Why we need more placemakers in politics: A Conversation with Jay Morton
In the latest episode of Talking Place, our Creative Director and host Tanisha Raffiuddin chatted with Jay Morton, Director at Bell Philips Architects, about the human elements of architecture, placemaking, and the intersection of politics with the built environment.
Bell Philips Architects specialises primarily in housing, with a strong focus on working with local authorities and resident-led schemes. Throughout their 20-year history, the practice has maintained a clear social ethos,
“We always want to leave the world in a better place than where we started.”
The true meaning of place: stories and connections
“Place is a very personal thing... Maybe it should be place shaping. Because if we talk about place making, it’s almost implying that there isn’t a place to start with. And actually, everyone has a connection to where they live or where they work or places that bring memories.”
Jay emphasises that places are fundamentally about stories and connections. Rather than viewing masterplanning and architecture from a bird's eye perspective, she advocates for understanding place as a human experience – what you see, touch, smell, and how you interact with others in that space.
This perspective aligns with the philosophies of urban designer Jan Gehl, whom Jay greatly admires for his human-centered approach to urban planning. As Jay notes, architecture has evolved from the top-down approach popular in the 50s and 60s toward a greater understanding of the human element in placemaking.
Personal connections to favourite places
When asked about her favourite places, Jay highlighted two London locations:
Hampstead Heath – A place of personal connection that offers an escape within the city, where you can "get lost in it, get muddy in it, go swimming in the ponds."
Soho – An area that Jay feels embodies the essence of London with its historical layers, bustling activity, and distinctive character.
These personal connections highlight the importance of emotional attachment to place – a theme that runs throughout the conversation.
Community engagement: The key to successful resident-Led schemes
“Models and walk-arounds... are really good tools for understanding what people like and what they don’t like.”
Jay shared insights about Bell Philips Architects' work on Mark Lake Court, a resident-led scheme in the Kipling Estate. The project demonstrates how communities can take ownership of their built environment through meaningful engagement.
Key engagement approaches include:
Walking tours to discuss architectural elements in accessible language
Using models and visual aids to communicate design ideas
Creating opportunities for co-design where residents actively participate in the design process
Ensuring that residents feel genuine ownership of the final project
Jay also emphasised the importance of involving children in the placemaking process – if a place works for children, it generally works for everyone. Through school visits and educational programmes, architects can help create "engaged citizens of the future" who understand and care about their built environment.
Affordable housing and high quality placemaking
“Just a roof over your head. Yes, it might be nice and clean, but actually that is not enough.”
As a champion of affordable housing, Jay is involved in the Architects Action for Affordable Housing campaign, which focuses on five key priorities:
Prioritising affordable housing for growth
Ensuring all affordable housing is net zero
Creating a resilient construction sector
Targeting self-build as a solution
Creating equity in supply across the UK
Jay stresses that affordable housing must be integrated with good placemaking principles – access to green spaces, active travel options, employment opportunities, and proper infrastructure. She criticises developments that are isolated, car-dependent, and lack community amenities, likening them to ‘film sets’ rather than real places where people can thrive.
Architects and Politics: Making Noise for Change
“Architecture is fundamentally political. It’s shaping places and its communities. Buildings are political. Most people don’t want buildings to happen. I think it is actually quite important to have people who understand the built environment, people who think in a four-dimensional way to actually find their way into politics.”
Jay believes architects need to be more politically engaged, noting that until recently, there wasn't a single qualified architect in Parliament. She advocates for architects to move beyond their professional silos, form networks outside the profession, and campaign for the changes they want to see.
This passion for combining architecture and politics led Jay to create her podcast, ’Architects for Change’, which explores how people are working to transform the built environment and what political changes are needed to support these innovations.
Storytelling and Place: Understanding Local Character
When discussing the importance of storytelling in placemaking, Jay pointed to Deptford High Street as an example of a place where "history feels so much closer." Its conservation status protects not just the physical buildings but the character of the area – the markets, local businesses, and community connections that have existed for generations.
Jay values developments that respect these existing stories and heritage, creating places that feel like genuine communities rather than imposing completely new environments.
Vision for the Future: People-Centred Places
Looking ahead, Jay envisions places that prioritise:
Design and placemaking over purely functional considerations
Sustainability and biodiversity
Fewer cars and more child-friendly spaces
Environments that work for people of all ages
She references Gil Penosa's ‘8 and 80 cities’ concept – if a place works for both an eight-year-old and an eighty-year-old, it works for everyone. This approach naturally leads to healthier, safer, more sustainable places.
Ultimately, Jay's message is clear: We need to be making more noise about the places we want to see, demanding better for our communities, and taking action to create meaningful change in the built environment.
Curious to know more about Jay Morton and her insights?
Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube to hear Tanisha Raffiuddin and Jay Morton conversation on the need more placemakers in politics
Stay connected with us on Talking Place’s Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Bluesky, and TikTok for updates on upcoming episodes, where Tanisha talks with experts across the built environment. From placemaking and branding to sustainability, finance, health, culture, and more, each episode shares valuable insights and practical advice to help inspire your place-based projects and initiatives.
‘Talk’ soon!