The Design Files Talks

By The Design Files

What's The Design Files Talks about?

TDF Talks is a fortnightly podcast by The Design Files — Australia’s go-to destination for design inspiration since 2008. Join founder and host Lucy Feagins as she interviews inspiring local creatives to discuss renovating, sustainability, and more!

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The Design Files Talks episodes:

11.16.2023
Restoring A Historic Melbourne Mansion, With Julie + Vincent Fodera
In our last episode for the year, we speak with Julie and Vincent Fodera who are restoring one of Melbourne's oldest mansions, a historic homestead in Caulfield known as Heatherbrae. They share how they've been sympathetically renovating the grand abode...
11.02.2023
A First Home Buyers’ Never-Ending Renovation, With Pat + Ruby Shields
Melbourne couple Patrick and Ruby Shields bought their first home in Mount Evelyn in 2018. Since then the carpenter and interior designer have landed new jobs, gotten married, but they're still working on their renovation — five years later! Hear...
10.19.2023
Building A Sustainable Home From Scratch, With Al + Imo Roberts
When furniture makers Al and Imogen Roberts found themselves priced out of Torquay’s real estate market, they decided to buy a block of land and build their sustainable dream home instead. They join us to share how the challenges of...
10.05.2023
The Highs + Lows Of Renovating A Beach Shack, With Lucy And Gordy
We're back with more renovating stories, and today's episode reveals how TDF Talks host Lucy Feagins and her husband Gordy Johnson transformed their family's Blairgowrie beach shack with a hands-on approach. They speak to producer Christina Karras about the biggest...
09.21.2023
Australia's Path To Renewable Energy, With Momentum Energy’s Lisa Chiba
In the final episode of our sustainability series, Momentum Energy’s managing director Lisa Chiba helps us understand how Australia will make the transition from fossil fuels to renewables!
09.07.2023
Making Melbourne The World's First 'Self-Sufficient' City, With Consultant Will Young
Melbourne organisation Finding Infinity are on a mission to make Melbourne a self-sufficient, sustainable city with its own power, water, and zero waste by 2030. Environmental consultant Will Young tells us how this vision could become a reality!
08.24.2023
How To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient, With Energy Advisor Tim Forcey
In this episode of our sustainability series, we hear from expert energy advisor Tim Forcey. Hear his practical advice for how to improve the energy efficiency of your home, for the benefit of the environment, your health and your finances.
08.10.2023
The Future Of Sustainable Housing, With Architect Jeremy McLeod
We kick off our new four-part series on sustainability with this episode featuring Breathe Architecture and Nightingale Housing's Jeremy McLeod! Hear the leading architect's tips for getting into the property market, why affordability and sustainability go 'hand in hand', and...
07.27.2023
Restoring A Heritage Homestead, With Josh and Jenna Densten
In the final episode of our four-part renovating series, Josh and Jenna Densten talk about the massive transformation of their 1800s heritage homestead in regional Victoria! They reveal the challenges of restoring an old country house (while living in a...
07.13.2023
Expert Advice From A Seasoned Renovator, With Interior Designer Leigh Ellwood
Listen to our chat with Leigh Ellwood, an experienced renovator and Melbourne interior designer behind some of our favourite home tours — including an apartment in the iconic Beverley Hills building, and a dreamy timber beach house! She shares the...
06.29.2023
How To Renovate On A Budget with Interior Designer Jono Fleming
The Design Files founder and host Lucy Feagins talks with interior designer Jono Fleming about how he transformed a 1980s suburban home with budget-friendly hacks, elevating off-the-shelf products from the local hardware store.
06.15.2023
Lessons From A DIY Renovator, With TDF's Art Director Annie Portelli
The Design Files founder and host Lucy Feagins talks with our art director Annie Portelli about how she ‘accidentally’ ended up renovating her home with a DIY approach and all the lessons she learned along the way.
11.26.2021
Cormach Evans on Creating Space For Aboriginal Excellence
In our podcast season finale, Yorta Yorta man Cormach Evans talks to host Lucy Feagins about the two not-for-profits he founded and manages: Strong Brother Strong Sister, and Ngarrimili.
11.12.2021
Stylist Turned Designer Sarah Ellison On Building A Cult Status Furniture Brand
The Byron Bay-based creative talks to host Lucy Feagins about making the leap from stylist to designer, the value of being an assistant + living in an Instagram world.
10.29.2021
BuildHer Collective Co-Founder Rebeka Morgan On Empowering Women In Construction
BuildHer Collective co-founder Rebeka Morgan dissects the lack of transparency around the building and renovation industry, the most common mistakes people make on their own projects and the need for more woman brainpower in the space.
10.15.2021
The Unconventional Career Path Of Interior Designer Yasmine Ghoniem Of YSG Studio
