From Designs to Developments: Greg Blaquiere's Planning Journey

Planning consultancy sits right at the point where design ambition, policy, viability and local authority reality meet.

Stephen Drew speaks with Greg Blaquiere, founder of Eagle Planning and Development, about moving from local government into private planning consultancy, starting a business and building better working relationships with architects.

The conversation covers:

• What planning consultants actually do on projects
• How local authority experience shapes private sector advice
• Why architects and planners need clearer working relationships
• How AI and technology can support planning work without replacing due diligence
• What Greg learned from his first year running Eagle Planning and Development

Read the episode on Architecture Social: From Designs to Developments

Watch on YouTube: Greg Blaquiere's Planning Journey

____

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and overview
• 01:00 Meet Greg Blaquiere from Eagle Planning
• 01:23 Greg's journey into planning
• 03:27 Early career in local authority
• 07:44 Transitioning into the private sector
• 13:24 Starting Eagle Planning and Development
• 15:23 Diverse projects and planning challenges
• 20:37 The role of technology in planning
• 25:28 Balancing AI and due diligence
• 26:21 AI limitations and risk
• 29:15 AI in business operations
• 31:30 Exploring Eagle Planning
• 37:16 Starting and running a business
• 45:13 Final thoughts and contact details

____

Architecture Social

Find more architecture career advice, practice insight and live roles at Architecture Social.

Explore more conversations on the Architecture Social Podcast, browse free resources at Architecture Social Resources, or join the community at Architecture Social Club.

____

Affiliate learning partner

We have partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects.

Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the monthly or annual membership.

Architecture Social may earn a commission if you join through our link or use the code.

• (00:00) - Introduction and Overview
• (01:00) - Meet Greg from Eagle Planning
• (01:23) - Greg's Journey into Planning
• (03:27) - Early Career in Local Authority
• (07:44) - Transition to Private Sector
• (13:24) - Starting Eagle Planning
• (15:23) - Diverse Projects and Challenges
• (20:37) - The Role of Technology in Planning
• (25:28) - Balancing AI and Due Diligence
• (26:21) - AI's Limitations and Risks
• (29:15) - AI in Business Operations
• (31:30) - Exploring Eagle Planning
• (37:16) - Starting and Running a Business
• (45:13) - Final Thoughts and Contact Information