11 Marras 2025

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

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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

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Architecture Social

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

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Affiliate learning partner

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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

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