The world we live in post 2020 faces unprecedented challenges with climate change, social inequity, economic instability and the health crisis owing to a pandemic. In these times, the role of an architect/designer becomes critical in addressing these issues. In talking to Yin Kong (Think!Chinatown), Colab-19 and Mike Lydon (StreetPlans), we hope to engage in a conversation about the role of academia, practice and research in redefining the role of architects and designers—taking a radical approach to improve the neighbourhoods, the cities and the land we inhabit.