GP 41: Construction in Crisis? Exploring Challenges and Solutions: with Rachel Coleman of Turner & Townsend alinea

Rachel Coleman, Head of Research at Turner & Townsend Alinea, takes us on a fascinating journey through the interconnected worlds of construction economics, data analytics, and place-making in this thought-provoking conversation.With disarming candour, Rachel shares how she stumbled into a career in construction after studying physical geography — intending just a one-year office stint before returning to university. That temporary role evolved into a fulfilling vocation, connecting people and processes, addressing inefficiencies, and ensuring valuable knowledge flows through projects.Despite the persistent challenges facing development — from rising costs to material shortages — Rachel offers refreshingly optimistic perspectives. She challenges the long-held belief that construction productivity has stagnated, citing evidence that properly planned work enables 7.5 people to achieve what previously required 10, simply through smarter sequencing and resource management.The conversation takes an unexpected turn as Rachel reframes the debate around affordability. True affordability, she argues, extends beyond the building itself — encompassing proximity to schools and workplaces, access to affordable transport, and opportunities for diverse social interaction. It is, ultimately, about total living costs and quality of life.For anyone navigating today’s complex development landscape, Rachel’s insights on data strategy are invaluable. She advocates for establishing a single "source of truth" to avoid outdated information, collecting comprehensive datasets while remaining conscious of cognitive biases, and demonstrating better approaches to shift industry mindsets.Whether you're a developer, planner, policymaker, or simply curious about how the built environment takes shape, this conversation offers essential perspectives on creating more affordable, sustainable, and human-centred places — even amid economic headwinds and industry constraints.