Urban Forecast

Ackroyd Lowrie
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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.

  1. 12/08/2025

    The Future of Regenerative Development with Joe Jack Williams

    In this episode of Urban Forecast, Oli Lowrie sits down with Joe Jack Williams, Head of Regenerative Strategy at Bywater, to explore the future of low-carbon development, the realities of building in mass timber, and why the industry desperately needs better material literacy. After 14 influential years at FCB Studios, Joe made the leap from architecture to development in pursuit of greater impact. He discusses the limitations architects face within client-driven briefs and why moving upstream gives him the ability to shape carbon outcomes from day one. From embodied carbon blind spots to the challenges of moisture management, legislative misalignment, and the need for better data, Joe offers an unflinching yet optimistic view of how timber buildings can become the norm rather than the exception. He also shares insights from his RIBA-published Materials Book and Bywater’s unique partnership with Sumitomo Forestry. This is a deep dive into how buildings are really made, how decisions ripple through the supply chain, and how the next generation of sustainable development must think in systems, not snapshots. KEY TAKEAWAYS Architects are often limited by client briefs, and shifting to the developer side allows far greater influence over sustainability outcomes. Embodied carbon is rapidly overtaking operational carbon as the critical factor in building emissions, yet material impacts remain poorly understood across the industry. Timber can significantly reduce embodied carbon, but success depends on rigorous detailing, moisture management, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Fire risk in timber buildings is often overstated; moisture poses a far greater challenge, accounting for the majority of insurance claims. Current UK regulations, especially around residential heights and funding constraints, create unnecessary barriers to timber construction. Bywater’s joint venture with Sumitomo Forestry demonstrates how global expertise can accelerate safe, scalable timber development. Material decisions often have counterintuitive carbon implications; intuition alone is inadequate without robust data and scenario testing. Creating safer, more innovative design cultures requires teams to admit what they don’t know and embrace research-led practice.  BEST MOMENTS “Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean there isn’t a hole in the ground attached to the project you’re making.” “Fire isn’t the big risk. Ninety-seven percent of timber claims are about moisture.” “We’re always on a learning curve, and it’s not always intuitive what the right answer is.” “Architects are phenomenally bright. Once they understand the system, they’re really good in that system.” VALUABLE RESOURCES https://www.ackroydlowrie.com  EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT How to unblock the system of community funding with Mark Shearerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwCPMHe1GUs The 1 percent housing trap with Chris Worrall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2ujFO3E_RA  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 di

    29 min

  2. 12/01/2025

    How to unblock the system of community funding with Mark Shearer

    Urban Forecast sits down with Mark Shearer, CEO and Co-founder of ActionFunder and a councillor for Westminster. With a rare dual perspective spanning politics, community impact and the built environment, Mark breaks down the staggering inefficiencies in the UK’s grant-giving and planning systems and explains why billions in community funding remain stuck in local authority accounts. He shares how ActionFunder is reframing the relationship between developers, councils and local communities through transparency, technology and real-time reporting. From the future of Section 106 and CIL, to trust in development, to the political dynamics shaping planning decisions, this conversation explores how cities could work very differently, and why now is the best time for businesses to deliver genuine social value. About ActionFunder: ActionFunder is the grant management platform revolutionising community investment. Built with funders and driven by AI, it streamlines the funding process, reduces admin and costs and delivers money directly into community projects. Designed for organisations that want to give with purpose and prove their impact, ActionFunder enables smarter, faster, more transparent grant giving. Users can launch branded funds, connect with local projects that align with their goals and access real-time impact reports that support ESG, CSR and social value objectives. With over 17,000 self-enrolled community projects across the UK actively accessing funds through the platform, ActionFunder is redefining how businesses give back. Smarter funding. Real impact. KEY TAKEAWAYS There is over £8 billion of unspent Section 106 and CIL funds across UK local authorities, largely due to strained resources and inefficient manual processes. 46% of grants cost more to distribute than they are worth, highlighting the need for streamlined, tech-enabled alternatives. ActionFunder creates transparent, real-time tracking of community spending, enabling businesses, councils and communities to see exactly where funding goes and what outcomes it delivers. Developers could rebuild public trust by directly funding local benefits, provided transparency and oversight are in place. Community voice is ultimately the biggest influence in planning, often outweighing developer lobbying. Political cycles create uncertainty, but cross-party pragmatism in local government is more common than people assume. Design ambition in central London has declined, driven by financial pressures, sustainability debates, and risk-averse planning. Certainty and clarity in planning policy remain the greatest incentives for delivering high-quality, innovative buildings.BEST MOMENTS “There’s never been a better time for a company to be delivering social value.” “There’s £8 billion of unspent Section 106 and CIL in UK local authorities. It’s eye-watering.” “The community voice is critical. Developers need to engage directly, not just think councillors are the gatekeepers.” “If we use technology, there is an opportunity for developers to take responsibility for distributing that money and create real public benefit.”VALUABLE RESOURCES https://www.ackroydlowrie.com  EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT The 1 percent housing trap with Chris Worrall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2ujFO3E_RA  Why London Stopped Building with Nick Cuff https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coDPAozDmoM  ABOUT THE HOSTS Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, t

