PROGRAMME
SCALE FACTOR
Understanding the challenge of making good things happen: A frank and open conversation about the realities of development with guests: Duncan Blackmore, Lee Ivett and Ann-Marie Fowler.
07 Oct 2025 / 6pm - 8pm
SEESAW, 86 Princess St, Manchester
We are honoured to be hosting the award-winning developer Duncan Blackmore, the newly appointed Head of London School of Architecture, Lee Ivett, and finance guru Ann-Marie Fowler to talk to use about the trials and tribulations of development in 2025.
BIOS
Duncan Blackmore is a founding director of Arrant Land, a design-led independent development company focused on the planning and delivery of high-quality buildings on complex and contested urban sites. His projects have won numerous awards including the Manser Medal and RIBA London Best Small Project. Duncan also undertakes small experimental urban project as Arrant Industries and is a co-founder of Neighbourhood, a company of development strategists with a wide range of experience defining development briefs, leading design teams, and balancing creative conviction with economic, environmental and social ambition at all scales.
Lee Ivett is an architect, academic and educator. He is Head of the London School of Architecture and founder of participatory architecture, art and design studio Baxendale and live action research studio Other People’s Dreams. OPD engages in a critical, situated and durational way with community organisations in the northwest of England that explore modes of participation with marginalised groups, situations and ideas to rethink the potential of people and place. We explore that which is often 'unseen' within architectural practice and education; everyday life as experienced by everyday people. Lee’s practice-based research focusses on the organic and generative, developing low-budget socially-led projects within communities across the UK, which evolve from the tactical to the permanent.
Ann-Marie Fowler is a mortgage broker with over 15 years’ experience, moving into commercial finance four years ago. Now with Finanze Capital, she brings insight into sustainable funding, retrofit, and the future of property finance. A lifelong enthusiast for both architecture and people, she thrives on solving complex challenges and guiding clients to secure financial futures. With an unconventional background in illustration, music and sport, she blends creativity with expertise, offering a unique perspective to the panel.
TICKETS
Available from Eventbrite
General Admission: £10
Members: £5
Drink included.
TIMINGS
Talk 6pm-7pm
Interlude
Q&A 7.30-8pm
Stick around til 10pm.