Shows
Grow PlacesGP 57: Investing to Make Life Better in Cities: with Jesse Shapins of Urban PartnersIn this episode of the Grow Places Podcast, Tom Larsson is joined by Jesse Shapins, Head of Urban Regeneration at Urban Partners, to explore what it really takes to deliver neighbourhood scale change in European cities. Jesse shares his journey from a childhood shaped by landscape architecture and historic preservation, through New York and Berlin, to the ambition and lessons of Sidewalk Labs, and ultimately to leading urban regeneration across Northern Europe. It is a story that connects culture, capital, and civic responsibility, and asks how places are intentionally shaped rather than left to chance. To...
2026-02-1741 min
Talking StrategyS6E11: Finland's Comprehensive Security ModelOften seen as the gold standard for societal resilience, Finland has many admirers. The Secretary General of its Security Committee, Petteri Korvala, describes Finland's approach. Many nations are exploring how to build societal resilience as part of a comprehensive approach to security. The Scandinavian countries are often seen as exemplars of best practice, with Finland arguably leading the pack. But delivering resilience through comprehensive security requires trust across all elements of society and a cultural shift as much as it needs the right structures and processes. In this episode, we hear from the Secretary General...
2026-02-1036 minGrow PlacesGP 56: Get Ahead With AI and How To Double Down: with John Williams of Scail UKIn this episode of the Grow Places Podcast, Tom Larsson is joined by John Williams of Scail UK to explore what it really means to get ahead with AI — and where the built environment should be doubling down as technology accelerates. John shares his journey from journalism, through senior marketing roles in property, to building AI-led businesses focused not on hype, but on unlocking the story inside organisational data.Together, they discuss why AI is only as powerful as the data and context behind it, why real estate still struggles to understand the “why” behind customer decisions, and ho...
2026-02-0342 minGrow PlacesGP 55: Heritage Led Growth of Cities: with Ailish Killilea of The Townscape ConsultancyIn this episode of the Grow Places Podcast, host Tom Larsson is joined by Ailish Killilea of The Townscape Consultancy, for a compelling exploration of heritage, townscape, and their roles in shaping places people want to live, work, and visit.Ailish reflects on her journey from the west of Ireland to London’s complex urban fabric and her experiences running marathons, sharing how her fascination with human experience and design led to a career in townscape and heritage consulting. The conversation covers the nuanced balance between preservation and progress, how to assess the significance of buildings and pl...
2026-01-1336 minGrow PlacesGP 54: Upskilling Local Government: with Pooja Agrawal of Public PracticeIn 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 public sector, and why empathy between public and private sectors is more vital than ever.🔍 Episode HighlightsHow...
2025-12-0940 minGrow PlacesGP 53: Architecture for Real Life: Over 35 Years of Stories with Paul Monaghan of AHMMHow 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 loyalty inside his firm to earning the trust of clients and planners, Paul shares stories of lessons learned, cha...
2025-11-2538 minGrow PlacesGP 52: UK Politics, Housing, Growth: with Kevin McKeever of Lowick GroupIn 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 trust and political will. Drawing on decades of experience in local government, Westminster, and large-scale regeneration, Kevin provides sharp insights into the systemic issues stalling progress and wh...
2025-11-1140 minGrow PlacesGP 51: Place Personality: with Denz Ibrahim of Legal & General IMIn 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-enterprise platform that’s bringing underused spaces in town centres and new residential neighbourhoods to life. From repurposed job centres in Poole to high...
2025-11-0447 min
TuttoSvenskanGuldspecial 2025 - Mjällby AIFDet historiska guldet dissekeras, kontextualiseras och återupplevs av supportrar, spelare, ledare och klubbanställda under ledning av Thapper och Ladan. En rörd Hasse Larsson från badrummet, Tom Pettersson bakismysig i bussen och flygande reporter Noel Törnqvist live från Donken! GRATTIS ÖNSKAR TUTTOSVENSKAN!Medverkande:Josip Ladan, Marcus Thapper, Douglas Nordenbelt, Arvid Franzén, Elliot Stroud, Tom Pettersson, Anders Torstensson, Noel Törnqvist & Hans LarssonTuttoSvenskan görs i samarbete med:ATG:Läs om våra senaste tankar gällande spel på...
2025-10-211h 37
Generation Sound - der FM4 MusikpodcastSki Aggu, Yungblud, Zara Larsson: Herbstkonzerte 2025Wie jedes Jahr auch heuer wieder ein kleiner Überblick, was es im Herbst, im Winter und ein bisschen auch im Frühling für Konzerte in und um Österreich gibt. Wo gibt's Yungblud live zu sehen? Wer spielt Support für Turnstile? Zu welcher Show geht man mit der besten Freundin? Eine Konzertvorschau von Soap&Skin und Ethel Cain zu Yung Lean und Tom Odell. Sendungshinweis: Generation Sound - der FM4 Musikpodcast, Montag, 13.10.2025, 19 Uhr und Campus, Donnerstag, 16.10.2025, 4 Uhr.
