Professional Practice Podcasts

Matt Thompson on The HandBook of Practice Management by Austin Williams

Kate Marks is the founder of EVOLUTION HR, a London-based consultancy and the author of ‘HR for Creative Companies'. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development and Specialist Practice Consultant to the RIBA. This podcast explores HR policy, shows the importance of Recognising, Rewarding and Retaining staff, examines changing legislation, and outlines some of the dos and don'ts of office management Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Sean Hanlon is the founding director of SPH Structures; a mixed discipline Structural Engineering design consultancy in London. He has contributed guidance on the industry's approach on Structural Robustness and Disproportionate Collapse on behalf of The Institution of Structural Engineers He was awarded the Fellowship pf the Institution of Civil Engineers in 2024. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Adam Eaton is a Chartered Engineer with the Institute of Fire Engineers and director at Trigon Fire Safety. He was previously a National Lead Director of Fire Engineering at a major engineering practice. This podcast deals with the issues of Fire Safety: performance and risk-based regulations. surface spread of flame, the update to BS9991, Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan, care homes & sprinklers, height rules of thumb, and protected shafts. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Colin Blatchford-Brown is the director of Blatchford Brown Ltd and the former operational policy lead for gateways and building control at the Health and Safety Executive. He is a Registered Building Inspector (Class 3G, 3H). This podcast deals with the issue of the regulatory requirements under the Building Safety Act, specifically looking at the role of Registered Building Inspectors and Registered Building Control Approvers, as well as Building Regulations as they relate to the Building Safety Act. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Emily Rae is the Finance Partner at Fletcher Priest Architects, an RIBA Chartered Practice and one of the biggest practices in the country This podcast deals with the issue of financial management, exploring business plans, revenue projections, billing as well as National Insurance, VAT and much more besides Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Viva advice from various Part 3 Assessors and Examiners This podcast provides some useful insights into the reality of the viva. What are the viva assessors looking for, what do they not want to hear, what advice can they give? Contributors: John Edmonds, Nottingham University; Patricia Hickey, Bubble Architects; Lorna Davies, Kingston School of Art; Anna Hummel, Anna Hummel Architects; Stephen Brookhouse University of Westminster, and author, Part 3 Handbook. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

In 2021, Karen was appointed the new chair of JCT and is the first woman to hold the post, and she has just taken up her second term in the role. Karen has overseen the delivery of the new editions of the JCT contracts. In this podcast we look at the principles governing the updates with specific focus on the D&B and the Minor Works Contracts. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Stephen Brookhouse is Emeritus Professor and course leader of the RIBA Part 3 Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture at the University of Westminster and the author of the Part 3 Handbook This programme is on Construction Law and Disputes exploring, amongst other things, contractual and tortious liabilities and claims. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

This podcast episode looks at the principles behind the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the latest version (December 2023). Our guest is Fred Quartermain, partner at Thrings Solicitors – a top 100 law firm - where he deals with planning law, environmental issues and due diligence in property transactions. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Bernadette Barker is the principal of Barker Consultants. She is a Chartered Architect, Chartered Arbitrator and a Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers and of the Fire Protection Association. In this podcast, we run through the recent changes to the Building Regulations Approved Document B: Fire Safety Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Giacomo Calisti, is the director & co-founder of Beyond Design and oversees the practice's strategic development in the UK, Europe, and India with studios in London and Mumbai. In this podcast, we explore the tender procedure from start to finish, looking at the dos and don'ts to try to ensure a firm, accurate and reliable tender return. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Tom Weld, a solicitor and director of the Construction and Engineering team at the law practice of Burges Salmon explores the role of the Accountable Person under The Building Safety Act, the nature of competence, the determination periods at the Gateway 2 and 3, and the Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Kayla Urbanski, a solicitor in the Construction and Engineering team at the international law firm, Burges Salmon explores the core duties of the Building Safety Act: from client and Principal Designer roles to the liabilities and penalties associated with non-compliance. She also explains some of the relevant issues relating to the Defective Premises Act, the Building Act and the Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Bola Oladimeji, Managing Director at Wren Managers at the WREN Insurance Association explains the role of insurance and the principles of good practice, and also explores the changing face of architectural insurance today. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

