Talking Architecture & Design

Architecture & Design

Now celebrating its 8th year (Season 9), Talking Architecture & Design is Australia’s first B2B architecture podcast that regularly talks about a range of issues that affect Australia’s architects, building designers and built environment professionals. Run by Australia’s most popular architecture magazine, Architecture & Design, the Talking Architecture & Design podcast gives a regular bite-sized dose of what is important and sometimes what is just plain old interesting to anyone and everyone in the business of building design.

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303 episodes
Updated Monday

Episodes303

Newest first

Sep 22, 2025 · 20 min
Episode 266: HDR's Alison Potter & Simon Fleet talk about Opacity, their annual global design review, collaborative design and data centres
Opacity is HDR’s annual global design review, bringing together diverse voices from across the design community to critically examine our best built and unbuilt work. It provides a platform for rigorous dialogue, sharpening our design conscience and pushing creative boundaries. In this episode, HDR's Melbourne Design Principal Alison Potter as well as Simon Fleet, who is HDR's Sydney Design Principal talk about Opacity, regenerative design framework, advanced data-driven capabilities, and a collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach and much, much more.
Sep 15, 2025 · 45 min
Episode 265: Samantha Peart, Hassell’s Global Head of Sustainability & Prue Pascoe, Associate Interior Designer at Hassell on Closing the Loop
Samantha Peart has worked across 20 different countries, involving sustainability strategies and multidisciplinary project delivery for commercial and residential buildings, healthcare facilities, retail developments, university campuses, large-scale infrastructure projects and organisations. In her role as Hassell’s Global Head of Sustainability, Peart is leading the drive for innovation in sustainable design, helping to steer Hassell’s mission to become a more sustainable and forward-thinking practice. Prue Pascoe, Associate Interior Designer at Hassell has played a key role in the design of the Design Wall 2023. The Design Wall is part of the Melbourne Now exhibition and showcases innovative product design from Melbourne at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). In this interview Samantha and Prue discuss the drive towards Closing the Loop and in what ways are smart technologies (IoT, AI, data analytics) driving sustainability in building operations and infrastructure management. This podcast is brought to you in association with Autex Acoustics, proud sponsors of our 2025 Sustainability series of podcasts.
Sep 8, 2025 · 29 min
Episode 264: Metricon National Design Director Adrian Popple on why houses are not designed like cars
Adrian Popple has over 35 years’ experience in residential design and under his guidance seen Metricon countless times recognised and awarded by Australia's peak building bodies for its innovative and industry leading designs. Joining Metricon in 1987, Adrian Popple swiftly ascended the ranks navigating diverse roles-from drafting cadet to design and display management, and a stint in business development, culminating in his now 15-year tenure as National Design Director. Over three decades, Adrian has meticulously crafted Metricon's design DNA, establishing an envious industry presence. He joins us to try and answer the burning question of this week: “If Your House Were a Car, It Would Be a 1990 Sedan. How can we Fix That?". This podcast is brought to you in association with AWS, proud sponsors of our 2025 Residential series of podcasts.
Sep 1, 2025 · 34 min
Episode 263: Phillip Rossington and Richard Francis-Jones on the the design philosophy, challenges, and vision that shaped Sydney House
This is the story of Sydney House, a transformative mixed-use development that redefines luxury living while honouring over 130 years of built legacy. Rising above the historic facades of the former City Tattersalls Club, this elegant composition is more than just a building—it’s a conversation between past and present. From the scalloped rhythms of the tower to the carefully restored Victorian and Art Deco details, Sydney House embodies sensitive addition and contemporary expression. In this podcast, Phillip Rossington, Principal of BVN and Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director of FJC Studio, share some of the key creative forces behind the project and unpack the design philosophy, challenges, and vision that shaped one of Sydney’s most refined architectural ensembles.
Aug 25, 2025 · 33 min
Episode 262: Designing for Hope with Design Psychologist Kylie Sandland
In this episode of Talking Architecture & Design, we speak with Kylie Sandland, Design Psychologist and Co-Founder of Design for Hope, a social enterprise creating trauma-informed spaces for recovery and well-being. With three decades of experience in psychology and organisational consulting, Sandland brings a unique, evidence-based approach to the way environments affect our mental health. From domestic violence shelters to rehabilitation centres, her work focuses on designing spaces that foster safety, dignity, and emotional healing. Sandland shares the personal story that inspired her career shift into design and introduces her Hope Hierarchy, a framework that translates psychological needs into practical design strategies. She explains how elements like lighting, layout, and colour can support trauma recovery, and why staff well-being must also be a design priority. Projects like Erin’s Place and Jarrah House illustrate how thoughtful design choices can change lives, not through luxury, but through care and intention. As Sandland says, “spaces can either trigger trauma or help people heal.” Listen to learn how trauma-informed design is reshaping not only crisis care environments but also workplaces, schools, and community spaces.
