What if our homes did more than just provide shelter? What if they could actually contribute to the health of the planet and the people living within them? In this episode, we sit down with Caroline Pidcock, a visionary architect and champion of regenerative design, to explore why Australia’s current approach to housing is falling short—and how we can change it.
Caroline shares her deep expertise on the "Circular Economy" and why we must transition from merely being "less bad" to being "positively good" for our environment. We dive into the hidden health risks of poorly designed homes, the reality of building for extreme weather, and why the "bigger is better" mindset in Australian property is a trap.
What we explore in this conversation:
Whether you are a homeowner, an investor, or simply curious about the future of our cities, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about the spaces we inhabit. Hit play to learn how we can build a future that thrives!
00:00 — Welcome: Rethinking How We Build
01:13 — Caroline Pidcock: Beyond Sustainability
04:18 — Fixing the Flaws in Modern Design
07:06 — Regenerative Design in Action
17:17 — Policy Shifts for a Livable Future
20:47 — Growth vs. the Environment
23:23 — Hard Lessons from Failed Developments
26:08 — How Our Cities are Evolving
27:47 — The Reality of Melbourne’s Planning
31:43 — Regional Living & Staying Connected
33:08 — Leading the Charge for Urban Change
35:49 — Simple Tools for Sustainable Living
37:20 — The Hidden Hurdles of Rezoning
40:54 — How Density Affects Our Communities
48:23 — Final Thoughts: A Legacy for the Future
Caroline Pidcock is a renowned Australian architect and advocate who has dedicated her career to sustainable and regenerative design. With decades of experience across residential and commercial projects, she is a past President of the Australian Institute of Architects (NSW Chapter) and the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC).
Caroline is a leading voice in the "Living Building Challenge" and is deeply committed to the principles of the circular economy. Her work focuses on creating spaces that are not only carbon-neutral but also enhance the biological and social systems they inhabit. Recognized for her leadership in climate action within the property industry, she continues to influence policy and practice to ensure a resilient and healthy built environment for future generations.
