Episode #535 - Ahead of the Curve: Building Better Futures through Sustainable Architecture and Learning - with Tom Locke

Hi, I’m Granger Forson from www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk, or find me on LinkedIn, and in this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I’m joined by Tom Locke, co-founder of Habitat+ Architects, a Gloucestershire-based practice that’s redefining how sustainability meets great design.

 

Tom’s journey is one of courage and curiosity. He and his business partner stepped away from the comfort of employment during COVID to create a business that truly reflected their values. Their goal? To build spaces that not only look beautiful but also work in harmony with the environment and the people who use them.

 

Through Habitat+, Tom champions Passive House design, an internationally recognised energy standard that cuts carbon emissions and creates comfortable, efficient spaces. But what really shines through is his belief that sustainability isn’t an add-on, it’s a mindset. It’s about how we think, design, source, and build for long-term impact.

 

We also dive into the realities of running a growing practice, learning to manage people, balancing client work with business building, and finding time for creative reflection. Tom’s approach to leadership is rooted in continuous learning, both for himself and his team. He even teaches at university, sharing his passion for design and growth with the next generation.

 

This is an inspiring conversation for anyone building a purpose-driven business, one that proves that curiosity, integrity, and sustainability can drive both profit and progress.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes, do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

 

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of sustainability, creativity, and learning with Tom Locke.

 

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

 

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

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Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

 

Tom can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-locke-9b418529/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/habitatplus-architects/

https://www.habitatplus.co.uk/

 

Resources:

Nudge by Richard H. Thaler & Cass R. Sunstein - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/nudge-improving-decisions-about-health-wealth-and-happiness-richard-h-thaler/6727225?ean=9780141999937&next=t

ToDo Ist - https://www.todoist.com/