Mindful Builder

 ”I'm just an average carpenter and builder a lost in a world of red tape”.  

Joel Griff from Heidi Build isn't exaggerating. The modern builder's reality involves navigating compliance mazes, managing cash flow crises, and maintaining a social media presence all while trying to actually construct buildings. We sat down with Joel to understand how the builder's role has transformed and what it takes to survive in 2025.

For those entering or continuing in the building industry, Joel's story offers both warning and encouragement: the work is harder than ever, but with the right approach, it's still po...

Becoming a father changes everything - including how you run a construction business. 

Matt just welcomed his first child, while Hamish became a dad for the third time, adding a daughter to his two boys. These life changes forced a complete reassessment of priorities, work schedules, and business operations. But fatherhood isn't the only transformation happening - AI, rising costs, and trade dynamics are reshaping the entire construction landscape. 

In this episode, we talk through the trends we’re seeing right now and what they’ll potentially look like into the future.

LINKS:

C...

"The architect designed something we can't actually build." 

It wouldn’t be outlandish to believe that most builders have said this at least once, usually while staring at plans that look beautiful but ignore practical realities. We sat down with Amelia Lee from Undercover Architect to understand why architects and builders struggle to collaborate effectively, and more importantly, how to fix it.

The industry's future depends on collaboration and education. Architects need to communicate their vision while welcoming practical construction input. Builders must openly share real-world challenges and constraints rather than silently struggling with impractical des...

"We love the design, but it's $200,000 over budget." 

Most builders have delivered this devastating news to clients who've invested months into plans they can't afford. Construction costs have surged 40.8% since 2020, fundamentally changing what's achievable within typical budgets. We sat down with Haydn Simmons from Price A Plan to understand how accurate estimating can prevent these painful conversations before they happen.

For builders, partnering with specialists like Price A Plan means qualifying projects properly before investing time in detailed designs. For clients, it means understanding true costs upfront rather than discovering budget shortfalls after committing to p...

"The rules have changed again."

Every Victorian builder has felt this frustration as legislation continues evolving. The latest changes to Victoria's building regulations are particularly significant, affecting everything from insurance requirements to dispute resolution processes. We sat down with Daniel Oldham, Principal Lawyer at Oldham Construction Lawyers, to understand what these changes actually mean for builders and homeowners.

The legislative shifts aim to restore consumer confidence after years of industry challenges in Victoria. Daniel explained how new insurance regimes and monitoring systems are designed to protect homeowners from unexpected financial burdens while ensuring builders maintain...

"The bank said no." Every builder has heard this from clients whose dreams hit financial reality.

 But what if we told you there are dozens of lenders beyond the big four banks, many offering better rates and specialised products for construction projects? We sat down with Sarah Zhou from Beyond Financial, who is Matt’s mortgage broker, to understand the different options you have in financing your build.

Most people accept the first "no" they receive, not realising dozens of other options exist. Engaging experts early, exploring all available options, and ensuring your financing strategy mat...

Concrete is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions. 

That's a staggering number when you consider how much concrete surrounds us every day. So when Daniel from Curvecrete told us his technology could reduce concrete emissions by 70%, we had to understand how. What we learned might change how you think about one of construction's most fundamental materials.

Low-carbon concrete is a practical technology addressing real industry challenges. As sustainability requirements tighten and carbon costs increase, innovations like Curvecrete become competitive advantages rather than nice-to-haves.

For builders considering future projects, understanding these emerging technologies positions y...

"I'm fine." How many times have you heard that response when you knew it wasn't true? 

We've all been there - sensing something's off with a mate, colleague, or family member, but hesitating to dig deeper. What if we’re making things awkward? What if we don't know what to say? RUOK Day exists to break through exactly this hesitation and give you the perfect excuse to ask your mates how they’re really doing.

We sat down with Alistair Schuback, RUOK Day Ambassador and Safety Culture Specialist, who's witnessed firsthand how mental health plays out i...

"Why is my building surveyor being so difficult?" 

Almost every builder has asked this question at some point, usually when facing another compliance issue or documentation request. But what if we've been looking at this relationship all wrong? We sat down with Dave from Permit Approvals Plus to understand why building surveyors might actually be builders' best allies, not obstacles.

In an industry where regulations constantly evolve, trusted building surveyors aren't just helpful - they're essential. They bring knowledge that ensures builds meet stringent industry standards, creating construction that performs well long-term.

For b...

"We're training apprentices the same way we did 30 years ago." 

That stark observation from Trent McCarthy, Director of Clean Economy at Melbourne Polytechnic, captures a fundamental problem in Australian construction. While technology transforms how we build, our training methods remain stuck in the past. We sat down with Trent to understand why the building industry's education system desperately needs an overhaul.

For the building industry to attract and retain the next generation, training must evolve to match how we actually work today. The question isn't whether change is needed, it's whether we'll act quickly enough t...

