Lessons from London, Lessons for London
September 17–October 7, 2026
Now in its eighth year, Allies and Morrison’s annual conference, Citymakers, brings together developers, planners, academics and designers to look beyond the boundaries between practitioners and the public; between a site and the city; exploring the often misunderstood role of masterplanning in the making of cities today. Citymakers returns this autumn with a pair of events exploring London’s housing landscape.
The city’s built homes—and our perception of them—have undergone a dramatic transformation over the past 25 years. Since the Urban Task Force launched Towards an Urban Renaissance in 1999, its influence, along with other policy and regulatory changes, has been felt across the capital. A new London vernacular has emerged. We've also witnessed a broad spectrum of shifts to the way we live: from houses to apartment living, from home ownership to 'generation rent', and fundamental changes in our patterns of work and life.
What have been the successes and challenges of this great transformation? And how does the changing way we live shape the city itself?
Now, faced with an increasingly volatile economic landscape and pressing issues of viability, climate and confidence, how can we overcome these obstacles to deliver good homes for all?
Across two evenings in London, we’ll reflect on this significant period of urban growth and what it means for the future. We'll look beyond the capital to the wider country, and to Europe and North America, to see what London might have to learn, and to teach.
Day one: Lessons from London
Thursday September 17, 6pm (BST) at Canada Water, London
Chaired by Emad Sleiby (Director, Allies and Morrison). With David Lunts (former Urban Task Force, former CEO, Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation), Karin Templin (Design practitioner and academic, Founder, Salon of Urban Architecture), Phil Tait (Development Director for Silvertown, Lendlease).
Register here to attend day one in-person.
Day two: Lessons for London
Wednesday October 7, 6:30pm (BST) at Central Saint Martins, King’s Cross
Chaired by Emad Sleiby (Director, Allies and Morrison). With Sarah Allan (Head of Architecture, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government), Camilla van Deurs (Partner, Nordic Office of Architecture, former Chief City Architect of Copenhagen), Richard Lavington (Director, Maccreanor Lavington).
Register here to attend day two in-person. Register here to view the day two livestream. Or email press [at] alliesandmorrison.com, indicating which session(s) you wish to attend.