    34 min

  3. 11/18/2025

    The 1 Percent Housing Trap with Chris Worrall

    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 housing trap, this episode offers one of the clearest explanations yet of what’s really holding back new homes in the UK, and what it would take to finally unlock growth, affordability and better living conditions. KEY TAKEAWAYS The UK housing debate is heavily influenced by rhetoric and theories not grounded in real-world development experience Restrictive planning systems and anti-development sentiment are major drivers of the housing shortage, far more than developers themselves Labour’s recent land value capture proposals amount to over-taxation that risks suppressing development rather than enabling it The current building safety regulator is poorly designed compared with international examples and risks slowing delivery without improving outcomes Political interference in planning decisions prevents a shift towards flexible zoning, mandated local plans and faster approvals Low vacancy rates create the 1 percent housing trap where landlords have no incentive to upgrade or repair properties, worsening living conditions London has huge untapped potential for densification, with plenty of land and the ability to build upwards if policy supported it The UK’s approach to funding social housing is fundamentally flawed and fails to support long-term supply and quality  BEST MOMENTS “There are so many so-called experts who’ve never valued land or built anything in their life. Most haven’t even built a sandcastle.” “A Labour government think they can just tax things into oblivion.” “We’ve got regulations that do not regulate more houses into existence “There is enough land and the sky’s the limit in a lot of these places.” VALUABLE RESOURCES https://www.ackroydlowrie.com  EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Why London Stopped Building with Nick Cuff https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coDPAozDmoM  Reclaiming Value in Architecture with Hari Phillips https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FosWeZqmWL8 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

    35 min

  4. 11/10/2025

    Why London Stopped Building with Nick Cuff

    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 housing sector. Expect a candid conversation about design, policy, affordability and the future of living in our cities. KEY TAKEAWAYS Housing delivery is broken but fixable. Nick explains that the challenges facing UK housebuilding come from a combination of demand-side changes, rising build costs, and increasingly adversarial policy. Developers need to tell a better story. The property sector has failed to communicate its social and economic value, despite contributing twice as much to the UK economy as financial services. Policy has become mismatched to reality. Fire safety, levies, and affordable housing requirements have all increased without corresponding flexibility in planning or design standards. We need balance between regulation and risk. A healthy housing system requires developers to feel confident taking on projects. Policy should enable, not discourage, calculated risk-taking. Co-living is part of the solution. Compact, high-quality urban housing can give young people affordable access to well-located homes without compromising on design. Investors need clarity. With seven-year project timelines and shifting government policy, capital is cautious about UK residential investment. Better use of data could transform planning. Misunderstood statistics and poor transparency fuel misconceptions about land banking and value capture. Design and community go hand in hand. For Nick, successful development is about bridging the gap between buildings and the people who inhabit them. BEST MOMENTS “We’re a poor communicator as a sector, given how material the things we do are to society.” “It’s a bit of a sausage machine. You put one thing in, you’ve got to take something else out. Right now, the sausage machine isn’t working.” “Developers aren’t land banking, they just can’t make it stack up.” “I’m most excited about seeing a spade in the ground and people living in what we build.” VALUABLE RESOURCES https://www.ackroydlowrie.com  EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Reclaiming Value in Architecture with Hari Phillips https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FosWeZqmWL8 Are Architects Being Replaced by AI? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ4PNpsulic  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

    34 min

  5. 11/03/2025

    Reclaiming Value in Architecture with Hari Phillips

    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 can reclaim agency, value, and joy in an increasingly complex and regulated industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS Architecture has the power to impact everyday lives, it should be accessible to everyone, not an elite pursuit. Many architects struggle to articulate their purpose and value beyond design aesthetics. The profession is facing a crisis of empowerment, squeezed by regulation, low fees, and eroding creative control. The RIBA’s role is often misunderstood - it promotes architecture as a discipline, not necessarily its members. Over 55% of UK architects are business leaders, yet few are trained in business or entrepreneurship. Architects must shed the “tortured artisan” mindset and confidently value their work. Talking about money and business health shouldn’t be taboo - it’s part of sustaining great architecture. Mentorship and clearer definitions of purpose can help emerging practices thrive in a changing landscape.  BEST MOMENTS “We never started with a clear manifesto - it emerged through doing architecture.” “Architecture has the power to impact the everyday person, to elevate and enhance their life.” “The work you do has value, and you should not give that away.” “Architecture should be at the centre of solving today’s spatial challenges - yet too often we’re pushed to the periphery.” VALUABLE RESOURCES https://www.ackroydlowrie.com  EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Michael Clark’s Take on London’s Development Challenge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMiUszt24jQ  Are Architects Being Replaced by AI? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ4PNpsulic  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

    39 min

  6. 10/27/2025

    Are Architects Being Replaced by AI?