One back injury changed everything for Jake. 

After years perfecting his carpentry skills, a seemingly minor workplace injury ended his on-site career. What happened next challenges everything we think we know about career transitions in the trades. We sat down with Jake from Notorious Tools to understand how he rebuilt his professional life when his body couldn't handle the physical demands anymore.

Jake's journey demonstrates that career-ending injuries don't have to mean industry-ending relationships. Sometimes forced transitions open opportunities you never considered. The challenge is recognising that your industry knowledge and professional relationships remain valuable a...

"You're the crazy guy who wants double glazing in everything." 

That's what Justin heard throughout his early career when he pushed for high-performance building standards that seemed unnecessary to most. Twenty years later, those "crazy" ideas have become industry benchmarks. We sat down with Justin to understand his journey from a 12-year-old working in his mum's shed to becoming a leading voice in sustainable construction.

Today, Justin continues consulting and advising on construction technology through his work at Performance Membranes. His goal remains straightforward: sharing accumulated knowledge so others can access the details needed for s...

"Straw? You want to build with straw?" That's the reaction Derek Layfield from Durra Panel gets when he tells people his building material of choice. 

But before you dismiss this as another three little pigs scenario, consider this: Durra Panels have been protecting major Australian airports and surviving bushfire tests since the 1950s. We sat down with Derek to understand why straw might be the future of sustainable construction.

LINKS:

Durra Panel Website: https://durrapanel.com/

Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

...

Twelve years in consulting, senior management track, solid income and Shivani walked away from it all. 

Why would someone leave a successful corporate career to start over in interior design? We sat down with Shivani, founder of Madison Interiors to understand her transition from consultant to founder of a sought-after interior design business.

For anyone contemplating a significant career change, Shivani's journey offers practical insights. Fear of failure is normal, but redefining success on your own terms is liberating. Your existing skills often transfer in unexpected ways, and daily practices like visualisation can create real m...

"SIPS will never work in Australia" - that's what many builders said about Structural Insulated Panels just a few years ago. Today, we're exploring why companies like Fenster & Panel are proving them wrong.

We sit down with Dave to understand why SIPS are gaining traction in Australian construction. These engineered panels combine structural strength and insulation, offering faster construction times, reduced waste, and better thermal efficiency. For an industry facing skilled labour shortages and rising energy costs, these benefits are becoming increasingly attractive. Dave shares practical insights about shifting from traditional methods to prefabricated solutions, addressing common...

"We love the design, but can you make it cheaper?"

Every builder has heard this request, and it highlights one of the biggest challenges facing our industry today. The gap between what clients want and what they can afford is widening, leaving architects, builders, and clients frustrated. We need to talk about why this is happening and what we can actually do about it.

The solution requires cooperation between clients, architects, and builders from day one. Everyone needs to understand pricing complexities, and we need to work towards realistic briefs that align with financial realities...

In this episode, we sit down with Harley Truong, the godfather of Passive Houses in Australia, to explore his incredible journey from public servant to sustainability pioneer. Twelve years ago, Harley was working at the Department of Defence in Canberra when he decided he'd had enough of Australia's zero-star energy efficiency housing and drafty homes. We dive into how he took on the ambitious challenge of building his own passive house without ever having stepped foot in one, using research from Germany's Passive House Institute to create what would become a trendsetting masterpiece.

We talk about the...

"What happens if I make my house airtight but have no mechanical ventilation?" This question comes up more often than you'd think, and the answer might surprise you. We sat down with Cameron Munro from Passive Analytics and Brad McEwan from Sanford BuildCo to tackle this and other building questions from our social media following that every builder should understand.

Building a high-performance home isn't just about achieving airtightness - it's about understanding how all building elements work together. The key takeaway? You cannot have an airtight building without proper mechanical ventilation. The energy and comfort benefits...

Winter hits different when you're working outdoors. The sun disappears by 4 pm, the cold seeps into your bones, and suddenly that motivation you had in summer feels like a distant memory. If you've noticed your mood dropping with the temperature, you're not imagining things. We sat down with our good friend and psychologist, Julie to understand why winter affects us so deeply and what we can actually do about it.

Winter challenges are normal, but they don't have to derail your mental health. These strategies work best when implemented consistently, not just when you're already struggling. If...

Window installation may not instantly grab your attention, but for anyone involved in building or renovating, it's a critical aspect that cannot be neglected. Think about why we have windows: they connect our living spaces with the outside world, offering natural light, beautiful views, and essential ventilation. However, beyond these obvious reasons, there is a layer of complexity and science in window installation that is necessary to explore further.

When it comes to window installation, the type of window is fundamentally essential. Each type has its nuances. It’s these differences that require us to break down an...

This is part 2 of our conversation with Cameron Munro about insulation. We recommend listening to part 1 first before listening to this episode.

