AT chats to…Oliver Hall from Make about his role as National Chair of BCO NextGen Committees and using the conference as a platform for full immersion in Milan.

What has your role been in this year’s conference?
Helen (Hare) reached out to me shortly after the highly successful 2024 conference in Birmingham led by Pete Crowther, where we saw a seismic shift in the number of NextGen attendees and their involvement in the programme. After all the effort we put into delivering Birmingham—complete with parties, seminars, and even our own branded cycle kit—she set a bold challenge for this year. The goal was to match the proportion of NextGen attendees while also delivering an integrated programme that features some exclusive activities for us (the NextGen) but also brings their fresh perspectives to the conference as a whole.

We’ve introduced two key elements. The first is the BCO 2030 seminar and workshop, where NextGen members will run discussions that provoke thought about what the workplace sector could look like in 2030. They’ll also explore how we, as an industry, need to adapt – and likewise, how the BCO must evolve to meet the challenges ahead. The second is an initiative we’re calling ‘The Gallery,’ which sits at the heart of the conference, showcasing the incredible work coming from our regional, technical, and awards committees over the past year. It’s a massive installation and the first time we’re really displaying the full breadth of the BCO’s work.

What do you want to achieve at this year’s conference?
I want attendees to walk away from Milan truly appreciating the nuances of the Italian workplace environment. It’s crucial to understand the importance of brand, quality, and identity across all aspects of the office sector in Italy but specifically in Milan. Above all, I’m eager to hear from both members and non-members about their vision for the BCO and how we can evolve as a sector and organisation amidst today’s challenges. Their insights are invaluable as we navigate this complex economic landscape.

What sets the BCO conference apart from other high-profile gatherings in the industry calendar?
I view the BCO conference as a unique study trip. It’s not just about the agenda; it’s about immersing ourselves in Milan and learning from what the city has achieved. Why would we travel all the way to Milan only to discuss the London office market? We need to soak up the local culture and innovations, and this conference is the perfect platform for that.

Aside from your BCO role, what are you working on at the moment?
I’ve got a lot on my plate! Right now, I’m working on an exciting life sciences project in Cambridge with Brookgate. There’s also a major office development in Westminster for one of London’s top commercial developers that is keeping me busy. Plus, I’m serving as the Masterplan Design Guardian for ECF on the Crescent Salford Masterplan. At Make, I’m focused on enhancing our sustainability efforts, driving research and innovation, and championing our BCorp agenda.

What are the highlights in this year’s program for you?
Aside from the NextGen programme, I’m particularly looking forward to the “Meet the Contractors” session—it’s shaping up to be a real state-of-the-nation discussion that I think everyone will find valuable. And let’s not forget the building tours, especially of the Milano Innovation District (MIND). That district has served as a key reference point in the development of our Crescent Innovation North project on the Salford Masterplan, so I’m eager to see how it has progressed!

Why is the event taking place in Milan this year?
I think Helen is the best person to ask on this, but if I were to guess, Milan was chosen because it’s a city that has witnessed substantial growth in workplace innovation driven by technology, finance, and professional services. Yet, it has managed to retain a distinctive identity through its various development schemes. Projects like Porta Nuova and CityLife represent world-class development—it’s all about a modern Italy, brand, and a sense of place grounded in Milan itself.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Well, my dog certainly motivates me to get up for a walk! But beyond that, it’s the thrill of getting projects delivered that really excites me. When I know I have a meeting or workshop for a project that’s happening—where there’s funding in place, planning secured, and a contractor ready to roll—I get a genuine buzz from it. So much of an architect’s time is spent unlocking projects, so when things start moving, it’s incredibly rewarding to see it through!

And what keeps you awake at night?
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t lose sleep over uncertainty — whether it’s economic instability, climate change, or the fate of a project hanging in the balance, there are a lot of unknowns swirling around us. But I take great comfort in collaborating with an amazing team of people who provide stability, confidence, and guidance when times get tough. They’re a solid support network, and that helps me navigate these uncertain waters.

Oliver Hall is National Chair of BCO NextGen Committees & Partner at Make.