2025-10-1428 minGrow PlacesGP 50: How to Turn Big Ideas into Better Places: Architecture and Impact with Kai-Uwe Bergmann of BIGIn 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 case studies like CopenHill (a power plant-turned-urban ski slope in Copenhag...
2025-10-0745 minGrow PlacesGP 49: How to unlock Co-Living: Redefining Urban Living with James Armitage-Hobbs of DP9In 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 existing categories.Lessons from early schemes, and how case studies shaped to...
2025-09-2332 minGrow PlacesGP 48: Can Architects Stay Relevant? AI and More with Keir Regan Alexander of Arka WorksIn 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 architect as lead consultant, custodian of vision, and human in the loop.What bundling...
2025-09-0950 min
TuttoSvenskan#552 Private JetSportchefsrace deluxe idag! Ola Larsson om sparkningen av Foyston samt rekryteringen av favoriten Björknesjö. Hjelmberg där vi snackar försäljningen av Tounetki där buden blev för stora, samt annat ut/in i Bajen. Wisur om rekryteringen av Kouame och tankarna framåt för Gnaget och sedan Bosse i studion där det dissekeras övergångar, framtid och en viss Kristallen-seger!TuttoSvenskan görs i samarbete med:TV4 Play:Se Allsvenskan via vår dunderdeal med TV4 Play! Via vårt samarbete med TV4 Play streamar du All...
2025-09-051h 33
Writers at WorkTom MeadJoining me on this episode of Writers at Work is Tom Mead, whose latest novel, THE HOUSE AT DEVIL'S NECK, confirms he is a new master of the locked-room mystery. For the uninitiated, a locked-room mystery is a tale in which the crime in question is committed in circumstances under which it appears impossible for the perpetrator to enter the scene, commit the crime, and then leave undetected. Or at least that's what Wiki tells me. Typically, there's a supernatural element or the appearance of a supernatural element. The likes of John Dickson Carr, Agatha Christie, G.K. Chesterton...
2025-07-3144 minGrow PlacesGP 47: The Barbican: The Future of Culture and Place with Pip SimpsonIn 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, this conversation uncovers how spaces like the Barbican can inspire, connect, and adapt for the future.
2025-07-2244 minGrow PlacesGP 45: We Have To Change the Real Estate Industry and The World: with Kristian Kiis of VolcanoIn 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 link between culture and wellbeing, why good placemaking is good business, and how temporary activation and flexibility are essential tool...
2025-06-2438 minGrow PlacesGP 44: Unlocking Major Regeneration: with Sophie Rosier of SavillsIn 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-term partnerships, and the transformative impact of early community engagement. Sophie also highlights the importance of programs like UrbanPlan in inspiring the next ge...
2025-06-1036 minGrow PlacesGP 42: What Really Affects Quality of Life? with Adam Hinds of LifeProvenWhat 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 estate sector is only just beginning to catch up.Adam shares t...
2025-05-1548 minGrow PlacesGP 40: PropTech’s Origin Story and What Next: with Faisal Butt of Pi LabsIn 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 emphasises the need for clearer pilot-to-rollout processes in real estate innovation. He advocates for defined ROI and leadership trust to unlock scalable growth and drive industry-wide transformation.
2025-04-1530 minGrow PlacesGP 39: What’s The Problem You Are Trying to Solve? with James Pellatt of Digital TreesIn 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, he unpacks why PropTech often fails to scale, how sustainability commitments created new data burdens, and why AI’s biggest oppo...
2025-04-0141 minGrow PlacesGP 38: Pleasure in The Simple Things: with Emily Wright of CREtechIn 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 role of public vs. private space, and the industry’s responsibility to cr...
2025-03-1844 min
DetailerDetailer 18 - Tom LarssonDavid meets Tom Larsson of developer Grow Places, who is aiming to add sensitively to the delicate ecosystem around the Truman Brewery and Brick Lane, retaining the spirit and energy of the area and taking the local community with him on the journey. Tom talks about his path from architecture to development, heritage, all-night raves, horses, coffee, podcasts as consultation, the perils of gentrification - and his early inspiration from a two-inch powerball... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-03-0749 minGrow PlacesGP 37: Where Two Things Meet Something Else Happens: with Tom & James Teatum of NoiascapeWelcome 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, explaining why fragmentation in the built environment limits innovation and how their integrated...
2025-03-0443 minGrow PlacesGP 35: Urban Integration from Policy to Pavements: with Lucy Musgrave of PublicaIn 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 in shaping urban futures, and why listening to d...
2025-02-0446 minGrow PlacesGP 34: Beyond the Gloss: Authentic Visual Place Storytelling: with Nicholas Worley of Fletcher Priest ArchitectsIn this episode of the Grow Places Podcast, host Tom Larsson speaks with Nicholas Worley, partner at Fletcher Priest Architects and a passionate photographer, about the power of authenticity in visual storytelling for architecture and design.Nicholas shares his journey from studying architecture to becoming a renowned photographer, highlighting how his dual careers have influenced his approach to creating meaningful spaces and visuals. Together, they explore the evolution from glossy, aspirational imagery to genuine narratives that reflect how spaces truly feel and function.Key highlights include:The significance of ...