—

When it comes to building or renovating a home, insulation is one of those topics that seems simple on the surface, but quickly gets complicated. That’s why we brought in Cameron Munro from Passive Analytics to help us break down how insulation really works. In part two of this conversation we pivot the topic to focus on insulation used in walls and roof spaces.

After talking with Cam, we’re more c...

In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Cameron Munro from Passive Analytics to really dig into the world of insulation. If you’ve ever wondered why your house feels too hot or too cold, or if you’re curious about how the colour of your roof actually affects your comfort, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways

3,214 Australians. That's how many lives were lost to suicide in 2023. As builders, we're experts at measuring, calculating, and fixing physical problems - but when it comes to mental health, many of us struggle to even start the conversation. That's why when Matt and I met Nick Hudson, founder of the Pushup Challenge, we knew his story needed sharing with our community.

This conversation inspired us to take action. We're mobilising the Mindful Builder community - contractors, architects, designers, and everyone in between - to participate in this year's Pushup Challenge. Our industry faces unique mental health challenges...

"Nobody wants to be a carpenter anymore." It feels like this rings true in the building industry today. We’re seeing a shift in Australia’s trades landscape, and it’s time to talk about it. We’re exploring why carpentry apprenticeships - once highly sought after - are now struggling to attract and retain talent. 

Whether you're in the industry or considering a trade career, the insights from this conversation may help you think differently about where this industry is headed.

LINKS:

Thanks to Hip Vs Hype for having us

Connect w...

We’ve all dreamt of that perfect home - something warm, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing. But, how often do we consider the science behind construction that makes a house not only a thing of beauty but also a safe and comfortable haven? 

We recently sat down with Jess Kismet, a building science consultant who opened our eyes to the hidden factors some of us in the building and construction industry can overlook.

Jess, through her building science expertise, aims to enhance awareness and practical application of science in building homes. Her dedication is clear in her...

There's something exhilarating about diving into a pool of unknowns. Whether we're reviewing plans for a new project or Ben Cooper is creating a new dish, the thrill of creation emerges from the same curiosity that pushes us beyond what we already know. In our latest conversation with Ben, the executive chef at Melbourne's iconic Chin Chin restaurant, we unearthed profound lessons on staying curious, leading teams, and blending passions with our work. 

Whether you're picking up a hammer or a ladle, the drive to create, to continuously learn, and to merge personal passion with work is u...

We've all had those moments in life that change us forever, moments where time seems to halt and priorities shift entirely. In our podcast, we found ourselves diverging from our usual discussions to talk through a very personal experience - one filled with loss, love, and resilience. This journey revolved around child loss, a topic not openly discussed, especially among men.

We recognise that conversations about child loss can be triggering, and for those listening to this episode who have experienced similar losses, please know this story comes from a place of healing and understanding. 

T...

When you think of developers, what are the descriptive words that come to mind?

For so many of us, developers are synonymous with greed and arrogance. It’s an unfortunate stereotype that the construction industry is rife with. 

And although developers have earned this reputation, not all are created equal. There are some diamonds in the rough and Liam Wallis happens to be one of them. 

Liam Wallis is the founder of HIP V. HYPE, a group that is revolutionising sustainable development in Australia. Their mission resonates powerfully: "to leave our ci...

Let's face it—the stereotypical image of builders often conjures up thoughts of a rugged, all-male group clocking off early to down a few pints at the local pub. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with bonding over drinks, this old paradigm doesn't necessarily cater to everyone's needs in today's society. It’s an image that fails to encapsulate the diverse talents and ideas that can propel our industry forward. 

Building a positive culture in the workplace is about more than just workplace perks; it's about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated. Think about it: wou...

Have you ever walked into a room that feels stuffy, oppressive even, and thought, "Something doesn't feel right in here"? 

It's a sensation many of us experience but tend to dismiss. 

What if we told you that sensation might not only be an inconvenience but a potential health risk? 

Today we’re discussing air quality and ventilation, topics that are often overlooked in home construction and renovation projects. We're unpacking this critical subject with the help of Joel Seagren, the national MVHR Solutions Engineer at Fantech, who unravels the mysteries of ai...

Would you let someone who is unqualified perform surgery on you? 

Of course not. 

Similarly, building a home without the proper credentials can be daunting and lead to catastrophic failures. However, when done correctly, it is a viable option for many. The key here is understanding the role and embracing the learning curve.

The owner-builder path is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who have the right skills or are ready to learn, it can be a rewarding adventure.

In this episode we discuss the areas you need to be ac...

Matt begins a mini-series, "Nailing Fatherhood," documenting his journey to becoming a first-time dad while managing his construction company. In this episode, he speaks with Ned from NW Build, a close friend and fellow builder whose baby is due imminently. They delve into the emotional rollercoaster of impending fatherhood, discussing the mix of excitement and anxiety, particularly the fear of sleep deprivation and its impact on their businesses. Practical preparations, like nursery setup, are covered alongside the realities of newborn care.

