Oli Lowrie of Ackroyd Lowrie Architects are at the forefront of technology #22

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How do you solve the problem of old-fashioned, limited 2D design briefing in building projects? 'Most people do not know how to read plans, or really visualise the project from a simple document. If we can show our clients a complete 3D look of how the space will feel and work, it solves a huge amount of problems down the line.' Oli is an architect and co-founder of Ackroyd Lowrie. At AL the focus is on using VR to design and collaborate with their clients. Previous to this, Oli spent 10 years working at Architype where he was responsible for developing a modular, timber-framed construction system that was used by several London Boroughs to deliver new Primary Schools and Nurseries. Most recently Oli has spent three years as Project Architect for the prestigious £24m New Junior School for Highgate School in North London. Oli passionately believes in working closely with clients, makers and builders to deliver projects in a collaborative manner. This approach, along with the revolution in 3D printing will change the building industry fundamentally, and Oli is keen that Ackroyd Lowrie are at the forefront of this shift. He has worked on several community self-build projects using this methodology, most notably to build a Biogas plant that provides renewable energy to a remote village from farming waste. Oli is also an artist. His work has been exhibited at the Royal Academy as part of the Urban Utopias exhibition, and has been published in Blueprint and FX Magazine.

In this podcast:
- Designing the new urban - Using VR in briefing - Interior design packaging Ackroyd Lowrie is based in Hackney, London.