Mindful Builder

"You're wearing a tin foil hat if you think Passive House will work in Australia." 

That’s probably what Clare Perry would have heard back in 2011 when she co-founded the Australian Passive Haus Association. Fast forward to today, and while Passive House hasn't yet become mainstream, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Industry appetite has grown, more building professionals are actively exploring the concept, and even government is starting to take notice. We sat down with Clare to understand how this shift happened and what it means for Australian builders.

For builders considering Passive House, the que...

Welcome to beer and building science chats, where we touch on some very complicated topics in the Australian construction sector. We look to bring the smartest people into these conversations to help educate everyone around healthy and durable buildings.

In this engaging episode, our panel of experts dives deep into the debate between treated and standard pine battens. Join the Australian Beer and Building Science crew as they explore the pros and cons of each option, discussing moisture resistance, environmental impact, and practical applications. Whether you're a builder, architect, or DIY enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights...

 ”I'm just an average carpenter and builder a lost in a world of red tape”.  

Joel Griffs from Heidi Build isn't exaggerating. The modern builder's reality involves navigating compliance mazes, managing cash flow crises, and maintaining a social media presence all while trying to actually construct buildings. We sat down with Joel to understand how the builder's role has transformed and what it takes to survive in 2025.

For those entering or continuing in the building industry, Joel's story offers both warning and encouragement: the work is harder than ever, but with the right approach, it's still po...

Becoming a father changes everything - including how you run a construction business. 

Matt just welcomed his first child, while Hamish became a dad for the third time, adding a daughter to his two boys. These life changes forced a complete reassessment of priorities, work schedules, and business operations. But fatherhood isn't the only transformation happening - AI, rising costs, and trade dynamics are reshaping the entire construction landscape. 

In this episode, we talk through the trends we’re seeing right now and what they’ll potentially look like into the future.

LINKS:

C...

"The architect designed something we can't actually build." 

It wouldn’t be outlandish to believe that most builders have said this at least once, usually while staring at plans that look beautiful but ignore practical realities. We sat down with Amelia Lee from Undercover Architect to understand why architects and builders struggle to collaborate effectively, and more importantly, how to fix it.

The industry's future depends on collaboration and education. Architects need to communicate their vision while welcoming practical construction input. Builders must openly share real-world challenges and constraints rather than silently struggling with impractical des...

"We love the design, but it's $200,000 over budget." 

Most builders have delivered this devastating news to clients who've invested months into plans they can't afford. Construction costs have surged 40.8% since 2020, fundamentally changing what's achievable within typical budgets. We sat down with Haydn Simmons from Price A Plan to understand how accurate estimating can prevent these painful conversations before they happen.

For builders, partnering with specialists like Price A Plan means qualifying projects properly before investing time in detailed designs. For clients, it means understanding true costs upfront rather than discovering budget shortfalls after committing to p...

"The rules have changed again."

Every Victorian builder has felt this frustration as legislation continues evolving. The latest changes to Victoria's building regulations are particularly significant, affecting everything from insurance requirements to dispute resolution processes. We sat down with Daniel Oldham, Principal Lawyer at Oldham Construction Lawyers, to understand what these changes actually mean for builders and homeowners.

The legislative shifts aim to restore consumer confidence after years of industry challenges in Victoria. Daniel explained how new insurance regimes and monitoring systems are designed to protect homeowners from unexpected financial burdens while ensuring builders maintain...

"The bank said no." Every builder has heard this from clients whose dreams hit financial reality.

 But what if we told you there are dozens of lenders beyond the big four banks, many offering better rates and specialised products for construction projects? We sat down with Sarah Zhou from Beyond Financial, who is Matt’s mortgage broker, to understand the different options you have in financing your build.

Most people accept the first "no" they receive, not realising dozens of other options exist. Engaging experts early, exploring all available options, and ensuring your financing strategy mat...

Concrete is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions. 

That's a staggering number when you consider how much concrete surrounds us every day. So when Daniel from Curvecrete told us his technology could reduce concrete emissions by 70%, we had to understand how. What we learned might change how you think about one of construction's most fundamental materials.

Low-carbon concrete is a practical technology addressing real industry challenges. As sustainability requirements tighten and carbon costs increase, innovations like Curvecrete become competitive advantages rather than nice-to-haves.

For builders considering future projects, understanding these emerging technologies positions y...

"I'm fine." How many times have you heard that response when you knew it wasn't true? 

We've all been there - sensing something's off with a mate, colleague, or family member, but hesitating to dig deeper. What if we’re making things awkward? What if we don't know what to say? RUOK Day exists to break through exactly this hesitation and give you the perfect excuse to ask your mates how they’re really doing.

We sat down with Alistair Schuback, RUOK Day Ambassador and Safety Culture Specialist, who's witnessed firsthand how mental health plays out i...

"Why is my building surveyor being so difficult?" 

Almost every builder has asked this question at some point, usually when facing another compliance issue or documentation request. But what if we've been looking at this relationship all wrong? We sat down with Dave from Permit Approvals Plus to understand why building surveyors might actually be builders' best allies, not obstacles.

In an industry where regulations constantly evolve, trusted building surveyors aren't just helpful - they're essential. They bring knowledge that ensures builds meet stringent industry standards, creating construction that performs well long-term.

For b...

"We're training apprentices the same way we did 30 years ago." 

That stark observation from Trent McCarthy, Director of Clean Economy at Melbourne Polytechnic, captures a fundamental problem in Australian construction. While technology transforms how we build, our training methods remain stuck in the past. We sat down with Trent to understand why the building industry's education system desperately needs an overhaul.

For the building industry to attract and retain the next generation, training must evolve to match how we actually work today. The question isn't whether change is needed, it's whether we'll act quickly enough t...

One back injury changed everything for Jake. 

After years perfecting his carpentry skills, a seemingly minor workplace injury ended his on-site career. What happened next challenges everything we think we know about career transitions in the trades. We sat down with Jake from Notorious Tools to understand how he rebuilt his professional life when his body couldn't handle the physical demands anymore.

Jake's journey demonstrates that career-ending injuries don't have to mean industry-ending relationships. Sometimes forced transitions open opportunities you never considered. The challenge is recognising that your industry knowledge and professional relationships remain valuable a...

"You're the crazy guy who wants double glazing in everything." 

That's what Justin heard throughout his early career when he pushed for high-performance building standards that seemed unnecessary to most. Twenty years later, those "crazy" ideas have become industry benchmarks. We sat down with Justin to understand his journey from a 12-year-old working in his mum's shed to becoming a leading voice in sustainable construction.

Today, Justin continues consulting and advising on construction technology through his work at Performance Membranes. His goal remains straightforward: sharing accumulated knowledge so others can access the details needed for s...

"Straw? You want to build with straw?" That's the reaction Derek Layfield from Durra Panel gets when he tells people his building material of choice. 

But before you dismiss this as another three little pigs scenario, consider this: Durra Panels have been protecting major Australian airports and surviving bushfire tests since the 1950s. We sat down with Derek to understand why straw might be the future of sustainable construction.

LINKS:

Durra Panel Website: https://durrapanel.com/

Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpod

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Twelve 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...

"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...

"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...

In 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...

"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...

Winter 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...

Window 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...

This is part 2 of our conversation with Cameron Munro about insulation. We recommend listening to part 1 first before listening to this episode.

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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...

In 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 Takeaways

3,214 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...

"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 us

Connect w...

We’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...

There'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...

We'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...

When 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...

Let'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...

Have 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...

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...

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...

As 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...

Ever 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...

Ever 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 Words

F...

We’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...

Passive 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...

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...