In this episode, we talk to three leading External Examiners to understand what they think is the best way to approach the final Part 3 viva. With Paul Crosby, Head of the Part 3 programme at the the AA; Wendy Colvin, Programme Leader in Part 3 at the University of the West of England in Bristol, and Tony Clelford, head of Design Practice and Part 3 at Greenwich University in London. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Robert Klaschka, founder of EvrBilt explores the various benefits of digital technology including the techniques of monitoring the performance of design, set up, and construction; from BIM to laser surveying, from data storage to automated productivity. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

A conversation with three architects and academics in Lviv to talk about historical conservaton and cultural memory, regeneration and reconstruction, and the hopes for the future. Interview: Austin Williams futurecitiesproject@gmail.com NB: The image is of a protected statue wrapped by the Lviv Foundation for the Preservation of Architectural and Historical Monuments.

Jasmine Blood on Running a Project. Jasmine Blood is an experienced project director at Kendall Kingscott in Bristol with schemes across a variety of sectors including residential, retail and healthcare sectors. This podcast discusses the strategic and managerial issues of running a project. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Geoff Wilkinson is the Managing Director of Wilkinson Construction Consultants, a a specialist building control services practice, based in London and the South East. In this programme, Geoff talks about the changing nature of the Building Safety Act, Fire Safety and risk, and key issues to be award of in forthcoming Approved Documents. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Peter Rainier is the Principal Director of Planning at DMH Stallard, an award winning law firm with several offices in the south-east of England. In this programme, we'll discuss some of the frameworks, regulations, structures and policies that determine the planning process. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Craig Allison is Chair of the National Association of Planning Enforcement, and a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer at Hambleton District Council. In this programme, we'll discuss what happens when you carry out work without necessary planning permission, or in contravention to a granted planning permission and its conditions. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Paul Bussey, senior technical consultant at AHMM, an expert on Health and Safety and author of "CDM 2015: A Practical Guide for Architects and Designers”. In this programme, Paul talks about the issues essential for the changing role and duties of the Principal Designer. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Lisa Raynes is the founder and CEO of Pride Road Architects, an architectural franchise business model. She is the past-Chairperson of the RIBA's North-West Sole Practitioners Group and this podcast explores the core requirements for a business start-up, but also Lisa's unique take on franchising architecture. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Peter Ullathorne of Ullathorne Consultancy originally contributed to the first edition of the AJ Office Handbook and is now - amongst other things - an RIBA Accredited Client Advisor. This podcast explores how to better inform and direct clients on their roles and responsibilities. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Tom Cronin is the practice manager of ADP architects - an AJ100 practice with multiple studios across the UK, in the EU and India. This podcast deals with the initial stages of setting up a practice – from insurance, contracts, cash flow and liabilities, but also addresses employment law from the position of employee… as well as from the employer's perspective. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Murray Armes on Dispute Resolution Murray Armes is an established Chartered Architect, Arbitrator and Expert Witness, and the founder and Managing Director of Sense Studio Limited. Specialising in dispute avoidance and resolution he is on the arbitration, adjudication and mediation panels of CIArb, RIBA, RICS and CEDR, among others. This programme explores how to get out of trouble, hopefully, using a variety of appropriate dispute strategies; from mediation to adjudication. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Hannah Boyd is a Chartered Surveyor and Associate director of Anstey Horne. In this podcast she talks about The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and explains some of the complexities of various scenarios. She also provides useful inside knowledge of where Building Owners and construction professionals often go wrong. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

