to make the radical changes needed. From viability challenges to Sadiq Khan’s 35% affordable housing t...
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 ...
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 hy...
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 ...
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 Londo...
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 c...
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 fut...
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 ...
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...
In this UKREiiF 2025 special episode of Urban Forecast, Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd are joined by Dr Ana McMillin, Director of Architecture at Broadway Malyan, steering committee member of Women in Architecture, and executive member of the Urban Design Group. Despite progress, cities continue to reflect a limited range of lived experiences. Too often, they are shaped by a small group of voices, leaving others excluded from the spaces where they live, work and move. Ana shares her insights fr...
In this special UKREiiF 2025 edition of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Alice Lester, Director for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration at Brent Council. Alice shares her journey from a geography student fascinated by cities to shaping one of London’s most ambitious regeneration areas. They explore the delicate balance between delivering much-needed homes and protecting local character, the evolving role of green infrastructure, and how policy can either unlock or...
In this UKREiiF 2025 special of Urban Forecast, hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Cllr Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, to explore how bold leadership, effective partnerships and a focus on people are driving one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration stories. From stalled schemes to strategic joint ventures, Dan shares the real challenges and hard won lessons behind delivering housing and town centre renewal in Harlow. An honest, inspiring conversation for anyone passionat...
In this special UKREiiF 2025 edition of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Cllr Claire Holland, Leader of the London Borough of Lambeth and Chair of London Councils. From the urgent need for affordable housing to the power of public-private partnerships, Claire shares her bold vision for inclusive growth across London. She reflects on her personal journey rooted in social justice, how collaboration can unlock infrastructure potential, and why Lambeth’s history o...
In this special debrief episode of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd reflect on the highs and lows of UKREiiF 2025 in Leeds. They explore the atmosphere, key themes and industry sentiment fresh from the event, comparing it to MIPIM, and sharing candid views on policy challenges and developer frustrations. With soundbites from local authority leaders, developers like Pocket Living, and advocates for inclusion like Women in Architecture, this episode tackles the state of UK ho...
In this episode of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Martyn Evans, Creative Director at Landsec, to explore how developers can create meaningful and enduring places, not just buildings. Martyn shares the story of his unconventional entry into property through The Truman Brewery, and how authenticity, reuse, and patient vision can unlock extraordinary long-term value. He explains why developers must think beyond spreadsheets, why storytelling is an essential to...
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