The programme leader for the MSc in urban planning at the University of the Built Environment on how she got started in property, her favourite book, dramas and podcast and how she would spend a big lottery win
Charlotte Morphet
How did you join the property industry?
Via ancient Greece and Rome – I have a love for ancient town planning and architecture. I followed this through to my undergraduate degree in art history and visual studies, where I not only focused on ancient art and architecture but also studied John Ruskin and William Morris and was even introduced to Octavia Hill.
From there, I went on to study an MSc in planning and sustainability and came out in the recession, so I did a lot of internships across all sectors until landing my first role as a planning enforcement officer.
What does your job entail?
I am the programme leader for the MSc in urban planning at the University of the Built Environment. My role entails leading the course, teaching and supporting students in their studies. Alongside this, I publish research and write on planning and the built environment.
Much of my job is ensuring that both teaching and research are relevant, and I do this by maintaining my links to industry.
I worked in planning practice for more than a decade before joining academia and like to consider myself a ‘pracademic’.
What do you like most about the industry?
Three things. First, we impact people’s lives and how they live, and we can make a difference. Second, the diversity of roles and projects – no day is the same and it really is an industry that has a place for many people and skills. Finally, I like the fact that, on the whole, we are a sociable bunch.
And what do you dislike most about it?
How far behind we are on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). That’s why I set up Women in Planning with Alison Mackay 14 years ago and why Women in Planning is working with Building People on the Collective Action on Gender Equality in the Built Environment and all the gender network and EDI networks. It is also why I joined the University of the Built Environment, which offers an inclusive route to education in the built environment.
What is your favourite building?
30 St Mary Axe in the City of London, better known as The Gherkin.
Who in property has inspired you?
Helen Fadipe, former president of the Royal Town Planning Institute. She is the most truly inclusive person I know and always holds us as an industry to account.
If you had not gone into property, what would you like to have done?
Broadcasting.
What would you change about the industry?
I’d make it more equitable, diverse and inclusive.
What barriers or challenges do you feel you have overcome?
My dyslexia and getting people to understand how that might impact my work.
What are you most proud of in your career?
My overall journey. I struggled at school, being dyslexic; but when I was passionate and interested, I did well. My younger self would be super proud of everything I have achieved, from teaching, publishing and public speaking. At 15, I wouldn’t have guessed I would be advocating for EDI along with everything else I do.
What do you value in people?
Empathy and kindness as well as a good sense of humour.
What advice would you give someone starting a career in the property industry?
Find free events and network. It is a people-based industry and I have had some of my best opportunities come from networking.
Top Recommendations
Favourite book?
It changes, but the book I have enjoyed the most recently is Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Urban Transformation by Melissa Bruntlett and Chris Bruntlett. I enjoyed how it told the stories of how both the political and professional sectors have built more inclusive cities from the perspectives of mobility, climate change and health.
Favourite dramas?
I don’t know why but I do like a lot of gangster stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the series MobLand and always love watching Goodfellas.
Favourite podcast?
I am a bit of a property nerd and like all things property related. At the moment, my favourite podcast is Planning After Dark with Catriona Riddell, Alex Notay and Jackie Sadek. They always make me giggle.
If you won the lottery?
I’d fund the Collective Action on Gender Equality in the Built Environment and all the gender and equity, diversity and inclusion networks. So much is done through good will and on a shoestring, and needs sustained funding.