Aug 18, 2025 · 37 min
Episode 261: New designs, cladding & facade trends and the value of Stratco's local manufacturing base with Eric Lien and Andrew Steele
In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into Stratco, an Australian company with over 75 years of experience providing building solutions for both professionals and homeowners. Stratco offers a wide range of products, including patios, carports, verandahs, garages, sheds, and outdoor living products such as NINELINE, SUPERDEK & PRODEK. Critically for Australian architects and builders, Stratco has manufacturing facilities in all mainland states of Australia and also in New Zealand. To explain all about Stratco’s full range of capabilities, we talk with Eric Lien, National Architectural and Specifications Manager, and Andrew Steele, architect and managing director of South Australian design firm Studio Nine Architects. This episode was sponsored by Stratco.
Aug 11, 2025 · 24 min
Episode 260: Ray White’s Chief Economist and one of Australia’s leading property experts, Nerida Conisbee on fixing Australia's housing crisis
Nerida Conisbee is Ray White’s Chief Economist and one of Australia’s leading property experts. Nerida works closely with industry partners to provide strategic vision and policy recommendations for the future of property in Australia. She represents Ray White to inform and influence key stakeholder groups across the residential and commercial sectors, in addition to advising major Australian government bodies. In this exclusive interview, Nerida unravels the main issues behind our housing affordability crisis and some things we can do to alleviate the problem. This podcast is brought to you in association with AWS, proud sponsors of our 2025 Residential series of podcasts.
Aug 4, 2025 · 33 min
Episode 259: Autex's Jono Mountford on circularity, regenerative design and why Closing the Loop is now more important than ever
Jonathan 'Jono' Mountfort is the Creative Director at Autex Acoustics and a design expert specialising in sustainable acoustic solutions. With over 20 years of experience in design and manufacturing, Jonathan oversees product design, compliance, and sustainability. His journey into design began with a background in mechanical engineering, which sparked his passion for tinkering. After a brief stint as a vegan chef on the set of ‘Lord of the Rings,’ he pursued a degree in product design, where he explored innovative concepts such as biomimicry and cradle-to-cradle design. These days, his expertise blends industrial design, engineering, and acoustics, giving him a distinctive approach to creating circular products. This podcast is brought to you in association with Autex Acoustics, proud sponsors of our 2025 Sustainability series of podcasts.
Jul 28, 2025 · 19 min
Episode 258: Holding Redlich Special Counsel Katharine Huxley on the EPBC Act Amendment & its impact on future land use
The Australian Parliament passed the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Reconsiderations) Bill 2025, restricting the Minister for the Environment’s power to reconsider certain past decisions under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This change has significant implications for environmental oversight, particularly in cases where new information emerges about the impact of ongoing land use activities, such as the concerns raised over salmon farming in Tasmania’s Macquarie Harbour and its potential effect on the endangered Maugean skate. Holding Redlich Special Counsel Katharine Huxley is an environment and planning lawyer with experience in development, compliance, local government, and administrative law, who can discuss the implications of this significant new amendment. In this interview, Huxley explains what this will mean for future land use and environmental management in general.
Jul 21, 2025 · 18 min
Episode 257: Paul Scully, New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces explains all about the NSW Housing Pattern Book
With housing affordability at crisis levels and younger generations leaving Sydney in record numbers, the Minns Labor Government has announced a bold plan to make it faster, easier, and more affordable to build a new home. At the center of this plan is the launch of the NSW Housing Pattern Book—a collection of architect-designed terraces, townhouses, and manor houses—combined with a world-first Complying Development pathway that promises to cut approval times down to just ten days. The NSW government has been at the forefront of this major reform, which aims not only to increase housing supply but also to create vibrant, sustainable communities that reflect the diversity of the people who call NSW home. Paul Scully, New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces joins us to unpack what this all means for families, first-home buyers, downsizers, and builders across the state. This podcast is brought to you in association with AWS, proud sponsors of our 2025 Residential series of podcasts.
