Kunle Barker

Property Expert, Writer & Broadcaster. @itv #loveyourhomeandgarden. AJ Columnist, Grand Designs Live Curator and presenter. Green Homes Grant Spokesperson

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

Also, curious what you mean by “feminists run the country” — how exactly does that relate to housing policy?

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

Currently the third most-read article on the AJ—thanks for all the brilliant comments so far.

#HousingCrisis #AJArticle #AffordableHousing #UKHousing #SocialHousing #BuiltEnvironment #ArchitectureMatters #TopRead #HaveYourSay

@architectsjournal

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

Around 90% of people on social housing waiting lists are UK-born (source: Migration Observatory, University of Oxford). Housebuilding hasn’t kept pace with demand for decades. So even if there were zero immigration, the waiting list would still be there.

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

🌿 Discover the Value of Biophilic Design in the Workplace 🌿

I’m excited to be speaking at this fantastic event hosted by Overbury and RIOS on Wednesday 7th May, exploring how nature isn't just a "nice to have" in the workplace—it's a powerful asset.

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

In my latest Architects’ Journal piece, I argue that the housing crisis has become a moral failure. Over 1.3 million families are stuck on waiting lists. Some face a century-long wait for a decent, affordable home.
https://t.co/lRYeNOVcYu

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

This 2023 clip from my role as a Sky News Expert, where I talked about interest rates and the economic outlook. At the time, a lot of commentators were expecting a quick drop—but I suggested rates would stay high for longer. #SkyNews #InterestRates #UKEconomy #TradeWar

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

What if we weaponised nature to make built assets more valuable?

This wasn’t about tree-planting for the brochure. This was about strategy. About designing with nature not as an afterthought, but as a core driver of value, health, connection, and resilience.

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

This was our school run today. Most mornings, we walk the girls through the ancient streets of Granada—past stone walls, under archways, along cobbled paths that have stood for centuries.

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

I had the pleasure of hosting the Surface Design Awards this week —

From working in construction, to making TV shows, to hosting events like this — I’ve picked up a few stories along the way. Always a joy to share them with a good crowd.

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

🗣️ “We’re not here to tell you that green spaces make for better places—you know that.”

But what we are saying is:
🌱 Nature isn't ornamental.
🌿 It’s functional, powerful, and essential.
🏙️ It builds value—social, environmental, and economic.
#CityDesign

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

Hosting the 2025 Awards was an absolute blast! 🎤🏆 I had the chance to share some of my favorite stories from my time as a builder, designer, journalist, and TV presenter—plenty of laughs, a few unexpected twists, and some behind-the-scenes moments from the industry.

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

Last week, I had the privilege of delivering the keynote speech at the UK Hub at MIPIM, launching Natural Places—our bold new initiative to weaponise nature in development.
#NaturalPlaces #MIPIM #WeaponisingNature

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

🎥 Reimagining the Río Genil – The First Step to Revitalisation 🌿🏞️

Natural Places led a visioning walk along the Río Genil, exploring how we can bring nature and people back to this forgotten urban river.

#Granada #RioGenil #Placemaking #NaturalPlaces

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

🚨 New column in Architects’ Journal 🚨

Great design matters—but if a project isn’t financially viable, it won’t get built. Too many schemes get lost in the ‘long grass’ without a clear financial plan.

#Architecture #Design #Finance #Housing #AJ

https://t.co/YlcUjBCmwX

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

We’re at MIPIM next month—meet us at the UK Hub!

In Manchester this week, I revisited Mayfield Park, a space I found by accident but now love. Proof that placemaking transforms lives.

#NaturalPlaces #Placemaking #MIPIM #UrbanNature #SustainableDesign

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

🌿 Delivering a Keynote at MIPIM! 🌿
The importance of integrating nature into masterplans and developments
📅 Thurs, 13th March | ⏰ 10:00 AM | 📍 UK Hub (Palais 1)
See you there! 🌍✨ #MIPIM2025 #Placemaking

https://t.co/84MdhwALUr

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

I’ll be hosting the Surface Design Awards on Thursday, 6th Feb at 18:00

Celebrating the best in material innovation and design—can’t wait to spotlight the incredible talent in the industry.

#SurfaceDesignShow #SurfaceDesignAwards #Architecture

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

🏠 My first Architects’ Journal column of the year is out! Inspired by A Christmas Carol, I explore the ghosts of housing—past, present & future.

https://t.co/MIPeTdk3el

#HousingCrisis #Architecture #AJColumn #Placemaking

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

Join me at Homes UK on 28th November for the Unlock Net Zero Live session on decarbonising communities. Panel with experts from Unlock Net Zero, sustainability, and the Department for Energy Security.
https://t.co/rcfNvbvqux

[Kunle Barker @Kunlebarker]

I’m excited to join Lord Moylan, Chair of the House of Lords Built Environment Committee, for a discussion on delivering affordable housing and enhanced green spaces at the Homes UK event on 28th November.

https://t.co/rcfNvbvqux