Why have buildings become so boring? Thomas Heatherwick launches his campaign for change

‘I don’t seek permission, I ask for forgiveness’ – Muyiwa Oki on his plans for his RIBA presidency

‘I came back from maternity leave and didn’t have a desk’ How one CEO is using her experiences to help others

‘Sometimes you pinch yourself.’ The boy from the Chester semi running €4bn Arcadis

They used to call me ‘sir’ on site: Buro Happold’s Sarah Prichard on her journey to the top

Time for ministers to enforce boardroom diversity? Meet Lara Oyedele

Expansion plans and adding value: Currie & Brown boss Alan Manuel points the way ahead

In business with Rapleys’ Justin Tuckwell

‘The day I convince myself I know everything is the day I go’: an interview with Bam’s John Wilkinson

‘We’re the victims of short-term policy-making’: Interview with Jennie Daly

Pushing forward the green agenda: Introba’s Brian Goldsmith and Doug Kerr

Steve Morgan interview: ‘It’s like the government wants to destroy the industry’

‘Just get on and build the thing.’ John Armitt goes in to bat for HS2

5 minutes with … Paul Staley at Wise Living

The BTR housing provider’s managing director on rising to challenges, embracing opportunities and doing your best, while not being overly competitive

5 minutes with … Richard Farrey at Silverstone Building Consultancy

The firm’s lead director on building his business, the importance of a can-do attitude and why the best buildings are in the North-east

5 minutes with … Rebecca Hartshorn at Sisk

The firm’s national framework director on the need for greater industry collaboration, juggling her career and motherhood, her favourite roast dinner and her dislike of blocky concrete buildings

5 minutes with … Priya Shah at Linesight

The global consultancy’s associate director on her transition from the nuclear sector, her training scheme for chemical engineers and the need for digital transformation

5 minutes with … Michael O’Shea at Gowling WLG

The partner in the law firm’s construction team believes the tendering process needs to change and urges new recruits to read books rather than websites. He is a fan of The Smiths and wine gums

5 minutes with … Chris Jones at 10 Design

The firm’s managing principal (Europe and Middle East) considers the need to work collaboratively, the impact of the pandemic, why he went to art college – and his secret skill learnt while funding his studies

5 minutes with … Ashwin Halaria at Symmetrys

The firm’s associate director on the incident that made him want to be an engineer, the vital importance of material reuse and why his mother will always be his role model

5 minutes with … Jonathon Bentley at Bentley

The firm’s managing director on the challenges of building his business, the importance of seeing every angle and why he has the ball from the men’s Euro 2021 final.

5 minutes with … Jack Newton at RSHP

The firm’s associate partner on struggling with dyslexia at school, increasing diversity in the profession, working under Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour and watching his children playing with his Lego

5 minutes with … Charlene Shum at Platform

The project executive on the industry’s blame culture, the importance of collaboration and why it is vital to care about those smallest details

5 minutes with … Mandie Sewa at Brevis Law

The firm’s head of immigration law on the importance of recruting and retaining the right staff, the challenges posed by new immigration rules, the universal power of food and why steak should always be eaten rare

5 minutes with … Lee Parkinson at Efficiency North

The group’s chief executive on starting out as a YTS apprentice, surviving the pandemic and why the finest seafood should be simply served

5 minutes with … Gemma Pont at CPMG Architects

The associate architect on making the right choices, working collaboratively, the importance of cheese and the first book she ever read

5 minutes with … Katia Polidoro at Tp Bennett

One of the firm’s principal directors on designing inclusive places to live and work, trusting her instincts and learning to row at the age of 49.

5 minutes with … Simon Arnott at Morgan Sindall

The managing director for the firm in the North-west on the importance of working hard and being inquisitive – but also on striking the right work/life balance

5 minutes with … Jonathan Hunter at Elecosoft

The software company’s chief executive wants to see more data sharing and collaborative working. He is an admirer of Mace Group and Asian cuisine and wishes he had invested in Bitcoinx

5 minutes with … Jenny Hyden at NVB Architects

The landscape architect on the importance of designing with a view to the future, why the use of peat is now unforgivable and why she likes to keep her wetsuit close at hand

5 minutes with … Dan Hyde at MEPC, NOMA

The development director on the NOMA scheme in Manchester discusses the switch from his career as a professional rugby player, his love of the Sydney Opera House and roast lamb on a Sunday

5 minutes with … Mark Swetman at LS Estates

The firm’s chief executive on the importance of good communication, his dislike of laziness and his admiration for innovation

5 minutes with … Louise Boddie at Hudson Architects

The leader of the firm’s portfolio of community, culture and education projects emphasises the social and environmental responsibility of her job and the importance of doing work that you enjoy

5 minutes with … Neeral Shah at YardLink

The company founder and CEO on his pride in building his team, the importance of embracing technology and his constant quest for improvement

5 minutes with … Riaz Dudhia at Nelsons

The commercial property solicitor would simplify and relax planning restrictions. He enjoys playing tennis and Italian food

5 minutes with … Lisa Gledhill at EcoWorld London

The firm’s managing director of development on balancing creativity with rigorous discipline, how the industry can improve its recruitment and her best-ever day as a Bradford City supporter

5 minutes with … Louise Hamot at Introba

The firm’s global lead for sustainable innovation shares her passion for sustainability, industry-wide collaboration, vegetable soup and carpentry

5 minutes with … Sarah Castle at IF_DO

The firm’s co-founder and director on growing up in Manchester, inequality in the industry and the importance of collaboration and taking a break

5 minutes with … Ruth Marsh at Sheppard Robson

The firm’s head of sustainability explains why a collegiate approach is the best way to effect positive change and shares her love of travelling and… peanut butter

5 minutes with … Milos Halecka at Middlecap

The company’s innovations director explains the importance of embracing technology and using it effectively – and why he loves London’s industrial buildings

5 minutes with … Emma Foster at BentallGreenOak

A principal at the firm and former Mace project manager, Emma shares her passion for working as part of a team, London’s historic buildings, Italian food and her black Labrador