Forming the Future Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:18:36 +0100 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2498052 en-gb © 2026 Forming the Future yes 8c72d428-fea2-5617-b868-e1e4b67c49e8 Michelmersh episodic false The construction sector is transforming, and the choices we make today will shape the legacy we leave for tomorrow. Forming the Future is the podcast that explores how we can build more sustainably, more mindfully, and more beautifully for people and planet.


Hosted by Michelmersh, the UK’s premium producer of clay bricks, this series brings together the voices driving change across architecture, design, policy and product innovation. Each episode touches on the opportunities and challenges of building the future, from decarbonisation and urban mining to growing the workforce and the Future Homes Standard.


Whether you’re an architect, policymaker, designer, builder or simply passionate about the places we live and work, Forming the Future will leave you inspired to take action and to imagine what’s possible when we build with purpose.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Michelmersh https://storage.buzzsprout.com/wtaq3z0zzabo04hmovusaz8rorap?.jpg Forming the Future Architecture and climate change with Andrew Tam Architecture and climate change with Andrew Tam In this episode of the Forming the Future podcast, Sarah Le Gresley and Emily Herbert interview Andrew Tam, Associate at Gort Scott, about the intersection of architecture and climate change. The discussion explores the impact of architectural design on the environment, the importance of sustainability, and the challenges faced in data collection for life cycle analysis. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in architecture, the significance of future home standards, and the need for circularity and retrofitting in the built environment. Additionally, they touch on biodiversity considerations in design and the importance of behavioral change in reducing carbon footprints.

]]> In this episode of the Forming the Future podcast, Sarah Le Gresley and Emily Herbert interview Andrew Tam, Associate at Gort Scott, about the intersection of architecture and climate change. The discussion explores the impact of architectural design on the environment, the importance of sustainability, and the challenges faced in data collection for life cycle analysis. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in architecture, the significance of future home standards, and the need for circularity and retrofitting in the built environment. Additionally, they touch on biodiversity considerations in design and the importance of behavioral change in reducing carbon footprints.

]]> Michelmersh Buzzsprout-18747210 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0100 2185 1 4 full false The future of ceramics in construction with Rob Flello The future of ceramics in construction with Rob Flello In this episode of the Forming the Future podcast, Sarah Le Gresley and Emily Herbert discuss the vital role of ceramics in construction and everyday life with Rob Flello, Chief Executive at Ceramics UK and the Brick Development Association. They explore the challenges faced by the ceramics industry in the UK, including sustainability, government support, and the economic impact of ceramics. The conversation highlights the importance of raising awareness about the industry's contributions and the need for innovation and support to ensure its future viability.

]]> In this episode of the Forming the Future podcast, Sarah Le Gresley and Emily Herbert discuss the vital role of ceramics in construction and everyday life with Rob Flello, Chief Executive at Ceramics UK and the Brick Development Association. They explore the challenges faced by the ceramics industry in the UK, including sustainability, government support, and the economic impact of ceramics. The conversation highlights the importance of raising awareness about the industry's contributions and the need for innovation and support to ensure its future viability.

]]> Michelmersh Buzzsprout-18746814 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0100 2586 1 5 full false Sustainability and style in ceramics with Lex Harrison Sustainability and style in ceramics with Lex Harrison In this episode of the Forming the Future podcast, Sarah Le Gresley and Emily Herbert talk with Alexis (Lex) Harrison, a brick and architectural ceramics expert, to discuss the intersection of sustainability and architecture. They explore the evolving role of brick in modern construction, the significance of the Brick Awards, and the increasing focus on sustainability in architectural projects. The conversation delves into the circular economy, the life cycle analysis of materials, and the aesthetic value of ceramics in architecture. Additionally, they highlight innovative low carbon masonry systems and the future outlook for the brick industry, emphasising the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving sustainable building practices.

]]> In this episode of the Forming the Future podcast, Sarah Le Gresley and Emily Herbert talk with Alexis (Lex) Harrison, a brick and architectural ceramics expert, to discuss the intersection of sustainability and architecture. They explore the evolving role of brick in modern construction, the significance of the Brick Awards, and the increasing focus on sustainability in architectural projects. The conversation delves into the circular economy, the life cycle analysis of materials, and the aesthetic value of ceramics in architecture. Additionally, they highlight innovative low carbon masonry systems and the future outlook for the brick industry, emphasising the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving sustainable building practices.

]]> Michelmersh Buzzsprout-18625237 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000 2459 1 3 full false Sustainable construction at scale with Mike Leonard Sustainable construction at scale with Mike Leonard In this episode of the Forming the Future podcast, Sarah Le Gresley and Emily Herbert from Michelmersh speak with Mike Leonard, CEO of the Building Alliance about the future of masonry and its role in sustainable construction. They discuss the importance of longevity and durability in building materials, the need for resilience in the face of climate change, and the skills gap in the construction industry. The conversation also covers initiatives like the Get Britain Building campaign and Project 80, which aims to demonstrate the viability of masonry in achieving future home standards. The episode emphasises the need for behavioral change, circularity in construction, and the importance of a cohesive narrative to promote the benefits of masonry.

]]> In this episode of the Forming the Future podcast, Sarah Le Gresley and Emily Herbert from Michelmersh speak with Mike Leonard, CEO of the Building Alliance about the future of masonry and its role in sustainable construction. They discuss the importance of longevity and durability in building materials, the need for resilience in the face of climate change, and the skills gap in the construction industry. The conversation also covers initiatives like the Get Britain Building campaign and Project 80, which aims to demonstrate the viability of masonry in achieving future home standards. The episode emphasises the need for behavioral change, circularity in construction, and the importance of a cohesive narrative to promote the benefits of masonry.

]]> Michelmersh Buzzsprout-18625218 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000 2282 1 2 full false Urban mining and recycled construction products with Dave Mills Urban mining and recycled construction products with Dave Mills In this episode of the Forming the Future podcast by Michelmersh, Sarah Le Gresley and Emily Herbert host a discussion with industry expert Dave Mills on the topics of urban mining, sustainability in construction, and the importance of apprenticeships. They explore the challenges and opportunities in reusing construction materials, particularly bricks, and the shift towards more circular practices in the industry. The conversation also highlights the significance of education, transparency, and the need for a skilled workforce to drive innovation and sustainability in construction.

]]> In this episode of the Forming the Future podcast by Michelmersh, Sarah Le Gresley and Emily Herbert host a discussion with industry expert Dave Mills on the topics of urban mining, sustainability in construction, and the importance of apprenticeships. They explore the challenges and opportunities in reusing construction materials, particularly bricks, and the shift towards more circular practices in the industry. The conversation also highlights the significance of education, transparency, and the need for a skilled workforce to drive innovation and sustainability in construction.

]]> Michelmersh Buzzsprout-18625201 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000 3316 1 1 full false