The AHR Podcast

About The AHR Podcast

The AHR Podcast explores the impact of architecture and building consultancy in shaping sustainable living, working and learning spaces. We cover everything from education, healthcare, residential, workplace and civic and community environments, spotlighting how we can promote people-centred, functional spaces that enhance wellbeing and create meaningful connections. Featuring conversations with architects, building surveyors and industry leaders, each episode focuses on key topics like decarbonisation, retrofit, Passivhaus, patient-centred design, urban regeneration and placemaking. Through real-world examples and professional insight, our discussions demonstrate how these approaches improve quality of life and create thriving, inclusive communities.

Publisher

The AHR Podcast

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Mar 2024

Latest episode

8 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

23 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Jul 2026

   How are students driving cultural change towards sustainability in art and design education?

   Join Robert Hopkins and Martyn Woodward as they delve into how Cardiff School of Art and Design is transforming art and design education through the Engineering Future Generations programme. Discover how collaboration, carbon literacy and cultural change are at the heart of this innovative curriculum. This episode explores the dynamic intersection of sustainability and education, highlighting pioneering projects that engage students and staff in reshaping the future of sustainable design. Director Robert Hopkins, recently completed a three-year tenure as a Visiting Professor at Cardiff Metropolitan University. During this time, he worked closely with Martyn Woodward, Deputy Dean at Cardiff School of Arts and Design - a faculty of the university - on several tangible projects that successfully bridged academic learning with real-world application. Find out more about: Sustainability and AHR's work with Universities – www.ahr.co.uk Cardiff School of Art and Design – https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/school-of-art-and-design/ The Future Generations Act – https://www.gov.wales/well-being-future-generations-act-essentials-html Connect with us: Instagram – www.instagram.com/weareahr LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/company/ahr/

2. 

   27 Feb 2026

   How do we create life science environments that support innovation, collaboration and impact?

   Hosted by AHR director Robert Hopkins, this episode of the AHR podcast explores the rapid growth of life science and health innovation spaces and how universities, NHS trusts, developers and civic partners are reshaping estates to support research, collaboration and economic growth. Joined by Deb Hetherington (Scarborough Group International), Gareth Scargill (University of Leeds) and Gurminder Sanghera (AHR), the conversation brings together perspectives from development, academia and architecture to examine what makes successful life science ecosystems. In this episode, we discuss how innovation hubs, research-led start-ups, university–industry collaboration and the triple helix model (academia, public sector and private enterprise) are driving regional growth. The group explores the importance of flexible laboratory design, adaptable office-lab environments, modular lab systems and agile estates strategies that can respond quickly to the pace of R&D and commercialisation. The discussion also looks at the role of retrofit and reuse, including heritage and existing buildings, in delivering sustainable, low-carbon life science spaces. Topics include ESG, energy-intensive labs, future-proof design, innovation campuses, health innovation districts and creating people-first environments that support collaboration, wellbeing and long-term value. Find out more about: Life science, innovation and workplace projects – www.ahr.co.uk Scarborough Group International – www.scarboroughgroup.co.uk University of Leeds Nexus – https://nexus.leeds.ac.uk Connect with us: Instagram – www.instagram.com/weareahr LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/company/ahr/

3. 

   23 Jan 2026

   What makes a truly 'smart building' in 2025?

   Hosted by AHR director Robert Hopkins, this podcast explores how thoughtful design, connected technology, and real-time data are reshaping the future of our workplaces. Joined by David Porter (Knight Frank), Paul Bamber (AVM Solutions) and Adam Spall (AHR), the conversation offers expert insights on smart buildings, building automation, IoT, and intelligent workplace design. In this episode, we dive into the practical realities of smart building design, from open data and IoT sensors to converged networks and intuitive workplace apps. The group also explores how retrofitting older buildings can modernise spaces, improve operational efficiency, and support ESG (environmental, social and governance) goals, helping organisations operate more sustainably and responsibly. Looking ahead, they share perspectives on the next wave of innovation, including AI-driven predictive maintenance, smarter, more connected neighbourhoods, and the role of technology in driving efficient, high-performance workplaces. Find out more about: Our office and workplace projects - www.ahr.co.uk/sectors/office-workplace Knight Frank - www.knightfrank.co.uk/ AVM Solutions - www.avmsolutionsuk.com/ Connect with us: Instagram - www.instagram.com/weareahr LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/ahr/

Who has been a guest on The AHR Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Victoria Shepherdson
• Gareth Banks
• Ewan Forsyth
• Cathy Hardman

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

27

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

71

Social presence

0

YouTube

63

Engagement

32

Contact The AHR Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.