2025-01-2136 min
ESG In Property PodcastGrowing Places: The Innovative Development Strategy Shaping CommunitiesIn this episode of the ESG in Property Podcast, host Adam Hinds explores a transformative approach to property development with Tom Larsson, the innovative founder of Grow Places.
About Tom Larsson and Grow Places:
Tom Larsson brings over a decade of experience in leading complex urban developments. After training as an architect and working with leading London practices, he spent ten years at Stanhope PLC, where he rose to become Head of Design and Development Director. During his tenure, he led major London projects including the landmark Television Centre redevelopment in White City, transforming the f...
2024-11-2750 min
The Science of LeadershipAre Leaders Born or Made? What Science Tells Us | Ep 17 | The Science of LeadershipIn this episode of @TheScienceofLeadership Tom Collins engages with Dr. Rich Arvey to explore the age-old debate of whether leaders are born or made. Dr. Arvey shares insights from his pioneering research in behavioral genetics, focusing on how individual experiences and genetic predispositions contribute to leadership ability. The discussion delves into the results of twin studies, weaving a fascinating narrative about the sum of genetic and experiential factors in leadership development.
Dr. Arvey is a highly respected figure in the field of organizational psychology and leadership genetics, has spent decades meticulously researching the interplay between genetic predispositions...
2024-11-2751 min
Locked On Fantasy Hockey - Daily NHL Fantasy PodcastFantasy Hockey Week 2 Waiver Wire Targets: Wilson | Cotter | Clarke | Ekman-Larsson & MoreThe NHL is just getting started and so are our favorite players to target for this upcoming week! Tom Wilson is back and bringing the heat for the Capitals. With his mix of physical play and offensive skill, he’s not just throwing hits—he’s racking up points, especially on the power play. If you’re looking for a player who can contribute across multiple categories, Wilson is your guy! Looking for a hidden gem? Look no further than Paul Cotter! This rising forward is carving out a name for himself in New Jersey with 5 goa...
2024-10-2123 minGrow PlacesGP 27: Truman Brewery 10: Not Conventional Landlords: with Steve from the Truman BreweryJoin us on a special on-site episode of the Grow Places Podcast, hosted by founder Tom Larsson, as we explore the vibrant ecosystem of the Truman Brewery in East London. Recorded live in the heart of Brick Lane, Spitalfields, and Banglatown, this episode features an in-depth conversation with Steve, the site manager of the Truman Brewery, who shares how this iconic space has evolved into a thriving hub of creativity, commerce, and community.Discover how the Brewery’s unique people-centric approach sets it apart from conventional office spaces, hosting a diverse range of businesses—from large corporations like...
2024-09-0937 min
P1 Kultur”Sexig” eller ”tom” – vad säger debatten om vart poesin är på väg?Vi tar sommarens poesidebatt som kretsat kring en grupp unga Stockholmspoeter under lupp. Vad handlar den egentligen om och vad säger debatten om vart svensk poesi är på väg? Lyssna på alla avsnitt i Sveriges Radio Play. POESIDEBATTEN – VAD SÄGER DEN EGENTLIGEN?Under våren och sommaren har det rasat en poesidebatt på tidningarnas kultursidor om tillståndet i svensk poesi just nu. I centrum står en ny generation unga extroverta poeter som själva ser sig som förnyare som vill göra poesin levande och tillgänglig, an...
2024-08-2954 minGrow PlacesGP 25: Truman Brewery 08: Local Community Wealth Building: with Volterra PartnersDiscover how the dynamic economic ecosystem of East London is shaping up in our latest episode recorded at the iconic Truman Brewery. Joined by Alex O'Byrne and Peter Reddy from Volterra Partners, and Tom Larsson, the development manager from Grow Places, we promise a deep dive into the socioeconomic impacts of major developments in Tower Hamlets. Learn about the importance of nurturing a naturally evolving community within this vibrant area, where maintaining cultural and business diversity is key.Ever wondered how local political activism and community sentiment shape urban development strategies? Alex and Peter reveal how strong...
2024-08-0839 minGrow PlacesGP 24: Truman Brewery 07: Continuing 350 Years of Adaptable Industrial Heritage: with Carmody GroarkeWelcome to the Grow Places podcast, where we delve deep into the symbiotic relationship between people, growth, and place. In this special episode, recorded on-site at the historic Truman Brewery in East London, host Tom Larsson is in discussion again with another key team member from our ongoing redevelopment project.Discover how the plans for the existing Cooperage building (Block K) and a new Block 1 are doing just that with Lukas Barry from Carmody Groarke. Join us as we explore the creation of new adaptable workspaces, vibrant retail environments, and new community art space and micro-brewery on...
2024-07-3032 min