Our Community

Sounding Boards & Committees

The New London Sounding Board, Committees and Expert Panels form a multi-disciplinary network of over 300 industry professionals and community leaders working across all sectors of the built environment. They help to drive the work of NLA, inform policy, and produce thought leadership.

Our New London Sounding Board, Committees and Expert Panels are crucial in shaping the New London Agenda, a multi-year project that sets a vision for the future of London and its built environment, presenting the top issues that need to be tackled over the next London political term, and the best new ideas and solutions that will deliver New London of the future. The groups drive its direction and taking soundings on ideas and evidence for inclusion, with NLA’s 15 Expert Panels and guest contributors feeding in and providing evidence as required.

New London Sounding Board

The New London Sounding Board was first established in 2011 and brings together the most senior urban leaders to provide a leading cross-disciplinary voice on the key issues that affect London and the profession. The Board was first chaired by Michael Cassidy from 2011-2015, followed by Robert Evans from 2015-2022. The current Chair is Sadie Morgan.

The Board has been convened at major UK moments, providing a unique London view that we are able to share with government ministers and others across the industry, and now sits at the highest level of the NLA structure, acting as the arbitrator of the New London Agenda.

New members were appointed under new Chair Sadie Morgan. See below our list of members.

COMMITTEES & STEERING GROUPS

NLA Committees will focus on helping to drive change for London and the industry, push forward core NLA flagship programmes, and establish valuable networks. As the New London Agenda takes shape, the Committees will increasingly be able to act on its aims and ambitions.

Cities Forum: Jo Negrini, Director, Arup

Part of the International Programme, the Cities Forum supports NLA’s role in knowledge-sharing and dialogue between London and cities, in the UK and internationally. The forum brings together London-based and international experts involved in city leadership around the world to create a network for global cities. The Forum discusses key issues facing cities globally, share best practice and support the development of policy and communications around the cities agenda.

Opportunity London Steering Group: Co-chaired by Nick McKeogh, NLA and Laura Citron, London & Partners

The Opportunity London Steering Group supports the Opportunity London initiative promoting sustainable investment into real estate, regeneration and green infrastructure across London’s boroughs and communities. Opportunity London is led by the Mayor of London, London Councils and The City of London Corporation and delivered by NLA with London Communications Agency and London & Partners.

Diverse Leaders Steering Group: Chaired by Grace Simmonds, NLA

The Diverse Leaders Steering Group supports our work in expanding and amplifying the diversity of voices within city leadership and the built environment professions. The Steering Group drives our Diverse Leaders initiatives and act as a leading voice for London on tackling diversity across the industry. The Diverse Leaders Steering Group sits at the top of NLA's Diverse Leaders Network and the current list of members can be found here.

NextGen Committee: Chaired by Kat Hanna, Avison Young

The NextGen Committee is an evolution of the NextGen Sounding Board – becoming more actively involved in driving our work to identify and support young talent and championing the professional development of the built environment’s future leaders. The NextGen Committee sits at the top of the NLA’s NextGen network and the current list of members can be found here.

London Festival of Architecture (LFA) Committee: Chaired by Martyn Evans, U+I

The Festival Committee advises on and inspires the strategic direction of the London Festival of Architecture (LFA), as well as helping to develop its networks and outreach. With members from across the industry and beyond, the committee both continues and expands on our mission to democratise discussions around architecture, making it more accessible for all, as well as ensuring the festival remains a unique platform to test new ideas and uncover and promote new and emerging architects, designers and practitioners.