As energy crises hit the headlines, environmental issues are a hot topic at the moment. Especially for consumers. The government is pushing for the removal of domestic gas boilers and their replacement with air- and ground-source heat pumps; pumps that need well-insulated homes to be effective. Meanwhile, campaign group, Insulate Britain are forcefully demonstrating that properties in the UK are not well-insulated. What's the cost, what's the problem we are trying to address, and what are the consequences. At present, you cannot sell your house without a Home Energy Performance Certificate and soon these will be linked to your ability to get a mortgage. From 2026 private landlords will need to cut emissions in their properties, gas prices are set to rise 30% next year; and the cost of net zero is predicted to be more than £1trillion. With 4 million low-income households behind on their rent, household bills or personal debt payments (up threefold since Covid) is the public convinced by such a costly energy-saving environmental agenda? Has the hypocrisy of billionaires flying to COP made us realise that Green solutions are just “blah, blah, blah”, or are people justifiably annoyed at having to spend £000s ripping out perfectly good boilers? Are there new and efficient technologies around the corner or should we be minimising the use of technologies in favour of passive solutions? Is all this necessary? Is it a crisis – a time to panic - or should we look for cool heads in the global warming debate? After all, the green-inspired ditching of nuclear power in Germany has not only vastly increased energy prices but resulted in increased emissions. In the UK, a lack of wind in September forced National Grid to fire up coal-fired power stations in the UK. What are the real implications of these various policies on each and every one of us? We have asked four experts to consider the question in our Christmas debate: SPEAKERS: Rick Moore, owner, InControl, electronic engineer Rico Wojtulewicz, senior policy advisor for the House Builders Association Geoff Wilkinson, Award-winning Approved Inspector; columnist, Architects' Journal Caspar Hewett, founder member of the North East of England's United Nations Regional Centre of Expertise in Education for Sustainable Development

Rico is head of housing & planning policy at the House Builders Association. In this podcast he talks about planning policy, litigation, training, and the process of tendering & building. As an insight into how things actually get built – or don't get built – this is a useful podcast for architects. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Edward Farrell, long-standing conservation architect and head of the Professional Practice programme at Lincoln University tackled some of the issues relating to the nature and value of conservation. Using examples of projects he has worked on, he explains the core concepts, like 'significance' and 'value', and provides some clues about dealing reasonably with local authorities. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Chris Harding, architect and chair of BDP describes what is needed to rise to the top of a company and decribes his position as chair of one of the largest practices in the UK. He decribes the changing needs of the company post-Covid and the day-to-day responsibilities, vision and commercial ambitions that help steer the company. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

In this programme we talk with architect Charles Walker, director at Zaha Hadid Architects about the nature of digital architecture and why the construction sector is the most under-digitised of all the major industries in the UK. We also touch on the crossover between engineering and architecture, and why architects should start thinking about the future. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Rick Moore, specialist electrical consultant explores assistive technology, home automation and the potential of connectivity. We also touch on electrical design, maintenance, and health and safety. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

This programme discusses the process of design collaboration and project coordination through the prism of the Plan of Work. Dale Sinclair is the author of the 2020 version of the Plan and here he explores the nature of innovation, procurement, and sustainability. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

This podcast provides some insight into the Part 3 viva process – the final Part 3 interview. We asked a number of recent successful part 3 candidates from Kingston School of Art, Leeds Beckett University and the University of Lincoln to answer three questions: 1. What did you wish you'd revised? 2. What was the hardest part of the viva? 3. What would you do differently if you had your chance over again? 4. What advice would you give a prospective Part 3 candidate?" 5. What do you think that the viva is for?" Speakers: Angharad Jones, James Chandler, Sam Sclater-Brooks, Emily Horne, David Sweales, Immanuel Gaskin, Fay Benson, Daniel Postill and Denitsa Demitrova NB: These are reflections & reminiscences from past experience and there is no inference that the issues talked about will arise in your viva.