The conversation emphasizes the crucial role of strong support systems, including partners, family, friends, and work...

As builders in the Australian market, there's one recurring theme that keeps rearing its head in our conversations, and that's the tender process. It's akin to a race to the bottom, a mad dash where numbers are thrown around like confetti, and every party involved is crossing fingers, hoping all that time they invested in the tender results in actually getting the contract. 

The reality can sometimes fall short, with tenders not proceeding through to a contract, clients just choosing the cheapest option and hours spent on a project that never comes to fruition.

For t...

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a woman in the building and construction industry? As more and more women enter the trades, it’s being proved that this isn’t just men’s work - in fact, women are bringing unique perspectives and strengths that are only improving the worksite. 

This week’s episode is hosted by some incredible woman in building: Beth from Beth Builds, Molly (Matt’s first year apprentice) and Helena, now in her third year working for Hamish. We hear their journeys into the trade, their outlook on the industry and challenges in...

Ever wondered how the best leaders deliver feedback that empowers their teams rather than crushes them? We had a fantastic unscripted chat with our amazing friend and psychologist, Julie where we ventured into the territory of delivering constructive feedback in the workplace. 

Julie guided us through understanding the nuances of communication, how important the words are that we use, exploring effective feedback methods, and managing our emotions under pressure—essential tools for any leader wanting to encourage a positive and productive work environment.

Understanding the Power of Words

F...

We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Damien, a listener of ours we brought on to answer some of the questions he had around passive house building. There was so much to cover during our chat, we knew we had to break it up into two valuable episodes for you. 

Last week, we got into the nitty gritty of the cost of passive house building vs traditional homes, the importance of working with the right design team, and gave our insights on insulation and membranes. 

Today, we share our experiences on how to effe...

Passive houses - they’re both exciting and undeniably complex. Recently, we had the opportunity to bring Damien onto our podcast, a builder with three decades of experience who’s now facing the intricacies of passive house construction and wanting to learn more.

A new listener of the podcast, he had reached out to us with a couple of questions and we thought hey, why not bring him on to interview us? We know there are others out there who’d be looking for these same answers.

We had so much to say ar...

This week, we had a chat with two incredible builders, Jake and Brad, about building science, sustainable housing, and the challenges we all face in our field.

We start off by talking to Jake about his journey from an arts degree into a successful building career. He talked about how his education in art taught him to think outside the box, a skill invaluable in construction. He also shared a pivotal moment in 2013 when an architect asked him, "What's the goal of a building?" 

That question reshaped his entire approach to construction. For Jake, offering c...

Welcome back! This week we’re Joined by the incredible Talina Edward, an architect with a strong commitment to eco-friendly building solutions! 

We started off by getting Talina to break down biophilic design, a term many may have heard but not fully understood. Talina explained that it’s all about our innate connection to nature. She explained how incorporating natural elements into our buildings goes beyond aesthetics. It reconnects us with nature and improves both mental and physical health. Talina emphasised that this approach is vital as we face the global environmental crisis. It’s an ancient wisdom...

We recently sat down with our very first international guest Josh Atkins from New Zealand. 

Of course one of the big things we wanted to know is how construction methods vary between New Zealand and Australia. We discuss the different challenges in climate, legislation and more, that builders face in each country.

Josh shared the infamous water damage issues they faced there, and how it forced them to adopt better building practices, including rethinking thermal envelopes and using advanced membranes.It's a chance for us in Australia to learn and anticipate potential challenges.

Duration: 00:42:47

Prefabrication can get a bad wrap in the sustainable building world but when used in the right way, it can be a powerful tool for building sustainable and affordable homes. We recently sat down with prefabrication pioneers Chris Gilbert and Kaia McCarty Smith to discuss how it can support a better building future. 

Chris is the co-founder of Candour, a prefabrication company that aims to address the challenges faced by builders and architects. Unlike typical prefab companies, Candour doesn't focus on volumetric prefabs but rather on a panelised fabrication with a significant emphasis on software development. This m...

That’s the world architect Jeremy McLeod is fighting for, and he joins us today to share the how and the why behind this dream. 

Jeremy is the co founder of both Breathe Architecture and Nightingale Housing, where he works to bring sustainability, community, and innovation to the forefront of the building industry. 

A big focus in our conversation was the Nightingale Model. Jeremy explained that Nightingale isn’t just a building; it's a housing model. At its core, it follows a triple-bottom-line approach, encompassing sustainability, community, and financial feasibility. This involves:

...

You might remember today’s guest from all the way back in episode eight! Brad McEwan is a passionate builder, and a good friend who joins us now as a regular guest on the show.

We began our conversation by touching on a pervasive issue in the construction sector: project delays. Brad shares his experience of waiting eight months for a project start, illustrating the unpredictable nature of building work. Despite these challenges, Brad remains optimistic and committed to his projects

For Brad, it’s all about quality over quantity. He prefers working on one proj...

What is a Ventilated Cavity?

