Between The Walls
A podcast by the Architecture + Design LibraryStep Between the Walls and into the world of design, creativity, and connection. Brought to you by the Architecture + Design Library, this podcast explores the stories, ideas, and collaborations shaping New Zealand’s built environment — and beyond.Join us as we talk to architects, interior designers, builders, makers, and industry leaders about their processes, challenges, and the spaces that inspire them. Whether you're a seasoned professional or simply design-curious, Between the Walls offers honest conversations, fresh insights, and a look behind the scenes of the creative industries.Welcome to your new favourite place to list...
The Rooms That Shaped Us
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In this episode, Janey is joined by Penny and Verity, founders of the Architecture & Design Library and your regular co-hosts, for a heartfelt conversation about the spaces that shaped who we are. From childhood bedrooms to family homes under construction, and even unforgettable bathrooms, we explore the memories and moments that made us fall in love with interiors.
We reflect on how rooms can impact us beyond design — stirring feelings of belonging, safety, and creativity. Together we uncover the textures, colors, and light that make a space feel like home, and sh...
Dulux: The Future in Colour — Inside the 2026 Colour Forecast
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This week, Janey and Verity sit down with Davina, Colour Specialist at Dulux New Zealand, to talk all things colour — and take a peek inside the 2026 Dulux Colour Forecast.
From the grounding calm of Elemental to the dreamy optimism of Ethereal and the eclectic confidence of Evoke, Davina walks us through the three palettes set to influence our homes and spaces in the coming years.
We chat about what goes into predicting the colours we’ll love next, why we’re seeing a shift towards bolder, mood-driven design, and how gl...
The Soul of the Room — A Conversation with Alison from Tribe Home
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In this episode, Janey and Verity sit down with Alison from Tribe Home, a premium rug brand creating handmade pieces with heart, heritage, and intention. From ancient weaving techniques to colour forecasting for 2026, this episode weaves together craft, culture, and creativity in surprising and soulful ways.
Alison shares the story of Tribe’s founder, Tina Richards, and how a life-changing trip to India transformed not just the business — but the way Tribe approaches rugs altogether. Think: seasonal collections, deep design thinking, and pieces that bring people home to themselves.
Toge...
Branding, Growth & Wellness
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In this episode, Janey is joined by Penny and Verity, founders of the Architecture & Design Library and your regular co-hosts, for an honest, practical conversation about starting and growing a business in the creative industry. From branding basics to marketing strategies and knowing when to pivot, they share the real lessons learned along their journey.
We dive into what it takes to set up your business for success — even on a limited budget — and explore the power of consistency, storytelling, and community when building your brand. Penny and Verity also reveal exci...
Natural Luxury and Sustainable Design with Bremworth
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In this episode, Janey and Verity sit down with Julija from Bremworth — New Zealand’s leading designer of premium wool carpets and rugs. With over 60 years of innovation behind them, Bremworth has become a trusted name in natural flooring, combining performance, sustainability, and timeless style.
Julija takes us inside the world of wool — why this renewable fibre is unmatched for warmth, acoustics, and comfort, and how Bremworth is shaping the future of flooring with sustainability at the heart of everything they do. She also shares practical advice for renovators and homeowners, from c...
Innovation, Sustainability and 125 Years of Craft with JSC
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In this episode, Janey and Rebecca sit down with Lee from JSC Timber — a family business with roots going back 125 years. Based in Riverhead, Auckland, JSC has become a trusted name in architectural timber across Aotearoa. They’re best known for Western Red Cedar and their range of thermally modified timbers, chosen for both performance and beauty in residential and commercial projects.
Lee talks about how timber is changing — from new profiling and coatings to introducing thermally modified species like Amber and Taxon. He also shares how JSC works alongside PSP, wideni...
