SOUNDS FROM THE OVEN: EPISODE 1 OUT NOW!

In the first episode of Sounds from the Oven, RDA founder Richard Dudzicki joins James Armstrong, founder and director of Ideal Land, to discuss the practical challenges of bringing small and constrained sites forward for housing.



Their conversation brings together architectural and development perspectives, exploring how construction costs, site conditions and uncertainty can affect whether a project moves ahead. Issues such as contamination, asbestos and flood risk can discourage investment before a site has been properly assessed. Early feasibility work helps establish what those constraints mean and whether there is a realistic route forward.

Drawing on examples including RDA’s Passive Mews II and Eva’s House, alongside Ideal Land’s Wolsey Mews and Lovelace Gardens proposals, the episode explores how overlooked land can accommodate new homes within existing neighbourhoods.

Richard and James also discuss opportunities for family housing, the importance of planning confidence and how flexibility from landowners can help make development possible.

The conversation opens our new series exploring how London’s most difficult sites can contribute to its housing future, through practical experience of identifying, designing and delivering development.

Watch the three minute conversation below and explore the potential of London’s small and constrained sites.