In simple terms, a ventilated cavity is an air space between the cladding of a building and its structure. This space allows the building to "breathe," circulating air and carrying moisture away. This is crucial to avoid issues like mould, rot, and other moisture-related problems. 

It’s a technical topic which is why we’re once again joined by Dr Cameron Munroe, who breaks down the nitty gritty of ventilated cavities.  

Cam explained that inheating-dependant climates like Melbourne or Canberra, building materials need to allow water vapour to escape...

Can you believe it’s almost the end of the year? It feels like January was just yesterday, but also like it was years ago. 

So much has happened in the world this year, both the good and the bad.This whirlwind was especially strong in the construction industry, so we want to recap 2024 in this episode as well as look forward to what 2025 will hold. 

So, the construction landscape has been tough on everyone, but we’re proud of how we’ve managed to keep moving forward. For those of you who’ve navigated this year...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!

We hope you’re having a wonderful break from work, but if you’re not, you’re not alone.

Financial stress, family tensions, grief, and countless other factors can make it a difficult time for some. That’s why we’ve invited our friend and mental health expert Julie back on the podcast.

Isolation might not be the cause of people’s holiday blues, but it will always make it worse, so it’s important to keep an eye on the people in your life. Just reaching...

One of our biggest goals for this podcast is to push the boundaries of conventional industry practices and challenge people (including us) to look outside their bubble. That’s why we were so excited to sit down with Jasmine and Logan from the Go Company this week. 

The Go Company started with a simple but brilliant idea: providing portable hygiene packs for women in trade. These packs ensure that no female tradesperson has to endure the embarrassment or inconvenience of lacking essential sanitary products during work hours.  

The packs, whether it's the elega...

LINKS:

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

Is the Building Industry Broken? 

Well, it's not entirely shattered, but there are definitely some big considerable cracks that need to be repaired. 

Today’s guest, Scott Burchell from Comb Construction, breaks down the big issues (like rising project costs, evolving regulations, and a labour shortage) that are making it difficult to remain profitable. He shared stories from both residential and multi-residential sectors, putting a spotlight on how challenging it can be for developers to justify starting new projects when the numbers don't stack up.

One of the biggest headaches? Town planning issues and...

Safety. It’s a word that brings to mind tedious rules or intrusive safety officers, and to many in the building industry it’s seen as a chore not a choice.

But safety can be the thin line between life and death, so maybe it’s time we get more engaged.

In this episode, we’re joined by Tom Huber, a safety advocate and operational excellence expert, who’s on a mission to redefine how safety is perceived.

The first step in this is rebranding safety as operational excellence. He doesn’t want to be seen as...

Last week we shared the first half of our conversation with Sven Maxa about how we can build for a better future. It means getting the industry to prioritise healthy responsibly built homes that stand the test of both time and climate. This week’s episode is the second half of that conversation and we’re discussing how passive house standards and strong community bonds can help us achieve those goals.

We resume the conversation by tackling the question of why people should build Passive Houses. But to us, it's not a question of why, but why not...

The world is changing, and the way we build our homes should change too. People are increasingly passionate about their health, comfort and the environment – which is where Passive Houses come in.

In this episode we sit down with Sven Maxa, a building designer and Passive House advocate, to discuss how we can build for a better future. Sven shared so much good stuff in our conversation that we had to break it in half, so make sure you tune in next week for part 2. But for now, enjoy!

 Many people think Passive Houses are jus...

Have you ever wondered why you feel perpetually drained, despite clocking out on time?

The cause (and solution) might be the boundaries we’re too scared to set.

Psychologist Julie Mounter joins us for today’s episode to talk about the different types of boundaries and how mastering them can lead to a more fulfilling life.

One of the most straightforward forms of boundary is the physical kind. It’s about respecting personal space, privacy, and physical needs. Hamish shares how important it is for him to maintain his weekend boundaries. On Sundays, his ph...

It’s been a big week in the building industry and sometimes we’re not quite sure how to feel, which is why we want to break down some of the big changes we’ve noticed and what they could mean down the line!

To kick things off, there's been widespread concern about the Coalition's proposal to freeze updates to the National Construction Code (NCC) for the next decade. This plan, with apparent backing from industry heavyweights like the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders, triggered a rollercoaster of feelings. Honestly, on the day we heard the ne...

As builders it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of building a house our clients will cherish, that the space around it becomes an afterthought.

Today we’re joined by Nadia Cole from Platylobium Landscape Design to talk about landscaping and the difference it can make when building an enjoyable, and sustainable, home.

So how can landscaping be sustainable, isn’t planting any plant sustainable? 

Well, it’s not that simple. Many common features of our yards, like areas covered with concrete, raise the temperatures of our homes and contribute to enviro...

Is your home still running on outdated gas energy? 

Maybe the effort of switching to electric doesn’t seem worthwhile, but it definitely is. Going electric isn't just about cutting carbon emissions – it improves the comfort of your home and saves you money! What’s not to love? 

