How Architects Design Better Places: Masterplanning, Building Safety, AI and the Future of Housing

What makes a building work for the people who actually use it? Robin Johnson sits down with Michael Westlake and Alex Taylor of Supervene Architects to explore architecture, masterplanning and the realities of designing places that have to work for generations. From the seven year route to becoming an architect to navigating budgets, planning, construction problems and the Building Safety Act, Michael and Alex reveal how much of architecture happens beyond the drawing board.The conversation explores housing density, walkable neighbourhoods, urban regeneration and why good masterplanning depends on the spaces and connections between buildings. Michael and Alex discuss the regeneration of Aire Park in Leeds, the preservation of historic buildings, Sugar House Island, modern methods of construction and homes designed for dramatically better energy performance. They also examine AI in architecture, the future of cities and why technology works best as a tool for designers rather than a replacement for human judgement.Key Topics Covered✦ Why becoming a qualified architect takes at least seven years and why practical experience matters✦ How budgets, constraints and construction problems can produce better architecture✦ The Building Safety Act, Building Safety Regulator and challenges facing UK development✦ Housing density, walkable neighbourhoods and building around existing infrastructure✦ Masterplanning, urban regeneration, Aire Park and preserving architectural heritage✦ Modern methods of construction and the potential for highly energy efficient homes✦ Why buildings should be designed to adapt to different uses over generations✦ AI in architecture, future cities and why designers still need human judgementCheck out their website:https://www.supervenearchitects.com/Enjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUgKey Moments:00:00 Why qualifying as an architect takes at least seven years05:02 What architecture school cannot teach you about real buildings08:47 Why relationships matter throughout the construction industry15:28 Creating workplaces where people care about what they build16:51 How mistakes and constraints make better designers18:12 Why honest conversations about budgets need to happen early22:37 How the Building Safety Act is affecting UK development31:29 When regulation turns viable projects into difficult projects33:45 Why good housing density can create better communities39:28 Building homes around existing transport infrastructure43:44 Inside the regeneration and masterplanning of Aire Park in Leeds50:25 The architects reveal the projects they would love to design53:09 Homes with exceptional energy performance built in days59:02 What today's architecture will leave behind for future generations01:06:57 AI, architects and the future of design