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Grow Places

Grow Places

54 episodes

1 month ago

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 publ...

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Entrepreneurship

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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 publ...

Show more...

Entrepreneurship

Episodes (20/54)

Grow Places

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 publ...

1 month ago

40 minutes

Grow Places

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 loya...

1 month ago

38 minutes

Grow Places

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 ...

2 months ago

40 minutes

Grow Places

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-enterp...

2 months ago

47 minutes

Grow Places

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...

3 months ago

45 minutes

Grow Places

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 existin...

3 months ago

32 minutes

Grow Places

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 ...

4 months ago

50 minutes

Grow Places

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...

5 months ago

44 minutes

Grow Places

GP 46: Why Tribes Matter: Human Centric Real Estate Events with Rob Marten of SPACE+

In this episode of the Grow Places Podcast, we sit down with Rob Marten, co-founder of SPACE+, to explore why tribes — small, intentional communities — are at the heart of human-centric real estate events. Rob reflects on his journey from organising a village music festival called “Twigstock” as a teenager to co-creating SPACEUK, one of the UK’s most distinctive property events. Through candid stories and industry insights, he explains how smaller, more focused gatherings help challenge assum...

6 months ago

39 minutes

Grow Places

GP 45: We Have To Change the Real Estate Industry and The World: with Kristian Kiis of Volcano

In this energising episode of the Grow Places podcast, Tom Larsson speaks with Kristian Riis—former rock musician and founder of creative placemaking agency Volcano —about the urgent need to rethink how we shape our cities, communities, and lives. From life on tour with his band Nephew to working alongside governments, cultural entrepreneurs, and the King of Bhutan, Kristian shares how his passion for togetherness has evolved into a mission to transform the built environment. He unpacks the l...

6 months ago

38 minutes

Grow Places

GP 44: Unlocking Major Regeneration: with Sophie Rosier of Savills

In this episode of the Grow Places Podcast, host Tom Larsson sits down with Sophie Rosier, Head of London Mixed Use, Development, at Savills to explore the evolving landscape of city-making. From her early days at Television Centre to leading complex regeneration projects like Brent Cross Town, Sophie shares how passion, collaboration, and strategic vision are reshaping London’s urban fabric. They discuss the increasing complexity of unlocking major mixed-use developments, the role of long-te...

7 months ago

36 minutes

Grow Places

GP 43: Regeneration Needs Trust: Partnerships with Kat Hanna of Avison Young

In this new episode of the Grow Places Podcast, we explore one of the most critical but often overlooked elements of successful regeneration: trust. Kat Hanna, Co-Managing Director (London) at Avison Young, joins us to talk about her journey from public policy into real estate, and how meaningful partnerships—rooted in trust—are essential for delivering real, long-term change in our towns and cities. 🎯 We cover: How regeneration strategies must evolve beyond physical designThe role of inclusi...

7 months ago

38 minutes

Grow Places

GP 42: What Really Affects Quality of Life? with Adam Hinds of LifeProven

What if we told you that the biggest driver of quality of life in a building isn’t space, location, or sleek design – but how connected people feel to each other? In this thought-provoking episode of the Grow Places Podcast, Tom Larsson sits down with Adam Hinds, co-founder of LifeProven, to unpack what truly makes a place thrive. From ESG’s misunderstood reputation to surprising data on mental well-being in housing, this is a deep dive into how buildings influence lives – and how the real es...

8 months ago

48 minutes

Grow Places

GP 41: Construction in Crisis? Exploring Challenges and Solutions: with Rachel Coleman of Turner & Townsend alinea

Rachel Coleman, Head of Research at Turner & Townsend Alinea, takes us on a fascinating journey through the interconnected worlds of construction economics, data analytics, and place-making in this thought-provoking conversation. With disarming candour, Rachel shares how she stumbled into a career in construction after studying physical geography — intending just a one-year office stint before returning to university. That temporary role evolved into a fulfilling vocation, connecting peop...

8 months ago

42 minutes

Grow Places

GP 40: PropTech’s Origin Story and What Next: with Faisal Butt of Pi Labs

In this episode, Tom Larsson speaks with Faisal Butt, founder of Pi Labs, about the evolution of PropTech and real estate venture capital. Faisal reflects on his journey from a tech-driven background to pioneering investments in property technology, coining the term “PropTech.” He discusses Pi Labs’ progression across three funds, investing in startups ranging from SaaS to robotics and AI. Highlighting breakthroughs like AI converting architectural drawings and security drones, Faisal emphasi...

9 months ago

30 minutes

Grow Places

GP 39: What’s The Problem You Are Trying to Solve? with James Pellatt of Digital Trees

In this episode of the Grow Places Podcast, host Tom Larsson speaks with James Pellatt, founder of Digital Trees and former Director of Innovation at GPE, about the deep structural inefficiencies in real estate—and how data and technology can be the key to unlocking lasting change. James shares the thinking behind launching Digital Trees, his pragmatic approach to innovation, and why leadership, culture, and curiosity are essential to digital transformation. Drawing from decades in the sector...

9 months ago

41 minutes

Grow Places

GP 38: Pleasure in The Simple Things: with Emily Wright of CREtech

In this episode of the Grow Places Podcast, host Tom Larsson sits down with journalist and CREtech's Head of Content, Emily Wright, to explore the evolving narratives around real estate, design, and the human experience of place. Emily shares insights from her 20-year career in the industry, reflecting on how conversations around well-being, sustainability, and placemaking have shifted from niche concerns to mainstream priorities. She discusses the power of human-centred design, the changing ...

9 months ago

44 minutes

Grow Places

GP 37: Where Two Things Meet Something Else Happens: with Tom & James Teatum of Noiascape

Welcome to the Grow Places Podcast, where we explore the virtuous circle of people, growth, and place. Hosted by our founder, Tom Larsson, this episode takes a deep dive into architecture, development, and urban living with Tom & James Teatum, co-founders of Noiascape. Noiascape is redefining the way we think about housing, blurring the boundaries between living, working, and social space. The brothers share their journey from architectural practice to development and operations, explaini...

10 months ago

43 minutes

Grow Places

GP 36: Finding a Voice to Grow Places: with Angela Crowther of Arup

Discover the transformational power of purposeful design with Angela Crowther, a director at Arup, as she shares her journey from engineering to master planning and how her work in post-tsunami Indonesia reshaped her perspective on community resilience. Angela reveals the vital role that thoughtful design plays in rebuilding communities, emphasizing the significance of ecological restoration projects like mangrove reforestation. Listen as she combines rigorous analysis with creativity to addr...

10 months ago

35 minutes

Grow Places

GP 35: Urban Integration from Policy to Pavements: with Lucy Musgrave of Publica

In this episode of the Grow Places Podcast, host Tom Larsson is joined by Lucy Musgrave, founder of Publica, to explore the intricate relationship between urban policy, design, and real-world impact. From shaping London’s most iconic streets and spaces to influencing major policy initiatives like Good Growth by Design, Lucy shares her insights on how cities can evolve in a way that is both inclusive and sustainable. They discuss Publica’s research-driven approach, the role of civic leadership...

11 months ago

46 minutes