Grow Places

Grow Places
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Welcome to the Grow Places podcast where we explore the virtuous circle of people growth and place. Brought to you by Grow Places and hosted by our Founder, Tom Larsson. These short conversations with industry leaders and community figures share insights on the built environment and open up about their purpose and what drives them on a personal level. Thank you for listening. For more information please visit our website; www.growplaces.com and connect with us @WeGrowPlaces across all social channels. We cover topics such as real estate, property development, place, urban design, architecture, social value, sustainability, community, technology, diversity, philanthropy, landscape design, public realm, cities, urban development, people, neighbourhoods, anthropology, sociology, geography, culture, circular economy, whole life carbon, affordability, business models, innovation, impact, futurism, mindset, leadership, mentorship, wellbeing.See you next time! 

  1. 9 DEC

    GP 54: Upskilling Local Government: with Pooja Agrawal of Public Practice

    In this powerful episode of the Grow Places Podcast, Tom Larsson speaks with Pooja Agrawal, co-founder and CEO of Public Practice, a pioneering not-for-profit that places built environment professionals into local government roles to drive meaningful change. Pooja shares her journey from growing up in Mumbai to becoming a passionate advocate for public service in the UK. She dives deep into the importance of multidisciplinary teams in local government, the challenges of resourcing in the public sector, and why empathy between public and private sectors is more vital than ever. 🔍 Episode Highlights How Public Practice is placing professionals into councils to close skills gapsThe long-term value of design and spatial thinking in local governmentWhy 75% of associates stay in the public sector post-placementThe financial realities of local councils and their effect on planningThe role of empathy in public-private collaborationInsights on the New Towns programme and the future of place-led developmentInternational perspectives: what the UK can learn from Mumbai, Denmark, and morePooja’s vision for public sector confidence, leadership, and systems change🌍 Learn more about Public Practice: https://www.publicpractice.org.uk 🎧 Listen and subscribe for more: https://www.growplaces.com/podcast   #PublicPractice #UrbanPlanning #BuiltEnvironment #PublicSector #PlaceMaking #Sustainability #NewTowns #Leadership #GrowPlaces

    40 min

  2. 25 NOV

    GP 53: Architecture for Real Life: Over 35 Years of Stories with Paul Monaghan of AHMM

    How do you actually deliver a school, an office, or a housing block and turn it into something extraordinary? In this episode, Tom Larsson speaks with Paul Monaghan, co-founder of AHMM, about a career spent designing buildings that shape everyday life and the people behind them. With warmth, honesty, and a quiet determination, Paul reflects on the evolution of architecture, the joy of delivering real projects, and why staying grounded matters in an ever-changing industry. 💬 From building loyalty inside his firm to earning the trust of clients and planners, Paul shares stories of lessons learned, challenges embraced, and the belief that good design can genuinely change lives. 🏗️ “The next building we do will be the best one we do” Whether you're in architecture, property, or simply care about how places shape people, this is a conversation worth hearing.

    39 min

  3. 11 NOV

    GP 52: UK Politics, Housing, Growth: with Kevin McKeever of Lowick Group

    In this episode, Tom Larsson is joined by Kevin McKeever, Managing Director of Lowick Group, a leading strategic communications and public affairs consultancy working at the intersection of development, politics, and community. Kevin also recently co-founded Hedry, a cross-party consultancy focused on building resilience in the built environment. This wide-ranging and honest conversation unpacks the urgent challenges facing the UK’s housing and planning system, from viability and delivery to trust and political will. Drawing on decades of experience in local government, Westminster, and large-scale regeneration, Kevin provides sharp insights into the systemic issues stalling progress and what it will take to build places that work for people now and in the future. Topics covered include: Why trust has broken down between developers and the public sectorThe economics of viability and the political misunderstanding around itHow the left and right frame “growth” and what that means for citiesThe role of public sector land and long-term partnerships in deliveryThe limitations of our planning system and the case for a resetKevin also shares personal reflections on why this work matters to him and the human impact of good development done well. 💡 Whether you're a planner, policymaker, developer or engaged citizen, this episode offers a deeply informed and thought-provoking perspective on how to get Britain building again, fairly, sustainably, and strategically. 🔗 Listen now and subscribe for future episodes: www.growplaces.com/podcast

    40 min

  4. 4 NOV

    GP 51: Place Personality: with Denz Ibrahim of Legal & General IM

    In this insightful episode of the Grow Places Podcast, Tom Larsson sits down with one of the most forward-thinking voices in the UK real estate sector – Denz Ibrahim of Legal & General.  As Head of Futuring & Place, Denz shares how he and his team are turning traditional development models on their head by embedding creativity, community, and customer-centric design into every layer of placemaking. We dive into Foundry, Legal & General’s innovative co-working and micro-enterprise platform that’s bringing underused spaces in town centres and new residential neighbourhoods to life. From repurposed job centres in Poole to high street rejuvenation in Wandsworth, Denz explains how Legal & General is curating ground-floor experiences that boost retention, attract independents, and generate holistic value. Discover how long-term thinking, community programming, and the power of local businesses can create places with true character and soul — not just commercial assets. This episode covers: Rethinking retail and residential ground floors as dynamic, community-led environmentsThe shift from passive landlord to active place curatorThe role of data, partnerships, and programmatic use in creating valueReal-world stories from Eastbourne, Hove, Walthamstow, Bromley, and moreWhy place personality matters — now more than everThis is a must-listen for anyone working in regeneration, BTR, asset management, or urban design — or anyone who simply cares about how we build better places.

