Shows
Design Principles PodMass Timber Construction: A Woody RenaissanceSend us a textStep into the revolutionary world of mass timber construction with our enlightening conversation featuring Jordan Robinson, Head of Business Development at X-Lam. What begins as a reunion of old architecture school friends quickly transforms into a masterclass on how engineered timber is reshaping our built environment.Remember when timber was just for stick framing houses? Those days are rapidly disappearing as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and other mass timber products demonstrate capabilities that rival—and sometimes surpass—traditional concrete and steel construction. Jordan walks us through the remarkable journey of how small piec...
2025-08-0653 min
Design Principles PodDesign With Intent: A Conversation with Architects, Seear-Budd RossSend us a textThe seemingly effortless elegance of minimalist architecture masks the extraordinary attention to detail required to achieve it. Tom Seear-Budd and James Ross, founders of Wellington-based Seear-Budd Ross Architects, pull back the curtain on this process, revealing the meticulous thought behind their refined residential designs.Having established their practice nearly six years ago after departing larger commercial firms, the pair sought greater autonomy and the opportunity to create more intentional, considered work. What began with barely a month's worth of projects ahead has evolved into a respected studio known for exceptionally clean...
2025-07-2355 min
Design Principles PodHydroforming the Future: Gerard Dombroski's Exhibition, InflationSend us a textWhat happens when steel becomes soft? When industrial materials take on organic forms? In Gerard Dombrowski's debut solo exhibition "Inflation" at Season Aotearoa Gallery, steel transforms into something unexpectedly fluid and inviting.We turn the microphone on our own Gerard Dombrowski as he shares the journey behind creating "Inflation"—a collection of hydroformed steel objects that challenge our perception of what's possible with metal. The exhibition features approximately 19 pieces, including wobbly vases, rocking chairs, and cushion-like forms, all arranged as a garden-like landscape visitors can explore.The conversation dives de...
2025-07-0748 min
Design Principles PodForm and Function: Exploring Programme in DesignSend us a textEver wondered what architects mean when they talk about "programme"? In our latest deep dive, we crack open this fundamental concept that shapes everything from the tiniest apartments to sprawling civic buildings.This episode begins with a seemingly simple question: what exactly is program in architecture? We explore how program operates simultaneously at multiple scales—a house within a street, a road within a city—creating nested relationships that influence design decisions. Through examples like OMA's Seattle Library with its stacked functional boxes unified by a faceted glass facade, we see perh...
2025-06-1252 min
Design Principles PodFeel Good, Look Good: Performance vs Aesthetics in ArchitectureSend us a textWhat happens when award-winning architects and builders challenge the notion that sustainable, high-performance buildings must sacrifice aesthetics? This thought-provoking conversation brings together Passive House experts who are transforming New Zealand's built environment through buildings that are both beautiful and functional.Architect Rafe Maclean shares how client feedback about a poorly-performing design prompted his journey into building science, while Joe Lyth reveals the heartbreaking reality of watching his children develop respiratory issues in cold, damp rental properties. Builder Josh Atkins describes his frustration with energy-inefficient new homes that cost homeowners thousands in...
2025-05-291h 04
Design Principles PodOutside Influence: Has the Architectural Pilgrimage Changed?Send us a textWhat happens when architecture becomes more accessible through images than through physical experience? This question forms the backbone of our conversation with Nina Boyd, a New Zealand architect currently working in Paris.The traditional architectural pilgrimage—traveling to see important buildings firsthand—has fundamentally changed. Where Alvar Aalto's visit to Italy completely transformed his design approach, today's architects arrive at celebrated buildings having already seen countless images online. This digital pre-exposure creates a curious paradox: greater accessibility to architectural imagery but potentially diminished impact when finally experiencing spaces in person....
2025-05-141h 02
Design Principles PodWhere Craft Meets Design: Exploring Material Understanding with Raimana JonesSend us a textThe conversation with Raimana Jones from Atelier Jones Design delves deep into the heart of what makes good design truly exceptional—craftsmanship. Drawing inspiration from architectural legends like Alvar Aalto and Walter Gropius, we explore how the most revered designers extended their vision beyond buildings to encompass furniture, lighting, and complete environments.Raimana shares his journey through fabrication and making, revealing the powerful feedback loop between crafting with your hands and designing with your mind. We unpack how this tactile understanding shapes thoughtful design decisions that simply can't emerge from digital pr...
2025-05-0158 min
Design Principles PodDare to Declare: What Happened to Manifestos?Send us a textWhat happened to the architectural manifesto? This fascinating question from a listener propels us into an exploration of how architects have historically proclaimed their design philosophies—and why such bold declarations seem increasingly rare in contemporary practice.The architectural landscape was once dramatically shaped by manifestos: Le Corbusier's "Towards New Architecture," Adolf Loos's "Ornament and Crime," and the revolutionary Bauhaus movement all articulated clear visions that transformed how we think about building. But today, as we scroll through endless Instagram feeds of similar-looking projects, has something fundamental been lost? Have we su...