This week, we took the opportunity to chat with Ben and Marcella from Goodbye Gas, getting into the gritty details of why and how you should make the switch.

Gas Versus Electricity: Breaking It Down

Many people cling to gas, especially for cooking, because...

It's a common fate — a newly built home settling into its first winter, and already the heating bills climb sky-high. Why is it that modern construction sometimes misses the mark?

Today we’re joined again by our good friend and building-science expert Cameron Munroe to break down this issue.

 So, picture this: a wall that's not just a barrier but a well-crafted system designed to maximise efficiency and durability. Cameron introduced us to the concept of the "perfect wall," a term coined by Joe Steinberg. Now, don't get too literal here—it's not about constructing flawles...

Think your old home can’t achieve today’s high-performance standards? Think again.

We're here to challenge conventions by retrofitting a typical Burbank home from the '90s into a certified Passive House. No extra frills, no new builds—just clever planning and innovative techniques.

Join us as we take you on a journey that proves you don’t need to start from scratch to achieve groundbreaking energy efficiency!

It's been a while since it was just the two of us on the podcast. We’ve had some pretty amazing guests lately, but today we’r...

Did you know Australia boasts the larges average home size anywhere in the world? 

The market is full of oversized, inefficient homes that aren’t sustainable or necessary and we’re sick of it. 

That’s why we sat down with Imogen from IP Architecture, who’s challenging the ‘bigger is better’ mindset and setting new standards for sustainable living.

Imogen’s journey in architecture began with the mud brick house her parents built. "My parents built their own house when I was a baby, and it was a mud brick house with recycled materia...

Have you ever felt like you're burning the candle at both ends and you aren’t sure how long you can keep it up? Trust us, you're not alone.

It’s easy to push ourselves too far with work and neglect our mental health. It might not seem like a huge deal in the moment but it’s a quick path to burnout. 

We recently sat down with, we sat down with Kyle Zanetto, a Tasmanian building business owner, who has experienced it all—burnout, breakdowns, and the balance it takes to keep it all together...

We’ve got a bonus episode for you today because it’s R U OK? Day.

If you aren’t familiar with R U OK? Day, it’s a day dedicated to checking in on your mates and yourself.

The construction industry is incredibly demanding and it’s easy for mental health to take a back seat, but days like this remind us how important it is to be there for each other – not just once a year but as an everyday priority.  We’re joined by our good friend, the incredibly knowledgeable Julie to break down how...

Ever been frustrated by how ridiculously expensive it is to access Australian building standards? Yeah, us too. Imagine being hit with a $330 bill just to access ONE building standard—it's maddening!

We recently sat down with Laura Tanova, a building surveyor with nearly two decades of experience, to dig into what’s going on here and how it impacts everyone in the industry. Spoiler alert: things can get pretty complicated and finding the answers you need is not always easy. Trust us; This is one conversation you don’t want to miss!

We kicked off our di...

Today we’re joined by good friend and psychologist, Julie Mounter to discuss a topic that’s often misunderstood but incredibly powerful: mindfulness. If you’ve ever dismissed mindfulness as "woo woo" nonsense, stick around—this conversation will change your mind.

Julie kicked things off by explaining that mindfulness is essentially cultivating a practice of awareness—becoming aware of your thoughts and feelings from a distance rather than getting entangled in them. Julie also assured us that, despite some common misconceptions, mindfulness is firmly grounded in scientific research.

Numerous studies illustrate its benefits, including increased grey matte...

What if I told you that a home could be energy-efficient, comfortable year-round, and environmentally sound—all without breaking the bank?

Well if you’ve been listening to the podcast for a while, you already know the answer is passive houses. We’re both really passionate about passive house building, but we know there is a lot of misinformation out there, so we sat down with building physics expert Dr Cameron Munroe to clear things up. 

First things first, what exactly is a Passive House? Many people think building a Passive House is about slapping on some...

Homes in Australia aren’t being built to a high enough standard.

The building industry prioritises quantity over quality so there’s no time for care or craftsmanship. That’s why we sat down with Brian and Simon from the Sustainable Builders Alliance, an organisation dedicated to promoting high-performing, sustainable construction practices. We discuss the challenges of building a sustainable future for the building industry, and how to overcome them.

Our conversation began with Brian sharing two ideas that are at the core of the SBA’s work. That no one in the industry should see each...

Ever walked into a home and instantly felt as if everything just clicked into place?

Chances are you have an interior designer to thank! This week we sat down with Erin Fairmaid, to talk about the real magic behind well-designed spaces and why interior designers are invaluable.

Because the industry isn’t regulated, the term “interior designer” can be thrown around by people without knowledge and experience. This dilutes the profession's value and leads to the myth that interior designers just pick paint colours and buy furniture. Erin makes it clear that this is just scratc...