    48 min

  5. 7 OCT

    GP 50: How to Turn Big Ideas into Better Places: Architecture and Impact with Kai-Uwe Bergmann of BIG

    In this milestone 50th episode of the Grow Places Podcast, host Tom Larsson sits down with renowned architect Kai-Uwe Bergmann, Partner at BIG, to explore the interplay between design, place-making, and global urban transformation. Recorded at BIG’s London studio, this episode dives into: The evolution of BIG’s London office and its roots in the Google King’s Cross and Serpentine Pavilion projectsBIG’s philosophy of context-driven design, balancing global thinking with local relevancePowerful case studies like CopenHill (a power plant-turned-urban ski slope in Copenhagen) and The BIG U (a visionary climate resilience project for Manhattan)Insights on the architect's role as storyteller, collaborator, and midwife to ideasHow diverse, inclusive engagement shapes better built environments—from Bhutan to New YorkWhether you're in architecture, development, or just fascinated by how cities evolve, this episode offers compelling insights on how bold ideas and thoughtful design can shape the future of our urban world.

    46 min

  6. 23 SEPT

    GP 49: How to unlock Co-Living: Redefining Urban Living with James Armitage-Hobbs of DP9

    In this episode of the Grow Places podcast, Tom Larsson sits down with James Armitage-Hobbs, Director at DP9, to ask a big question: What role does co-living play in the future of our cities? They explore: How co-living has evolved over the past decade from a niche idea into a recognised housing model.Why loneliness, affordability, and housing shortages make professionally managed shared living so relevant today.The planning and policy challenges of a use class that doesn’t neatly fit existing categories.Lessons from early schemes, and how case studies shaped today’s “second-generation” co-living projects.The tension between creating amenities that build community within buildings and ensuring they also contribute positively to neighbourhood life.The potential of repurposing outdated office stock into sustainable co-living communities.How public benefit stories—affordable housing, ground floor uses, and wider economic impact—are reshaping conversations with local authorities.As James reflects, “It was only when people could see live case studies that the model really started to gain traction.”  And as Tom observes, “Successful projects must enrich not just the building, but the neighbourhood and the city around it.” This conversation dives deep into the opportunities and challenges of co-living, why it matters for London’s housing mix, and how it can help create more connected, resilient urban communities.

    33 min

  7. 9 SEPT

    GP 48: Can Architects Stay Relevant? AI and More with Keir Regan Alexander of Arka Works

    In this episode of the Grow Places podcast, Tom Larsson sits down with Keir Regan Alexander of Arka Works to ask a big question: Can architects stay relevant in the age of AI? They explore: Why architects need to move beyond aesthetics to embrace responsibility, coordination, and strategy.How AI tools—from masterplanning software to generative models—are reshaping design practice.The risk of architecture being reduced to “product” and how the profession can push back.The evolving role of the architect as lead consultant, custodian of vision, and human in the loop.What bundling, unbundling, and future industry structures might mean for practice over the next decade.As Tom reflects, “If architects only define themselves by aesthetics, they risk giving away the real value they bring.” And as Keir warns, “The danger is treating design like pure science—cities and places are more human than that.” This wide-ranging conversation looks at where value lies in architecture, how the profession can adapt, and why human judgement, taste, and responsibility remain essential.

    51 min

  8. 22 JUL

    GP 47: The Barbican: The Future of Culture and Place with Pip Simpson

    In this episode of the Grow Places Podcast, Tom Larsson sits down with Pip Simpson, Director of Buildings and Renewal, at the Barbican. They explore the evolving role of cultural institutions in shaping cities, fostering creativity, and building community. Pip shares insights from her experience at major UK institutions, discusses the Barbican’s unique mixed-use design, and reveals plans for its ambitious revitalization. From architecture and accessibility to programming and public engagement, this conversation uncovers how spaces like the Barbican can inspire, connect, and adapt for the future.

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Grow Places podcast where we explore the virtuous circle of people growth and place. Brought to you by Grow Places and hosted by our Founder, Tom Larsson. These short conversations with industry leaders and community figures share insights on the built environment and open up about their purpose and what drives them on a personal level. Thank you for listening. For more information please visit our website; www.growplaces.com and connect with us @WeGrowPlaces across all social channels. We cover topics such as real estate, property development, place, urban design, architecture, social value, sustainability, community, technology, diversity, philanthropy, landscape design, public realm, cities, urban development, people, neighbourhoods, anthropology, sociology, geography, culture, circular economy, whole life carbon, affordability, business models, innovation, impact, futurism, mindset, leadership, mentorship, wellbeing.See you next time! 

Information

  • Creator
    Grow Places
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Grow Places
  • Show Website
    Grow Places

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