Can Architecture Regain Its Influence? Russell Curtis Explains

In this episode of Urban Forecast, Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Russell Curtis, Founding Director of RCKa Architects and Director of Project Compass CIC, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of architecture, planning and city-making.

Russell reflects on his journey into architecture, the changing role of architects over the past 25 years, and why influence in the built environment increasingly sits upstream in policy and strategic planning. The discussion explores design and build procurement, the growing complexity of construction, the challenges facing SME developers, and whether architects have lost their position as custodians of quality.

The conversation also delves into London's housing crisis, suburban intensification, planning reform, design codes, public sector procurement, and the industry's struggle to communicate its value. Looking ahead, Russell shares his thoughts on artificial intelligence, the future business model of architecture practices, and why he remains optimistic about the next generation of architects.

A candid and thought-provoking discussion about power, policy, trust and the future of the built environment.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Architects have gradually lost influence over the delivery of buildings, with decision-making increasingly shaped by developers, contractors and policy frameworks.

The issue is not necessarily design and build procurement itself, but a culture that can diminish architectural oversight and quality control.

Young architects are receiving less site experience, creating a risk that future generations become disconnected from how buildings are actually constructed.

Planning policy has become significantly more complex, resulting in a growing number of consultants and specialists involved in every project.

Russell argues that meaningful influence comes earlier in the process through planning policy, strategic thinking and city-scale decision-making.

Small site development and suburban intensification could unlock significant housing capacity if planning certainty is improved for SME developers.

The industry continues to struggle to communicate the long-term value that good design and architecture create compared with short-term cost considerations.

AI and emerging technology will fundamentally reshape architecture, but also create opportunities for new forms of specialist expertise and innovation.


BEST MOMENTS

"You can't design a building unless you know how it goes together."

"To have significant influence, you need to get in much earlier."

"We haven't found the metrics yet by which to talk about long-term value as opposed to short-term cost."

"The day of the generalist architect is probably over."


VALUABLE RESOURCES

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EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Peter Murray OBE: Why London Needs a New Vision

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6K1MZvst3tk

Steve Watts: The Real Cost of Building London’s Skyline

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bghIBw5cmV4


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.


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