This podcast provides some insight into the Part 3 viva process – the final Part 3 interview. We asked a number of influential course leaders in Professional Practice, Assessors and Examiners to answer three questions: 1. What are you looking for in a good student interview? 2. What mistakes do students "always" make? 3. What advice would you give a prospective Part 3 candidate? Speakers: Paul Crosby (Programme Leader, AA), Edward Farrell (Course Leader, Lincoln), Leo Cornall (project architect, Ian Adam-Smith Architects), Patricia Hickey (founder, Bubble Architects), Alastair Blyth (Course Leader, Westminster), Judi Farren-Bradley (Course Director, BSc & MSc Historic Building, Kingston), Simon Warren (Course Leader, Leeds Beckett), Mary Kelly (Course Leader, London Met), Tony Clelford (Programme Leader, Greenwich), Ray Dudman (External Examiner, Oxford Brookes).

In this programme we talk with Jamie Wallace and Jee Liu, founders of WallaceLiu, who hit the headlines with their 7,500m2 Chongqing Industrial Museum and Yannan Avenue Adaptation in central China. We talk about setting up, networking, working hard and succeeding in China. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

In this programme we talk with Louise Mansfield, director of Allies & Morrison Urban Practitioners about development plans, and local engagement with stakeholders and communities. It explains the National Planning Policy Framework and the presumption in favour of sustainable development Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Tom and Will Wimshurst are founders of Wimshurst Pelleriti based in Putney, south London. In this podcast – the first of 2020 - they talk openly about the risks and benefits of a growing portfolio of work that balances traditional architectural commissions with a profitable development company. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Peter Farmer is director in charge of the Transportation sector at Chapman Taylor. This podcast exlores the lessons to be learned in the architectural world related to the transport industry looking at commerce, procurement and project management. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

In this programme we talk with architect Keith Papa at the offices of BDP about the concept of collaboration and whether formalised collaborative processes get the best out of a job. It explains stakeholders, project leadership, dealing with a tricky client and why ‘the project’ should be highest in every architect’s considerations. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Mark Richardson is the Science and Industry Business Leader at Arup in London. Here he talks about his role and experience with drone technology, exploring its uses and potentials. He also explains how the Ove Arup mantra of “total design” has evolved to embrace various risks and benefits of technology-driven practices. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Colin McColl is the director of award-winning practice Orms and has a wealth of experience managing small and large architectural practices. This podcast explores some of the swings and roundabouts of practice management, some taken from his own experience of dos and don’ts. We explore fees, profit and cash flow as well as touching on performance indicators and business plans. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Urban regeneration & development specialist and ex-head of development at Salford City Council, Shelagh McNerney talks about development plans in terms of policy and "how to translate strategy into delivery on the ground." In other words, how to get projects approved and built. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Fire expert, Karl Wallasch explains his training at the Bauhaus and his route to becoming a fire engineer at Hoare Lea. In this programme, Karl examines the concept of fire engineering to free up designers from their over-reliance on Approved Document B. This podcast uses case studies and demonstrates first principles. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Greg Lomas, director of Foster Lomas Architects explores craftsmanship through the prism of sustainability, and recycled materials. He also explores how careful management of materials can lead to efficient business practices. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Tim Smith leads the only Classical design studio at a UK school of architecture. In this podcast, he explains how his practice (co-partnered with Jonathan Taylor) uses the classical language for contemporary projects. He demonstrates the nature of good practice and professional competence. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Nigel Bidwell, director at JTP, an international placemaking practice of architects and masterplanners talks about design reviews from a practice perspective but also provides some useful tips as a member of several Design Review Panels. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

This Professional Practice Podcast looks at Planning Applications and Enforcement Notices with Amin Taha of Groupwork who has recently been thrust into the planning policy limelight with official criticism of his development at 15 Clerkenwell Close, London. We look at general planning matters before looking at the fascinating specifics of his case. Hosted by Austin Williams www.futurecities.org.uk

Laura Iloniemi, PR talks to Austin Williams about the merits of a company communications strategy. She outlines possible economic gains from understanding PR... but the real benefit is that it allows you to reflect the efficacy of your business practices. www.futurecities.org.uk