2025-04-1448 min
Design Principles PodThe Architects' Voice: Advocating for the Role of the ArchitectSend us a textWhat happens when the people who shape our cities, schools, and homes are missing from the public conversation about our built environment? Award-winning architect Lisa Webb joins us to unpack architecture's growing crisis of relevance in New Zealand.Following her thought-provoking piece in the NZIA Bulletin, Lisa shares her concerns about architects becoming increasingly sidelined in discussions about housing, climate resilience, and community building. "We have a lack of voice, a lack of mandate, and a lack of mana," she observes, pointing to recent political attacks on the profession that went...
2025-04-011h 05
Design Principles PodAI Meets Architecture: The Zuru RevolutionSend us a textA revolution is brewing in the housing industry, and it's coming from an unexpected source – Zuru, the New Zealand toy company that's now setting its sights on disrupting how we build homes. Their ambitious AI platform called "Dreamcatcher" promises to deliver fully customizable houses for as little as $500 per square meter, a fraction of current construction costs.What makes this potential game-changer so fascinating is the comprehensive approach Zuru is taking. While most prefabrication systems still rely on standard designs and external supply chains, Zuru plans to manufacture every component in-house. Fr...
2025-03-1748 min
Design Principles PodFlying High: From Dezeen to Design DreamsSend us a textStep into the new year with us as we reopen the doors to our podcast, diving deep into the vibrant world of architecture and design. We'll share our personal highlights from the recent Dezeen Awards, a celebration of exceptional creativity, and inspire listeners with the remarkable projects that put New Zealand on the global design map. Throughout the episode, we unpack the differences between local awards and their international counterparts, examining how to enhance the celebratory aspects of these events.Join us as we advocate for the revitalisation of competition in...
2025-03-0454 min
Design Principles PodThe Everything House: Materiality in Architecture and Pushing BoundariesSend us a textWhat happens when you build an entire house from just one material? We explore the revolutionary "everything house" concept, inspired by architectural visionaries like Robert Bruno, Tadao Ando, and Tom Kundig. This episode takes you on an imaginative journey through the possibilities and challenges of constructing homes from singular materials like wood and concrete. We question the marriage of aesthetics and functionality in architecture and reflect on the profound impact such designs have on our daily lives.Be inspired by the unexpected as we humorously consider a house made entirely of...
2024-10-3156 min
Design Principles PodBeyond Design: Architecture, Innovation and Business with Pamela BellSend us a textPamela Bell, a trailblazer in New Zealand's architecture and construction scene, shares her inspiring journey from studying architecture to embracing prefabrication and entrepreneurial ventures. Pamela's story is not just about personal triumphs but also about innovating at the crossroads of design and business. Her narrative is a testament to the transformative power of networking and building meaningful connections, which she believes are crucial for success. Pamela's experiences, including founding Prefab NZ and creating influential exhibitions, illustrate the importance of accessible architecture and her passion for pioneering change.As Wellington faces political...
2024-10-1645 min
Design Principles PodReal World Education: A Conversation with Kevin Hui of ArchimarathonSend us a textEver wondered how architecture can be more than just buildings? Join us as we chat with Kevin Hui of Archimarathon, an architecture tour curator, educator, YouTuber and social media savant. Kevin shares his inspiring journey from creating architecture running tours to collaborating with Andrew Maynard on a YouTube channel, especially during the pandemic. Get ready to explore the critical issue of Melbourne's declining studio culture and discover Kevin’s innovative co-working studio space designed to revive camaraderie and bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world practice.Kevin and our hosts di...
2024-09-0957 min
Design Principles PodThe Greener Way to Go: A Conversation with Matthew Cutler-WelshSend us a textWondering how you can stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of sustainable architecture? Join us as we sit down with Matthew Cutler-Walsh, a leading expert in green building practices, for a deep dive into the rapidly changing landscape of sustainable building in New Zealand. Matthew sheds light on the recent H1 regulation updates, the enthusiastic support from industry professionals like Ben Nansett of MPB Builders, and the tireless advocacy efforts in Parliament. We'll unpack the surging Homestar registrations and the transition towards voluntary schemes, laying down the groundwork for meeting ambitious carbon reduction...
2024-08-131h 06
Design Principles PodMoney Talks: The Challenges of Cost in Architecture and ConstructionSend us a textHow do you navigate the maze of fluctuating construction costs and avoid the pitfall of overcapitalization? Join us as we tackle these pressing questions and uncover practical solutions to manage building expenses effectively. We’ll break down the frustrations professionals face when clients are vague about budgets and how quantity surveyors can play a crucial role in stabilizing these uncertainties. You'll learn about the importance of concept designs in gauging project feasibility and the cultural factors in New Zealand that influence property investment decisions.Ever wondered how old rubbish dumps and fl...
