Nicholas Boys Smith, Chairman of Create Streets, has established himself as one of Britain's most influential voices in urban planning and architectural criticism. Through his extensive body of work spanning several years, Boys Smith has consistently advocated for the integration of beauty and traditional design principles in modern urban development.

Create Streets, under Boys Smith's leadership, has emerged as a prominent think tank focused on promoting human-scale urban development and challenging modernist architectural orthodoxies. The organization advocates for street-based development patterns that prioritize walkability, community interaction, and aesthetic appeal over purely functional considerations.

Boys Smith's commentary covers a broad spectrum of urban planning issues, from major infrastructure projects to community-level housing developments. His work includes analysis of significant projects such as Penn Station's potential renovation, Labour's new town initiatives, and the National Trust's controversial Clandon Park restoration. He has been particularly critical of modernist approaches that prioritize function over form, arguing that such developments often fail to create meaningful community spaces.

The urban planning expert has also addressed international architectural preservation efforts, including discussions about ancient Athens reconstruction and Notre-Dame Cathedral's restoration following the devastating fire. His perspective consistently emphasizes the importance of maintaining historical architectural integrity while adapting to contemporary needs.

Among his notable critiques, Boys Smith has examined the RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) crisis in British buildings, attributing the problems to ideological approaches that prioritized cost-cutting over long-term durability and aesthetic considerations. He has also praised certain urban regeneration efforts, particularly highlighting positive developments in Newcastle and South Tottenham as examples of thoughtful community-centered planning.

Boys Smith's advocacy extends to innovative building materials and techniques, including his exploration of wooden construction as a sustainable alternative to conventional building methods. He has also supported outdoor dining initiatives and al fresco urban policies, viewing them as ways to enhance community life and street vitality.

Through his role at Create Streets and his regular commentary, Boys Smith continues to influence discussions about urban development in the UK and beyond. His work represents a growing movement that seeks to balance modern urban needs with traditional design principles that prioritize human comfort, community cohesion, and architectural beauty. His consistent message emphasizes that cities should serve not just functional purposes but also inspire and uplift the communities they house.