What is NIMBYism (and is it a problem)?

Where does 'Not in My Backyard' opposition to new development come from, and what are the potential impacts of this philosophy? In the United Kingdom, urban planners have long had…

Understanding green building certifications: why should you get one?

More and more developers, businesses and homeowners are pursuing sustainability certification for their buildings, but is it actually worth it? The buildings our sector creates are at the centre of…

What are mixed-use developments (and are they the future of construction)?

Mixed-use environments could provide the solution to several of the biggest challenges facing the built environment. Here’s how. For several years, the UK has been in the middle of what…

What is lean construction (and why should you adopt it)?

When applied to the construction industry, the lean methodology can help businesses reduce waste while maximising cost and resource efficiency. The construction industry is facing a conundrum. As a consumer…

All buildings great and small: the spectacular rise of tiny homes

What are tiny homes, and why is this radical approach to homeowning starting to pick up momentum and popularity in the UK? The UK is currently experiencing a housing crisis,…

12 essential qualities of a great leader

What does it take to become a great leader in the built environment? Here are the traits and qualities of influential leaders, managers and mentors. From supply chain disruptions and…

What is the BRRRR method (and how does it work)?

The BRRRR method has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional house flipping investment strategies. Here’s why. The COVID-19 pandemic, energy crisis and economic downturn has turned the global housing…

Why are buildings being sold for £1?

More and more buildings are being sold for loose change across the world, but is this an anomaly or a sign of things to come? Anyone who has been following…

Mastering the art of master planning

Could master planning help us mitigate climate change and combat increasing urbanisation, overpopulation and urban sprawl? Despite accounting for less than 2% of the Earth’s surface area, cities are currently…

What’s going on with China’s ghost cities?

Are China's empty cities and municipalities a rare phenomenon or a sign of things to come for urban planning in the built environment? Ghost towns are a phenomenon that have…

People need roots – exploring the legacy of Irene Barclay

For the latest Be Part of the Change feature, we explored the history and legacy of Irene Barclay, the first woman to qualify as a Chartered Surveyor. Earlier this year,…

We Built This #5: Laura Bell McMillan on Chester Northgate Tesco Express, Chester

Laura Bell McMillan, Chartered Surveyor at Legat Owen and UCEM alumni, discusses her work on a Grade II listed building for the latest feature in our We Built This series.…