Jul 14, 2025 · 43 min
Episode 256: Why weatherproofing at the system level rather than through individual components is key to delivering code-compliant buildings
Proper weatherproofing is essential for buildings in Australia due to the country's climate, which includes intense sun, heavy rainfall, and varying temperatures. Effective weatherproofing protects the building from water damage, structural issues, and the growth of mould and mildew, while also ensuring a comfortable and healthy living environment. Jon Conway – National Technical & Product Development Manager for Innova at Etex Australia and Craig Blinco – Sales and Marketing Director, Sales & Marketing Director - Etex ANZ, explain the fundamentals of why getting your weatherproofing right is at the core of getting durable, code-compliant buildings. This episode was sponsored by Innova by Etex.
Jul 7, 2025 · 35 min
Episode 255: Graphisoft goes full circle & renews its focus on Australia's built environment. So why does this matter for architects?
Graphisoft is a European multinational corporation that designs 3D design software made by architects for architects. Based in Bavaria Germany, Graphisoft CEO Daniel Csillag is a former general manager of Bluebeam and CEO of Nevaris, who in Feb 2024 became CEO of Graphisoft with a focus on strategy, sales & products/services. Marton Kiss is Graphisoft’s Chief Product Officer and Senior Product Manager. Beginning his career as a technical support engineer, Márton’s narrative is a testament to growth, curiosity, and the power of advocating for user-centric products. In this recent interview, Daniel & Marton describe the evolution of their 3D software has gone through and what this will mean for Australian architects and designers.
Jun 30, 2025 · 54 min
Episode 254: Kukame McPierzie, Principal at Woods Bagot talks about Perth’s METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line
Designed by Woods Bagot, Perth’s METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line creates 21km of new railway track, connecting the north-eastern suburbs and Perth CBD. Five new integrated station precincts link various places of character and landscape along the unique Perth Swan Coastal Plain. The Morley-Ellenbrook Line represents the most significant expansion of the rail network since the Mandurah Line was built in 2007. To explain this huge project, we have with us Kukame McPierzie, Principal at Woods Bagot and National Vice-President of the Association of Consulting Architects, and the design lead on this project. This podcast is brought to you in association with Moddex, proud sponsors of our 2025 Commercial series of podcasts.
Jun 16, 2025 · 29 min
Episode 253: Architecture, storytelling and AI with Bowerbird Co-Founders Nic Granleese and Ben Morgan
In this episode of Talking Architecture & Design, host Clémence Carayol is joined by Ben Morgan and Nic Granleese, Co-Founders of Bowerbird, a platform that’s reshaping how architectural projects are shared with the media. With backgrounds in publishing and architecture, Morgan and Granleese created Bowerbird to make architectural storytelling more accessible. Their goal: to simplify the way architects pitch their work and connect directly with journalists. The conversation explores how the relationship between architecture and media is shifting, particularly with the rise of AI. From writing tools to image generation, technology is changing how architects document, visualise and share their work. They also look at the role of editorial quality in an algorithm-driven world, and how architects can adapt by embracing storytelling as part of their practice. Finally, Morgan and Granleese share how Bowerbird is evolving to support the architectural community in a fast-changing media landscape. by Clémence Carayol Listen now on all major podcast platforms.
Jun 9, 2025 · 32 min
Episode 252: The Brave New World of Data-Driven Design with HDR's Computational Design Director, Jeremy Graham
In this episode, we are going to delve into the world of Data-Driven Design or D3 as it's known. And to help us traverse this brave new world of design, we’re talking with, Jeremy Graham from HDR. With over a decade of experience, HDR's Computational Design Director, Jeremy Graham is recognised for his expertise in computational design and software development, significantly impacting the built environment through innovative solutions for integrating data and information into the design process. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Jeremy Graham leads the development of advanced technologies that harness artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the architectural design process. His design career spans multiple sectors, including sports, education, and health, where he has implemented bespoke generative solutions for data-driven design. Notable projects in his portfolio include Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Optus Stadium, Marvel Stadium, and Al Janoub Stadium.
Jun 2, 2025 · 35 min
Episode 251: Jefa Greenaway on the true meaning and value of Designing for Country
