Shows
Mindful BuilderFrom consultant to interior designerTwelve 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...2025-07-2743 min
Mindful BuilderAre SIPS the answer to building better homes"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...2025-07-2046 min
Mindful BuilderBudget vs Brief: What It Really Costs to Build"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...2025-07-1325 min
Mindful BuilderThe Godfather of Passive HouseIn 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...2025-07-0632 min
Mindful BuilderBuilding Answers: Ask Us Anything"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...2025-06-2949 min
Mindful BuilderNavigating the winter blues as a builderWinter 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...2025-06-2240 min
Mindful BuilderPerfecting window installation detailsWindow 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...2025-06-1529 min
Mindful BuilderBuild Science Expert - Windows and Insulation Part 2This 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...2025-06-0833 min
Mindful BuilderBuild Science Expert - Windows and Insulation Part 1In 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 TakeawaysInsulation is about controlling heat transfer—conduction, convection, and radiation all matter.The colour of your roof or cladding has an impact, but it’s less important in well-designed, high-performance buildings.Still air is a great...2025-06-0134 min
Mindful BuilderWhy doing push ups helps you build mental fitness3,214 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...2025-05-2537 min
Mindful BuilderTrade chats - solving the apprenticeship problem"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 usConnect w...2025-05-1846 min
Mindful BuilderThe science of building better homesWe’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...2025-05-1119 min
Mindful BuilderEternally curious and staying hungry with Chin Chin's executive chefThere'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...2025-05-0440 min
Mindful BuilderA personal story about lossWe'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...2025-04-2729 min
Mindful BuilderNot all developers are bad peopleWhen 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...2025-04-2050 min
Mindful BuilderScratching the surface of culture in constructionLet'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...2025-04-1340 min
Mindful BuilderThe HRV Guy - Why air quality mattersHave 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...2025-04-0644 min
Mindful BuilderOwner Builders: Yes or No?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...2025-03-3025 minMindful BuilderMini Series - First-Time Dad & Building with Ned (NW Build)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...2025-03-2619 min
Mindful BuilderTender vs Negotiated TenderAs 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...2025-03-2337 minMindful BuilderGirls Only ChatEver 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...2025-03-1657 minMindful BuilderLearning How To Give FeedbackEver 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 WordsF...2025-03-0937 minMindful BuilderPassive House Secrets Part 2We’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...2025-03-0233 minMindful BuilderPassive House Secrets Part 1Passive 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...2025-02-2356 minMindful BuilderWhat is the goal of building?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...2025-02-1644 minMindful BuilderMy Super Power is PassionWelcome 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...2025-02-0938 minMindful BuilderBuilding Better: Passive Houses and Sustainable Construction with Josh AtkinsWe 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.2025-02-0242 minMindful BuilderPrefabrication in constructionPrefabrication 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...2025-01-2649 minMindful BuilderArchitecture is a design weapon for goodThat’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:...2025-01-1934 minMindful BuilderGuess whos back, Brad AgainYou 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 projectsFor Brad, it’s all about quality over quantity. He prefers working on one proj...2025-01-1231 minMindful BuilderBuilding, drying and venting your cavitiesWhat 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...2025-01-0542 minMindful BuilderLooking back on the year and what's aheadCan 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...2024-12-2932 minMindful BuilderHoliday break but Christmas isn't for everyone!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...2024-12-2232 minMindful BuilderMen talking about periodsOne 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...2024-12-1537 minMindful BuilderTurning a volume built house into a passive house (Part 2)LINKS:Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/2024-12-0839 minMindful BuilderIs the building industry broken?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...2024-12-0147 minMindful BuilderMaking safety sexy, or trying toSafety. 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...2024-11-2444 minMindful BuilderBuilding for a better future part 2Last 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...2024-11-1727 minMindful BuilderBuilding for a better future part 1The 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...2024-11-1027 minMindful BuilderThe art of saying no in buildingHave 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...2024-11-0337 minMindful BuilderIs the building industry bubble about to burst!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...2024-10-2732 minMindful BuilderThe real world of landscape designAs 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...2024-10-2030 minMindful BuilderGoodbye Gas - Its time to electrifyIs 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 DownMany people cling to gas, especially for cooking, because...2024-10-1332 minMindful BuilderBuilding the Perfect WallIt'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...2024-10-0642 minMindful BuilderTurning a volume built house into a passive houseThink 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...2024-09-2931 minMindful BuilderBuilding bigger is not betterDid 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...2024-09-2240 minMindful BuilderPeople Care About YouHave 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...2024-09-1644 minMindful BuilderRUOK - Emergency EpisodeWe’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...2024-09-1126 minMindful BuilderWhy aren't the Australian Standards Free?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...2024-09-0938 minMindful BuilderTaking the WOO WOO out of mental healthToday 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...2024-09-0232 minMindful BuilderA crash course into Passive HouseWhat 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...2024-08-2654 minMindful BuilderMaking real change in the building industryHomes 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...2024-08-1939 minMindful BuilderInterior Designers are valuableEver 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...2024-08-1237 min