Welcome back to another episode of the Mindful Builder podcast! Today we’re joined again by our friend and expert psychologist, Julie Mounter, for a conversation about mental health and depression. Whether you’re struggling right now, or worried about someone else, we want to give you the tools you need to face it head-on.

Julie starts the episode by outlining what exactly depression is. While everyone experiences low moments in their life, clinical depression includes prolonged sadness and lack of joy, lasting for more than two weeks and impacting day-to-day functioning. She then highlights some key symp...

Welcome back to another episode of The Mindful Builder podcast. We’re back with the second half of our conversation with the incredible Airboss Dan. If you haven’t listened to it yet, make sure you go back to episode 19 where we discuss Dan’s path to becoming a carpenter in Germany and how it differs from what we see in Australia.

We restart the conversation talking about the unique challenges of building in Australia. Dan points out that many of the challenges are caused by Australia’s diverse climate. In Germany, the climate is pretty much the same...

This week, we had an incredible guest on our podcast, Airboss Dan, famous on Instagram for taping houses and currently working with Proclima on the technical side of things. Our chat is pretty long so we’ve split it into two episodes. In this first part, Dan shares his path to become a carpenter in his home country of Germany, and why he cares so deeply about quality craftsmanship.

Hamish and I often discuss the need to change the narrative around trades in Australia. Here They can be seen as a cop-out career, or just for people wh...

Ever wake up in the morning feeling stuffy even though you left a window cracked open all night? Or maybe you’ve noticed your heating bill skyrocketing every winter, and you just can’t seem to figure out why. 

We recently had a great chat with Dr. Cameron Munroe, who uncovered some remarkable, and somewhat shocking truths about why our homes might need a serious upgrade in the ventilation department. 

Cameron explained that the need for buildings to be airtight boils down to two main reasons: energy efficiency and building durability. Simply put, an airtight home h...

Today’s topic is one we’re really passionate about: high-performance homes. This term gets thrown around a lot these days, and while it’s a fantastic concept. there needs to be some context around what actually makes a home high-performance. And no, just wrapping a building doesn’t cut it. So, let's break it down.

Here are some of the most important things for what we consider a high-performance home:

1. Thermal Modelling: High-performance homes start with rigorous thermal modelling. This isn't about eliminating bits and pieces to get a budget-friendly build; it’s about making int...

Have you ever wondered why some homes seem to age gracefully while others fall apart?  

Well, it's often the unseen details that make or break a house.

In this episode of the Mindful Builder Podcast, we sit down with Myles Clark, a fellow podcaster, builder, and building inspector. Listen in as we explain how home inspections can save you from future headaches and ensure your home remains a haven.

Residential vs. Commercial Construction

While Myles works in the residential field now, he began his career in the commercial industry. Tha...

Today Hamish and Matt are joined by good friend and psychologist, Julie Mounter to explore the pervasive issue of anxiety within the building and construction industry. Statistics show that 42.9% of people aged 16 to 85 have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives, with anxiety being the most common among these conditions. It’s an important topic that is particularly prevalent in the building industry, and yet it’s not a topic that builders tend to open up about.

What is Anxiety?

Julie explains that anxiety can start as normal worry but becomes a diso...

In this episode of the Mindful Builder podcast, we sit down with Claire Thomas from Altereco for an engaging conversation that spans career transitions, personal challenges, and the intricacies of running a sustainable building design company.

Bringing Unique Skills to the Industry

Claire’s journey began in the UK, studying sports science, before relocating to Australia to live with her husband James. She worked as a technical rep in the footwear industry for many years before realising she wanted to try something new and joining her husband at Altereco.

Transitioning from the footwear in...

In this episode, we delve into the world of building science with Dr. Cameron Munro, an aerospace engineer turned building physics expert. We explore his journey from mechanical engineering to building science, discuss the challenges of trying to build his first Passive House, and learn about the evolving landscape of sustainable building practices in Australia. Cameron also shares insights on the health implications of using fireplaces in high-performance homes and provides practical advice for builders and homeowners interested in energy-efficient construction.

Building Science

Building science is the study of how different disciplines (engineering, architecture, physics...

The pre-construction phase is an incredibly important time for any project, but all too often gets rushed through. If you stow down and take the time to address key elements like budgeting, client relationships, and project feasibility you can build the foundation for a successful and seamless construction phase. We love talking about these topics by sharing the lessons we’ve learned, so today Hamish will be interviewing Matt about the ins and outs of his pre-construction process.

Building Strong Client Relationships

The pre-construction phase is a key time for your relationship with a client. By...

Did you know that one in four workers in the construction field have had high symptoms of depression or anxiety?

Did you know that every year 190 Australians working in the construction industry take their own lives? That’s one every second day.

These statistics are scary but they’re also the reason we’re so passionate about discussing mental health in this industry. Today we’re joined by a psychologist and our good friend, Julie who shares insights and practical advice on recognising, understanding, and addressing mental health issues.

