PODCAST | Scheming with Ian Simpson
This week on Scheming, arguably Manchester’s most influential architect chats with Place North West about his love of glass, working with Renaker to transform the city’s skyline, and his ambitious vision for the inner ring road.
Scheming is a brand-new Place North podcast series that provides some of the biggest names in property the chance to talk about three schemes they think about a lot:
- The one they are most proud of
- The one they wish they had done
- Their dream scheme
As well as discussing his three schemes, Simpson talked about the divisive nature of his work and justified his design ethos.
“You have to be able to put your head up and be criticised [but] we can’t all live in rose-covered cottages,” he said.
This episode of Scheming is sponsored by DeSimone Consulting Engineering.
DeSimone Consulting Engineering provides structural engineering, façade design consulting, integrated design & detailing, and construction consulting services for buildings of all types. Known for delivering thoughtful, innovative, and sustainable solutions, DeSimone provides dedicated services from its UK, US, Canada, South America, and the Middle East offices.
To find out more, visit: www.de-simone.com 
Scheming will return for a second series in spring 2025. In the meantime, you can catch up on season one by visiting Place North West’s podcast page.
Not to be wholly disrespectful but to say SHA is one of the most influential architects is akin to saying Japanese Knotweed is one of the most influential planters for a back garden. I think “prevalent” would be a far more befitting term..
By Anonymous
Simpson came across as very grounded in the podcast, and his gave a sound reasoning for the design of Manchesters skyscrapers. In some ways I’m glad he’s created some restrained buildings on a tighter budget here, because that Blackfriars scheme in London, for me, falls into the same trap as the eccentric stuff that he rightly suggests have marred the skyline of the City of London.
By Rich X
He’s hardly influential, he’s a terrible architect, people are fed up with his repetitive towers.
By Mike