Jefa Greenaway is the director of Greenaway Architects and an honorary fellow of Design at Deakin University and Adjunct Industry Fellow at Swinbourne university. He is also a co-founder of several organizations set up to support Indigenous peoples pursuing a career in design. Greenaway was born on the Dharawal Country in Sydney. His father Bert Groves, was an Indigenous civil rights activist, and his mother was of German ancestry. He received his bachelor's degree in planning and design at the Melbourne University, where he was the only Indigenous person in his class at that time. In this exclusive interview, he talks to TAD about the true meaning and value of Designing for Country. This podcast is brought to you in association with Autex Acoustics, proud sponsors of our 2025 Sustainability series of podcasts.
May 26, 2025 · 23 min
Episode 250: Project Management Institute (PMI), Global director, Construction and Vice President APAC, Ben Breen on how to fix our skills shortages
The Government’s promise to build 250,000 completed homes a year for the next four years, coupled with a renewed focus on defence expenditure, and significant infrastructure projects like the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, are all putting increased pressure on the construction industry. But experts say, Australia does not have enough construction workers to meet Labor’s election promise to boost housing supply. The need for strategic workforce development and a focus on project management practices is now more urgent than ever to ensure efficient resource allocation, mitigate risks, and guarantee timely project delivery across all sectors. Project Management Institute (PMI), Global director construction and Vice President APAC, Ben Breen joins us on TAD to help us discuss skills shortages and how they can be overcome in the built environment. This podcast is brought to you in association with Moddex, proud sponsors of our 2024 Sustainability series of podcasts.
May 12, 2025 · 49 min
Episode 249: Llewellyn Regler & Mario Mey on cladding, the NCC, the facade market, Project Remediate and why waterproofing matters
Llewellyn Regler Network Architectural National Technical Manager is a specialist in providing solutions for high-quality architectural facade products, starting with the specification process and all the way through to the builder and end-user. Mario Mey is a highly experienced façade engineer and former National Façade Lead at ACOR, who played a pivotal role as Global Façade Consultant in NSW’s Project Remediate. Together they make a formidable team who's knowledge and experince in cladding solutions and issues like waterproofing, fire safety and sustainability are much sort after in Australia's building sector. Here they share some of their cladding technology and application secrets with Talking Architecture & Design. This podcast is brought to you in association with Network Architectural.
May 5, 2025 · 55 min
Episode 248: Drawing parallels between France and Australia when it comes to sustainability in the built environment with HIP V HYPE's Alexandra Faure
In this episode of Talking Architecture & Design, host Clémence Carayol sits down with Alexandra Faure, a French-Venezuelan urbanist and sustainability consultant based in Melbourne. With a background spanning Paris and Australia, and extensive experience at HIP V. HYPE, Faure offers a compelling cross-cultural lens on sustainable development and urban governance. Together, they explore the contrasts and commonalities between France and Australia in tackling sustainability challenges within the built environment. From urban density and climate adaptation to regulatory frameworks and heritage tensions, this thoughtful conversation unpacks how different histories, governance structures, and climates shape urban sustainability outcomes. Whether it’s material reuse, circular economy initiatives, or shifting policy landscapes, this episode is a must-listen for anyone working at the intersection of design, planning, and climate action.In this episode of Talking Architecture & Design, host Clémence Carayol sits down with Alexandra Faure, a French-Venezuelan urbanist and sustainability consultant based in Melbourne. With a background spanning Paris and Australia, and extensive experience at HIP V. HYPE, Faure offers a compelling cross-cultural lens on sustainable development and urban governance. Together, they explore the contrasts and commonalities between France and Australia in tackling sustainability challenges within the built environment. From urban density and climate adaptation to regulatory frameworks and heritage tensions, this thoughtful conversation unpacks how different histories, governance structures, and climates shape urban sustainability outcomes. Whether it’s material reuse, circular economy initiatives, or shifting policy landscapes, this episode is a must-listen for anyone working at the intersection of design, planning, and climate action.
Apr 28, 2025 · 28 min
Episode 247: Moddex CEO Alvin Rowland on his company's journey to become an icon of Australia's handrail-making industries
Alvin Rowland, the CEO and founder of Moddex, which started out as Sentaur Products in 2008, brings his passion to the table every day. Prior to starting the modular handrail business, Alvin worked his way from being on the tools to General Manager of Bendpro, the family business specialising in Mandrel bending, metal forming and fabrication. He explains his journey and that of his company into what is now an icon in Australia's metal bending and handrail industries. This podcast is brought to you in association with Moddex, proud sponsors of our 2025 Commercial series of podcasts.