The Stigma around Mental Health<...

In today’s episode we’re joined by voice actor Sarah Aubrey to discuss her online advocacy of renewable energy and sustainable living. Throughout our conversation, Sarah shares insights into various aspects of renewable energy, including electric cars, household energy efficiency, and the influence of fossil fuel industries.

 The Journey to Advocacy:

Sarah's journey into the world of sustainability began with a fascination with electric cars, leading her to become an admin of one of Australia's largest Facebook groups on electric vehicles. Her interest in sustainable technology was further fueled by Saul Griffith's "The Big Switc...

Last year the federal government set a goal of building 1.2million new homes in the next five years. This doesn’t count renovations or extensions, it’s just brand-new construction projects. Breaking it down that means 180 thousand homes each year, about 60 thousand more than the current output. 

It’s a huge ask considering the construction industry is already struggling to keep up with demand, but it could be possible with the right strategy and mindset. We don’t have all the answers but we want to share our thoughts on this, our concerns, and our predictions for how thing...

Welcome to another episode of The Mindful Builder! Get ready for an episode filled with passion and perseverance because we’re joined by the incredible Brad McEwan who opens up about his struggles with mental health as a builder.

What he’s working on:

We start by discussing Brad’s latest project: a hempcrete house. Hempcrete is a building material made from the core of the hemp plant mixed with lime and water. It’s an incredible eco-friendly project but it came with its share of challenges. Especially stressful was an unexpected delay due to the slow...

It’s just the two of us in today's episode and we’re discussing something that’s been on our minds lately – What makes the perfect client?

We’ve dealt with so many clients in our careers and have learned to spot the signs of a good working relationship, as well as red flags that spell trouble. This episode will equip you with the tools to identify clients you’ll work well with and to build the proper foundation for a strong relationship.

Establishing Trust and Communication:

We both agree that the most important co...

In this episode of the podcast, we’re chatting with Greg and Beth, a father-daughter construction duo. Greg is a seasoned builder with a wealth of experience. Beth is a rising star known for her company, Beth Builds. Together, they are a powerhouse team, and they’re here today to share their journey, the challenges they've faced, and their vision for the future.

Growth and Evolution of Beth Builds:

The episode kicks off with Beth sharing how Beth Builds came to be. Once she was licensed, she began sharing her work on social media. This rapi...

When toughness and resilience are often equated with success, it's not easy to open up and be honest about what we’re struggling with. The construction industry is demanding and high stress, which makes it a breeding ground for mental health challenges that all too often get swept under the rug.  

Today we are talking about our experience with mental health struggles and how we manage it in our work. Hamish especially has a history of battling anxiety, including a difficult time earlier this year.

Identifying Triggers: Hamish shares the things that trigger his anxiety to g...

In a world increasingly aware of the environmental impact of human activity, sustainable living has taken center stage. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Anna Cummins, the editor-in-chief of Sanctuary Magazine, to discuss the importance and evolution of sustainable design.

Sanctuary is a magazine dedicated to sustainable house design, produced by the not-for-profit Renew.  Anna began working there in a volunteer position, but her role grew over the years until she reached her current position at the head of the ship. Under her guidance, Sanctuary Magazine has become an incredibly valuable resource for anyone looking to bu...

Today we’re joined by our very first guest, Marnie Hawson. She’s an entrepreneur, a building photographer, and a good friend to both of us. Our conversation explores Marnie’s career path and how she has integrated her passion for nature into her business.  We hope this episode shows the huge difference we can make as business owners when we prioritise positive change.  

From Environmental Scientist to Visionary Photographer

Like both of us, Marnie’s career has taken a winding path. She worked in environmental science for some years before transitioning to photography. This move wasn’t...

Mistakes happen. We can’t stop them; we can only choose how we feel about them.

In today's episode, we’ll explore the power of embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth. We’ll share the lessons we’ve learned from our own mistakes, as well as our insights on creating an environment that empowers our team to take risks and learn from their experiences.

Empowering Our Team:  Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the culture of a team, and they must create an environment where mistakes are allowed. When team members feel they have the freed...

Welcome to the first full episode of Mindful Builder, we are so excited to kick off this journey with you! We’ve got a lot of guests lined up for future episodes, but we wanted to start things off simple with just the two of us. The two of us sit down to chat about who we are, how we entered the construction industry, and what led us to start this podcast.

Our paths are quite similar. We both pursued different careers before discovering our love for construction. A big part of both of our journeys has be...

Welcome to the Mindful Builder podcast. We’re both builders who have taken a winding path to get where we are. Matt tried his hand at science before becoming a carpenter and eventually diving into the world of passive houses, where he is now the director of Carland Constructions. Hamish had a similar start in a field that wasn’t for him before shifting to the building industry, finding a passion for sustainable building, and becoming the director of Sanctum Homes.

In this episode, we share some of the challenges we’ve faced along our journeys and what t...