    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 - two seasoned architects confronting the realities of their field head-on. KEY TAKEAWAYS Architects continue to feel undervalued and overworked, with many considering leaving the profession. The industry’s culture of long hours and “all-nighter” deadlines fuels stress and poor mental health. Comparing architecture to other professions like law or finance can be misleading - long hours are endemic across sectors. AI is set to automate much of the “production” work in architecture, freeing architects to focus on design and storytelling. Architects need to adapt by embracing data-driven design and understanding how people truly use spaces. Hands-on experience with construction is becoming a lost skill - but one that AI can’t replicate. Increasing technical complexity and regulation have fractured the architect’s traditional role, leading to reliance on more consultants. The future lies in designing for longevity and reuse, moving away from a “throwaway” culture in buildings.  BEST MOMENTS “You just used to say to yourself on the way into work, one day we’ll all be dead - that was my way of getting through.” “You can get AI to create something that looks pretty and cool, but how do you actually get that built?” “We’ve lost touch with construction - architects need to get back on site.” “We’ve only got one shot to use the resources left on this planet.” VALUABLE RESOURCES https://www.ackroydlowrie.com  EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Michael Clark’s Take on London’s Development Challenge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMiUszt24jQ  Labour’s Housing Delivery Crisis: Planning isn’t the Problem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76CxlOboM5A  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

    15 min

  7. 10/20/2025

    Michael Clark’s Take on London’s Development Challenge

    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 of the world’s toughest housing markets. From the pressures of the Building Safety Act to the fine line between risk and reward in property development, this conversation gets to the heart of what it takes to build better, faster, and more responsibly in modern Britain. KEY TAKEAWAYS Architecture is a profession full of highs and lows, and many practitioners are moving sideways into development and construction for broader impact. The housing delivery cycle has stretched dramatically, from five to over eight years, due to planning complexity and new regulatory gateways. Developers face “three major financial hurdles”: Section 106, CIL, and affordable housing quotas, which together strain project viability. Despite public mistrust, developers like Hadley are rebuilding confidence through genuine community engagement and collaboration with local authorities. The Building Safety Act has improved risk management and design quality but has also delayed funding and construction start times. Digital technology and 3D modelling have made design coordination more precise, though arguably more complicated, without necessarily improving quality. Strong leadership and teamwork between architects, contractors, and clients are critical to delivering successful projects. Hadley’s agility and focus on local needs make it stand out among London developers, with a model grounded in communication and trust.  BEST MOMENTS “You’re overtaxing the golden goose. London hasn’t got anything left to give.” “Developers aren’t sitting on pots of gold. The reality is every developer is desperately trying to make money - but nobody will take that risk if the odds are stacked against them.” “You can’t get too personally involved in design - it’s no longer your design, it’s everyone’s.” “We spend time understanding what the community needs and build that into our designs. That’s how trust starts.” VALUABLE RESOURCES https://www.ackroydlowrie.com  EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT The Future of the City of London with Tom Sleigh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx6bNuRrMYE  Labour’s Housing Delivery Crisis: Planning isn’t the Problem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76CxlOboM5A  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

    34 min

  8. 10/13/2025

    Labour’s Housing Delivery Crisis: Planning isn’t the Problem

    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 threshold and the Building Safety Act backlog, Oli and Jon dissect the numbers, policies and political realities shaping the UK’s urban future. KEY TAKEAWAYS London is on track to deliver just 5,000 homes against a target of 88,000, with £5.5 million spent on homelessness - signalling a housing crisis at breaking point. Planning isn’t the main barrier; it’s viability. Over 280,000 homes have planning permission but aren’t being built because the numbers don’t stack up. The 35% affordable housing requirement is under review, with Labour potentially open to temporarily lowering it to kick-start stalled projects. Some councils are sitting on huge Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds that could be redirected to make schemes viable or support affordable housing. Sadiq Khan appears reluctant to move first on policy changes without central government backing - a sign of political tension between City Hall and Westminster. The Building Safety Act remains a bottleneck, with approval times up to 48 weeks, though new leadership promises to cut this to nearer 12. Labour faces a “make or break” moment to deliver growth and housing or risk losing public confidence before the next election. The hosts argue that scaling back affordable thresholds now could deliver far more homes overall, benefiting the economy and the Treasury in the long run.  BEST MOMENTS “Thirty-five percent of nothing is nothing.” “If you want to get housing moving in London, you’ve got to do something about viability.” “Ten percent of 88,000 homes is a hell of a lot more than 35 percent of 5,000.” “We’re at crunch time now. Is this government going to be bold enough to do something real?” VALUABLE RESOURCES https://www.ackroydlowrie.com  EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT The Future of the City of London with Tom Sleigh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx6bNuRrMYE  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 https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/ LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcast Email: info@ackroydlowrie.com

    13 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Ackroyd Lowrie
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    85
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Urban Forecast
  • Show Website
    Urban Forecast