Talking Architecture & Design

Episode 266: HDR's Alison Potter & Simon Fleet talk about Opacity, their annual global design review, collaborative design and data centres

Episode 265: Samantha Peart, Hassell’s Global Head of Sustainability & Prue Pascoe, Associate Interior Designer at Hassell on Closing the Loop

Episode 264: Metricon National Design Director Adrian Popple on why houses are not designed like cars

Episode 263: Phillip Rossington and Richard Francis-Jones on the the design philosophy, challenges, and vision that shaped Sydney House

Episode 262: Designing for Hope with Design Psychologist Kylie Sandland

Episode 261: New designs, cladding & facade trends and the value of Stratco's local manufacturing base with Eric Lien and Andrew Steele

Episode 260: Ray White’s Chief Economist and one of Australia’s leading property experts, Nerida Conisbee on fixing Australia's housing crisis

Episode 259: Autex's Jono Mountford on circularity, regenerative design and why Closing the Loop is now more important than ever

Episode 258: Holding Redlich Special Counsel Katharine Huxley on the EPBC Act Amendment & its impact on future land use

Episode 257: Paul Scully, New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces explains all about the NSW Housing Pattern Book

Episode 256: Why weatherproofing at the system level rather than through individual components is key to delivering code-compliant buildings

Episode 255: Graphisoft goes full circle & renews its focus on Australia's built environment. So why does this matter for architects?

Episode 254: Kukame McPierzie, Principal at Woods Bagot talks about Perth’s METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line

Episode 253: Architecture, storytelling and AI with Bowerbird Co-Founders Nic Granleese and Ben Morgan

Episode 252: The Brave New World of Data-Driven Design with HDR's Computational Design Director, Jeremy Graham

Episode 251: Jefa Greenaway on the true meaning and value of Designing for Country

Episode 250: Project Management Institute (PMI), Global director, Construction and Vice President APAC, Ben Breen on how to fix our skills shortages

Episode 249: Llewellyn Regler & Mario Mey on cladding, the NCC, the facade market, Project Remediate and why waterproofing matters

Episode 248: Drawing parallels between France and Australia when it comes to sustainability in the built environment with HIP V HYPE's Alexandra Faure

Episode 247: Moddex CEO Alvin Rowland on his company's journey to become an icon of Australia's handrail-making industries