At UKREiiF, Architecture Today interviewed ‘tomorrow’s clients’ to ask what architects need to understand about planning, housing, biodiversity, regional growth and long-term value.
Tomorrow’s Clients at UKREiiF.
Across four conversations at UKREiiF, Architecture Today asked people working at the sharp end of development what they want from architects now. The answers range from Biodiversity Net Gain and planning strategy to affordable housing, regional regeneration and the practical realities that shape whether schemes progress, stall or succeed. Those we spoke to offered a useful guide to the expectations, pressures and priorities of clients, advisers and delivery partners who will shape the next generation of built environment projects.
Stuart Newton-Tyers, Wild Capital
Stuart Newton-Tyers from Wild Capital talks to AT about how Biodiversity Net Gain is reshaping the sequencing of development and where architects are still being caught out.
Natural capital was becoming a material constraint on development, not just another planning requirement.”
Finlay Ward, West Midlands Growth Company
Finlay Ward, Capital Investment Executive at West Midlands Growth Company, tells AT how architects can better align with regional economic growth priorities.
Projects which demonstrate high quality from the early stage of planning are much more likely to receive consent and then gain momentum.”
Jessica Hird, STAT Planning
Jessica Hird, Associate Planner, tells AT what architects could do to better support planners, her biggest red flag when working with architects, and why she’s advocating for the next generation of town planners.
The most effective architects work collaboratively with planners early, ensuring design ambition aligns with policy compliance, viability and stakeholder expectations.”