2024-07-291h 05
Design Principles PodBalancing Art and Architecture: Matt Liggins' Inspiring JourneySend us a textJoin us for an invigorating conversation with the multifaceted Matt Liggins (Ngati Ruanui) as he shares his remarkable journey through the realms of architecture, art, and design. Matt dives into the exhilarating process of preparing for his TEDx presentation and the profound impact of forging relationships within New Zealand's art scene. We discuss the essential balance of isolation and interaction in the creative process, offering practical tips on staying organized and maintaining creativity amidst a flurry of projects. Matt's experiences and insights provide a captivating glimpse into the dynamic world of architectural and...
2024-07-161h 05
Design Principles PodThe Humans are Dead: AI in ArchitectureSend us a textCan AI transform the architecture industry? Join us on this episode of the Design Principles Podcast as we unravel the dynamic interplay between artificial intelligence (AI) and architectural design. We’ll kick off by breaking down AI into digestible bits, distinguishing it from machine learning and discussing the elusive concept of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Discover how tools like ChatGPT are not just boosting efficiency but also pushing the boundaries of creativity in the design process. We’ll also tackle ethical concerns and real-world applications, pondering the profound impact AI could have on the...
2024-06-301h 00
Design Principles PodA Deeper View: A Conversation with Architect, Chris MollerSend us a textDiscover the secrets behind the harmonious marriage of digital and analog design with acclaimed architect and Grand Designs New Zealand host, Chris Moller. Chris shares his unique perspective on the vital importance of tactile, sensory engagement in the creative process, reflecting on how traditional tools like pencils and legos can foster innovation. He also revisits a historical chat between Kevin Kelly and Brian Eno, uncovering the essence of good architecture through the lens of Marshall McLuhan's theories.Unlock the power of juxtaposition and shock tactics in the world of design, as...
2024-06-121h 16
Design Principles PodA Lens on Life and Design: A Conversation with Photographer, Simon DevittSend us a textHave you ever found yourself mesmerized by a childhood slideshow, each frame a stepping stone on the path to your future? Simon Devitt, a renowned New Zealand photographer, joins us to share a laugh and trace the serendipitous journey from those familial beginnings to the pinnacle of architectural photography. With his camera, Simon captures more than structures; he documents the intersection of human experience and design, reminding us that every picture holds a story waiting to be told.This episode is like a well-curated gallery walk, guiding you through the delicate art...
2024-05-271h 10
Design Principles PodBuilding Tomorrow: Why High Performance Architecture Is ImportantSend us a textPrepare to have your notions of sustainability and high-performance architecture transformed as we take you through a deep exploration of how our industry is evolving. We're dissecting the very fabric of what makes our buildings stand the test of time, from the innovative repurposing of building materials to the critical need for buildings that outlive the 50-year mark, we promise an episode that redefines what you thought you knew about sustainable construction.This conversation is a goldmine for anyone looking to align their building practices with the future – a future where affordability an...
2024-05-1358 min
Design Principles PodMerging Green With Grey: The Importance of Landscape ArchitectureSend us a textDelve deep into the world of landscape architecture, with our guest, Charlotte Warren, whose roots are deeply entwined with the land. Charlotte, a seasoned landscape architect from Studio Pacific Architecture, shares her journey and opens our eyes to the profound relationship between the natural and built environment. As we traverse this terrain, we delve into the importance of green spaces, the role of landscape architects in city resilience, and how urban design impacts our daily lives. Charlotte's international experiences, including her work in cities like Auckland, London, and Wellington, provide a unique lens through...
2024-05-0156 min
Design Principles PodFrom Classroom to Studio: The Evolution of Design ProcessSend us a textRemember those all-nighters during university, where concepts and craft merged into design projects that felt like extensions of ourselves? We take you back to those formative days, where our design philosophies were born amidst the rigors of conceptual training and critical thinking. Join us as we contrast the nostalgia of academia with the realities of professional practice, navigating the push and pull between creative freedom and real-world constraints.Step into our studio as we dissect the evolution of our design process, from groundbreaking theses to the profound influence of architectural talks on...
2024-04-1558 min
Design Principles PodIts Awards Season!: The Validation of Awards in Creative FieldsSend us a textEver wondered if the glittering world of architectural awards is more than just a trophy on the shelf? Join us as we unpack the tangible benefits of prestigious accolades like the NZIA awards for architects and their projects. From the thrill of the awards night to the strategic marketing advantages of award submissions, we delve into the real-world implications of being recognised by peers.As past award-winners, and newly shortlisted ones, we dissect the financial commitment and long-term gains of entering the competitive architectural arena. As we reminisce over the shortlisted projects a...
2024-03-3154 min
Design Principles PodDesigning for Density: Crafting Sustainable and Community-Focused Urban SpacesSend us a textEmbark on an enlightening expedition into the intricate world of urban densification with guest, Guy Marriage, an acclaimed architect, senior lecturer and esteemed author. Our conversation peels back the curtain on the transformation of cities, focusing on sustainability and the efficient use of space. From dissecting the concept of a two-kilometer high skyscraper to addressing New Zealand's quintessential quarter-acre mindset, we explore the pressing need for neighborhoods that embrace higher density living. As Guy shares his wealth of knowledge, we uncover the interplay between urban development, ethical design, and the creation of community-centric environments.
2024-03-141h 02