The Art of Acoustics: Autex Acoustics
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In this episode, Janey and Verity welcome Hamish from Autex Acoustics, a proudly New Zealand company innovating acoustic solutions since 1967. Starting as Auckland Textiles with recycled carpet underlays, Autex has evolved into a global leader in sound and thermal insulation products made from sustainable materials like recycled plastic bottles and New Zealand wool.
They explore how sound shapes our experience of spaces—whether it’s classrooms, cafes, or homes—and why thoughtful acoustic design is essential but often overlooked. Hamish shares how their signature Cube panels combine 80% recycled content with stunning custom...
Creative Burnout: Balancing Creativity, Business, and Wellbeing
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In this episode, Penny and Verity dive into the often-overlooked reality of creative burnout in the design industry. They share personal experiences of hitting the wall, from the invisible weight of endless admin to the mental toll of constant creative demands. This is an honest, heartfelt conversation about protecting your mental health, finding ways to recharge, and leading with kindness in a fast-paced, high-expectation industry.
They explore why taking breaks is not a luxury but a necessity, the value of being transparent with clients when energy runs low, and how small...
Crafting Beauty: The Art of Windsor Hardware
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In this episode, Janey and Rebecca welcome Breidi from Windsor Architectural Hardware, a proud Kiwi brand crafting beautiful, functional hardware since 1984. From humble beginnings in a Christchurch backyard shed to a nationwide business with a global reach, Windsor blends tradition with innovation in every piece.
They dive into how small details — from brass finishes to door colours — shape the atmosphere and story of a home. Breidi shares what sets Windsor apart: their hand-finished living brass tones, extensive product range, and the evolving trends that influence design choices today. Whether you’re buildi...
Heritage Carpets: Where Flooring Meets Wellbeing and Sustainability
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In this episode, Janey and Verity sit down with Umesh from Heritage Carpets to explore how flooring design goes beyond aesthetics to influence wellbeing, sustainability, and our connection to space. Heritage Carpets has been leading the way in design-driven flooring for over 18 years, blending innovation with craftsmanship to create floors that don’t just cover rooms but transform how we feel in them. From eco-friendly recycled nylon carpets made here in New Zealand, to stunning custom wool rugs born from artistic collaboration, this conversation invites you to rethink the foundation beneath your feet—and...
Budgets, Boundaries + Blunt Truths
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In this episode of Between the Walls, Janey sits down with co-hosts Penny and Verity from the Architecture + Design Library for an honest, unfiltered conversation about what’s really happening behind the scenes in the design world.
From client red flags and why budget transparency matters, to how AI can streamline your design process (without replacing real human insight), this one covers a lot of ground—and delivers a few good laughs along the way.
You’ll also get a look at what’s coming up this month at the AD L...
Turn the Corner with Glen Thurston
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In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Between the Walls, Janey and Verity sit down with Wānaka builder Glen Thurston to talk about mental health in the construction industry. Glen shares his own story—one that includes burnout, alcohol dependence, and suicidal thoughts—and how he found the courage to ask for help and turn his life around.
We explore the brutal reality behind the statistics: 53 construction workers lost to suicide each year in New Zealand. In response, Glen launched Turn the Corner—a mission to climb Corner Peak 53 times i...
Thoughtful Design, Seamless Execution with SP Blinds
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In this episode of Between the Walls, we talk with Nina from SP Blinds about how thoughtful design, deep product knowledge, and early collaboration lead to exceptional outcomes in window treatments. From choosing the right motorisation system to avoiding common installation mistakes, Nina shares practical advice for homeowners, designers, and builders alike.
We explore the latest in smart blind technology—including the Zigbee protocol—plus how to make retrofitting possible even in completed homes. Nina also touches on fabric choices, care tips, and an exciting new offering: printed blinds for even more...
Co-Creation: What It Really Takes to Build Something Together
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In this episode, Janey sits down with her co-hosts and co-founders of the Architecture + Design Library, Penny and Verity, for a candid, funny, and refreshingly real conversation about co-creation.
