Meet the commissioners: Lara Oyedele

Building magazine is 180 years old this year. What lessons about the built environment should we take from the past?

 Well built, good quality buildings last ‘forever’.

Space and circulation (of people and air) are eternally appreciated and beneficial.

 Who or what has had the most positive impact on construction in the past couple of decades?

 Sir John Egan and Re-thinking Construction commission of 1998  

What does the construction industry do well and why?

 Adopting technological advancements and promoting itself. 

What does construction industry do badly and why?

Relationships between so called partners always appear adversarial and confrontational. Grenfell is an example of where everyone in the chain is blaming everyone else and no one takes responsibility.

It is accepted as normal practice that delivery will always be over budget and late.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen during your career in construction?

There has been much greater emphasis on health and safety. However, construction still tops the list as one of the most dangerous industries to work for.

There are a few more women on sites and in the sector. However, progress on gender balance remains inadequate.

What do you think will have changed by the time Building celebrates its 200^th anniversary?

Much more digitalisation. The integration of web enabled components will be an every-day standard practice and no longer just for those who can afford it.

The demographics of the sector will better represent society. There will be more women across the sector. There will be more ethnic, racial, religious and sexual orientation represented in the decision making and leadership roles.

If there is one thing individuals and firms could do to improve construction and the built environment what would it be?

I have two - 

Standardisation – too much bespoke results in expensive maintenance. It also results in delays and waste.

Role models – Make the professions in the sector more attractive to millennials and generation z. They want organisations that are truly ethical, fair, represent diversity and are compassionate.

>>See also: Full Building the Future Commission line-up unveiled

>>See also: Click here for more about the project and the commissioners

What is the best thing government can do to support the industry?

Make the architectural profession licensed.

Reduce the scope that planning officers have to refuse planning applications. Give community decisions more power than planning officers. Planning policy and approval is very precarious. Planning Officers have power but no responsibility. The appeal process is too expensive.

What do you hope the Building the Future Commission can achieve? And what role can you play?

Ensure we have increased supply of residential building via diverse providers. Alternatives to the large building / property development companies should be encouraged to provide at least a quarter of the nations output. These alternatives can include Community Land Trust, Housing Co-op and Self-build Groups.

A sector that is more diverse and representative.

What is your favourite building/piece of infrastructure and why?

No answer just now.

Tell us one thing you are passionate about outside of work

I love shoes and I want to eliminate homelessness.

Not enough homes for single people

Lara Oyedele, president, Chartered Institute of Housing­