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Build Beautiful

Linda Habak

Build Beautiful
Where design meets depth

Hosted by interior designer and property developer Linda Habak, Build Beautiful is a podcast about more than just aesthetics - it’s about the intention behind the spaces we shape and the stories we tell.


Each episode features honest, insightful conversations with designers, developers, architects, artists, and creative thinkers who are reimagining the way we live, build, and create.


This is a space for the ideas behind the work - the risks, the pivots, the process. The quiet decisions that shape extraordinary outcomes.

Because beauty isn’t just what we see - it’s what we feel.
And what we choose to build, together.

Follow @buildbeautiful_podcast

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  • 23 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 55 min
  • English

Episodes 23

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  • S1 · E9
    Nov 19, 2025 · 59 min

    He Grew Up in Queanbeyan. Then He Designed Hotels for Billionaires. | Peter Mikic

    Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! He grew up in Queanbeyan — a small town near Canberra that doesn't have a great reputation, as he'll tell you himself, with a warmth that makes clear he's grateful it formed him. First-generation Australian, son of immigrants from former Yugoslavia, he was sketching elaborate houses with columns and extensions at age four. No one told him to aim that high. He just did. And everything that followed was a direct line from that boy with the sketchpad. Peter Mikic is a London-based interior designer featured on the AD100, House & Garden Top 100, and Elle Decoration's Finest. His studio works across grand residences, hotels, restaurants, yachts and private jets. He studied fashion at RMIT, moved to London in the 1990s, transitioned into interiors in 2006, and never looked back. This is a conversation about the long game of creative ambition, about the deep knowing that a life in design requires — of materials, of human nature, of your own instincts. About what it means to build a body of work that carries emotional weight. About the boy from the small town who trusted what he saw, and where that trust took him. Key Takeaways: Storytelling in Design: Peter emphasises the importance of storytelling in interiors, drawing from his experiences in fashion and a life full of rich cultural influences. Creative Freedom: A central theme is the value of creative freedom, explored through Peter's work on diverse and ambitious global projects, including high-end residential and commercial spaces. Influence of Origin: Peter attributes his unique design perspective to his upbringing in Australia, highlighting the role of vibrant colors and natural light. Lessons from Fashion: The years spent in fashion taught Peter how to push creative boundaries, a skill he carries into his interior design projects. Embracing Imperfection: Despite his success, Peter discusses the importance of embracing self-doubt and imperfection as drivers of personal and professional growth. Notable Quotes: "Design is about storytelling. It's about building something lasting and doing it with heart." "Honestly, I think once you sort of train your own eye and you sort of believe in what you believe in, things sort of come together." "I always want everything to be just perfect… I must do better." "I like to understand what their skills are, the team, the team skills, because everyone has different skill sets." "I think Build Beautiful means to me it means to create a space that you feel safe in and a place where you can think." To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E8
    Nov 12, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min

    She Stopped Asking for Permission. Then She Broke Records. | Jenn Sinclair

    Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! Jenn Sinclair grew up between Hong Kong and the Central Coast of NSW, learning early what it means to have to work to belong. She came third in her class, then ranked last in the top class, and made that her engine. That drive — the quiet, determined refusal to accept the limited version of what you could become — is exactly what she brought into property development: a world that doesn't exactly wave women through the door. Jenn Sinclair is an architect and property developer based on the Gold Coast. Her debut development broke local sales records and set a new standard for human-centred, design-led small-scale residential development. She is building with conviction in an industry that still too often says: wait your turn. This is a conversation about entering rooms that weren't designed for you, and designing better ones once you're inside. About property development, architecture, the courage of the first project, and what it means to build generously — with your time, your expertise, and your belief in what a home can do for a life. In this episode you’ll learn: How to become a property developer (real steps for property development for beginners) Finding and evaluating sites, reading demand, and trusting your instincts The A-Team: builder, town planner, broker, accountant — who to call first and why Designing for families vs retirees: floor plans, multi-gen living, and ROI-driven finishes Record-breaking duplex: the Gold Coast case study and lessons learned Community impact: turning a meth-damaged house into a street that thrives Confidence & imposter syndrome: navigating a male-dominated industry #FemalePropertyDeveloper #PropertyDevelopmentForBeginners #SuccessfulWomenInProperty #GoldCoastProperty #HowToBecomeAPropertyDeveloper #HowToStartInPropertyDevelopment #ArchitecturePodcast #DesignPodcast #DuplexDevelopment #BuildBeautiful To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E7
    Oct 29, 2025 · 37 min

    She Lost Her Mother at 15. Then She Built Something That Held Everyone | Caron Grunschlag

    Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! She started studying psychology because she needed therapy. Her mother had died when she was 15. Her father had been traumatised by the Holocaust. And in a world that didn't yet have words for any of that, she found her way through by trying to understand — people, systems, what holds things together and what breaks them apart. That instinct never left her. It just found different expression: in finance, in design, in furniture, in a community she has spent decades quietly building for people who needed somewhere to belong. Caron Grunschlag is the co-founder of KE-ZU, one of Australia's most iconic designer furniture companies, and the creator of the Indie Group, a community of designers, architects and creatives that has become one of the industry's most important gathering places. This conversation is about what it means to build with purpose when the impulse behind the building comes from loss. About three careers, a community, a business, and the through-line that connects them all: the belief that the right space, commercial, emotional, physical, can hold people up. About the Guest: Caron Grunschlag is the co-founder of KE-ZU, an iconic designer furniture business to Australia's refined office, hospitality and commercial furniture spaces. With a unique background that spans psychology and finance, Caron has seamlessly transitioned into the design industry, bringing a blend of emotional intelligence and business acumen. She plays an integral role in nurturing cultures within the design community through initiatives like the indie group, where she creates supportive networks for architects, designers, and creatives. Key Takeaways: Emotional Intelligence in Business: Caron emphasises the profound role of emotional intelligence in fostering trust and managing relationships within professional settings. Embracing Failure: Viewing failure as a "First Attempt in Learning" contributes to personal and organisational growth, encouraging a mindset shift toward opportunities rather than setbacks. Community Building: Initiatives like the indie group highlight the importance of nurturing networks where professionals can connect, share insights, and grow together. Legacy and Advocacy: Caron's advocacy for neurodiversity through personal experience echoes the significance of building purposeful legacies in business and personal life. AI and the Future: Embracing AI as a transformative tool can lead to enhancements in business operations and strategy, requiring adaptability and strategic input. Notable Quotes: "Anxiety comes from not knowing what's expected. So, we work on systems so people know what's expected of them." "I don't want you to sell, do not sell. I just want you to ask questions. I just want you to understand the needs and match them." "I want to sleep at night. Integrity means the ability to rest, for goals for the long term, and fostering trust." "It's about assessing risk. You must pivot in adversity, examine losses, and remain adaptable to change." "Build Beautiful means momentum moving forward… with our senses and aesthetics and purpose and intelligence." Resources: KE-ZU Book: "Mindset" by Carol Dweck Marshall Rosenberg's Non Violent Communication To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

    • Transcript
Showing 21–23 of 23 episodes