They unpack the dynamics of working closely with someone who thinks, creates, and responds differently — and why that can be your greatest strength.
From building trust and navigating creative tension, to letting go of control and staying aligned on the end goal, this episode explores what it really takes to build something meaningful together.
Whether you’re launching a pr...
LMA: Strong, Sustainable Timber Solutions
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In this episode, Janey and Verity sit down with Matt from LMA Timber, New Zealand’s leading supplier of recycled, reclaimed, and sustainably sourced hardwoods. From humble beginnings after a Grand Designs episode, LMA has grown to import a container of high-performance timber every week into Lyttelton.
They explore what makes hardwoods like Spotted Gum and Ironbark so durable, how reclaimed timber like old telephone poles are transformed into premium cladding, and why sustainability is at the heart of LMA's mission. Matt also shares jaw-dropping carbon stats, eye-opening comparisons with tropical ha...
The Comfort Revolution: Why Passive Houses Matter
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In this episode, Janey chats with Mark from MA Building about the growing movement of passive houses—homes designed for energy efficiency, comfort, and health. They break down what a passive house really is, why these homes feel consistently warm and fresh all year round, and how they reduce energy use dramatically.
Mark shares insights on the holistic approach to building, from insulation to ventilation, and the challenges of changing old-school building mindsets. They explore the real health benefits of living in a dry, mold-free, toxin-reduced environment and how passive houses ca...
Respect, Instinct & Letting Go of Perfection
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In this raw and deeply relatable episode, Janey is joined by Penny and Verity, co-founders of the Architecture & Design Library and your regular Between the Walls co-hosts. They unpack what it means to show up as a designer in a world that still doesn’t fully understand your value. From being dismissed on site to gifting time just to prove your worth, they speak honestly about the emotional load of interior design and the quiet resilience it demands.
They dive into perfectionism—when it serves us, when it holds us back—and sh...
Revolutionising Surfaces: The Dekton Experience
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In this episode of Between the Walls, we sit down with Nicky from Cosentino to explore Dekton—a game-changing, ultra compact surface transforming the way we build and design. With its unmatched durability, sustainability, and versatility, Dekton is becoming a go-to choice for everything from kitchen countertops to building facades. Nikki shares the story behind the surface, what makes it so unique, and why education around proper installation is crucial. We also take a sneak peek into what’s coming next in Cosentino’s innovation pipeline.
Key...
“Find Your People” — The Realities of Design, Community & Collaboration
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In this rich and wonderfully honest episode, Janey is joined again by the founders of the Architecture & Design Library, Penny and Verity. Together, they peel back the layers of what it really means to be an interior designer today — and why creating your own bubble of support and collaboration might be the key to thriving in a high-pressure, high-expectation industry.
From tackling tight deadlines to footing the bill when things go wrong (even when it’s not your fault), this episode dives deep into the emotional and practical demands of design. The...
Building High-Performance Homes: The Flexi House Approach
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This episode explores Flexi House’s innovative approach to transforming home construction in Aotearoa New Zealand. Andre outlines the company’s mission to deliver high-performance homes efficiently and sustainably, using offsite construction and a decentralised manufacturing model. This conversation delves into collaboration with architects, adaptable home designs for future growth, and a commitment to reducing environmental impact through energy-efficient solutions. Andre also shares insights into the challenges and opportunities within the local construction sector, emphasising the urgent need for quality, warm homes across the country.
Key Takeaways
Flexi Hous...Building a Community: The AD Library Story
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In this episode of Between the Walls, Penny and Verity, founders of AD Library, share their inspiring journey of creating a unique shared workspace and sample library tailored specifically for the building industry. They dive into the challenges they faced, the power of building community, and how their innovative model is reshaping collaboration and resource access for architects, designers, builders, and renovators alike. This conversation explores emerging design trends, sustainability’s growing role, and their exciting vision for AD Library’s future growth.
Key Takeaways:
AD Library provides a sh...