A conversation with one of the creative visionaries leading the Australian interiors scene!
10.01.2021
Ultimate Creative Freelancer Kelly Thompson On Finding Your Place In The Industry
The founder of Makers’ Mrkt gives our managing editor Sally Tabart nuggets of wisdom about the creative hustle + hitting your stride during a pandemic.
09.17.2021
Dinosaur Designs Co-Founder Louise Olsen On Building An Iconic Australian Brand
Host Lucy Feagins talks to the legendary local artist and designer about her childhood, her public art career + building a legacy Australian brand!
09.03.2021
Interior Designer Lauren Li On Creating The Backdrop To Life
Interior designer (and beloved TDF columnist!) Lauren Li gives host Lucy Feagins pearls of wisdom from a decades-long career in the Australian design biz.
08.20.2021
Creative Director + Community Leader Grace Dlabik on Australia's Accessible Housing Crisis
Host Lucy Feagins talks to the founder of BE. ONE about building a creative community, being vulnerable in the public eye and tackling the country’s accessible housing crisis.
08.06.2021
Pip Newell On Building The Curated Spaces World, On TDF Talks
Our managing editor Sally Tabart interviews the founder of Curated Spaces (and her old housemate!), Pip Newell about leading the new wave of vintage furniture dealing.
07.23.2021
Country Road’s Managing Director On The Stickiness Of Sustainable Fashion, On TDF Talks
In this podcast conversation, Elle Roseby talks leading one of the country’s most iconic brands through a new age in the fashion industry.
07.09.2021
Jirra Lulla Harvey On The Intersection Between Commerce, Capitalism + Culture, On TDF Talks
Jirra Lulla Harvey is a Koorie woman and the founder of Kalinya Communications, an Aboriginal-owned communications agency working with First Nations businesses. In this inspiring chat, she talks about aligning Indigenous knowledge systems with contemporary business, Aboriginal entrepreneurship, and her...
06.25.2021
TDF Talks with Super Stylist, Jono Fleming
TDF Talks is back, baby! Our podcast has been on a hiatus for a while but boy, have we missed you guys! After a bit of a break, we couldn’t think of a better way to inaugurate our comeback than a...
01.29.2021
TDF Talks with Artist, Bobby Clark
Artist Bobby Clark has built a loyal following of fans and collectors across the globe (including Solange Knowles!), and over the past decade, she’s learnt a great deal about the business of being an artist. In this conversation, she shares...
01.15.2021
TDF Talks with Plant Designer, Jenna Holmes of Plant Mama
Jenna of 'Plant Mama' and 'Pasta Mama' shares how she has built and grown two very different businesses from the ground up, without missing a beat!
12.17.2020
TDF Talks with Florist Gina Lasker of Georgie Boy
Lucy chats with one of Melbourne's most talented florists about her career journey, and the pivot project that re-energised her floristry business in 2020.
12.04.2020
TDF Talks With Tantri Mustika, Ceramicist
One of Melbourne’s most successful makers shares how she made the leap from hairdressing to launching her own business, how she’s handled the challenges of 2020 – and what she’s planning next!
10.15.2020
TDF Talks with Interior Designer, Mim Fanning
Award winning interior designer Mim Fanning shares her journey, from solo design consultant, to Founder and Principal at Mim Design, her award-winning design studio.
10.14.2020
TDF Talks with Interior Designer Mim Fanning
Award winning interior designer Mim Fanning shares her journey, from solo design consultant, to Founder and Principal at Mim Design, her award-winning design studio.
03.02.2020
TDF Talks with Interior Designer & Educator Jenna Densten
In our latest podcast, Lucy chats to Jenna Densten (of The Block fame) about life after reality TV, the highs and lows of renovating, juggling business ownership with parenthood, and everything in between!
02.13.2020
TDF Talks With Textile Designer Cassie Byrnes
We’re kicking the year with a SUPER inspiring + hilarious chat with the celebrated Melbourne designer about new motherhood, the joys and perils of small business, and the benefit of biting off more than you can chew!
11.30.2019
TDF Talks with Author & Food Stylist Donna Hay
We chat with Donna Hay about how it felt to close her magazine after 17 successful years, what her business looks like today, her thoughts on the future of food, and more!
11.07.2019
TDF Talks with Singer, Songwriter and Storyteller, Clare Bowditch
A candid chat with Clare Bowditch about her success in the music business, overcoming self doubt and anxiety, making time for family, and the release of her new book!
10.24.2019
TDF Talks With Lou Bannister, Co-Founder & Editor of Lunch Lady
Lucy chats with one of the women behind Australia's most beloved independent publications, Frankie and Lunch Lady!
10.14.2019
TDF Talks with Street Artist, Rone.
Lucy talks with one Rone, of Melbourne's most exciting artists, about the evolution of his career, and making seemingly impossible things happen.
09.26.2019
TDF Talks with Iconic Australian Artist Ken Done
Australia’s best known artist discusses his prolific career, and what he's learnt about the business of being an artist.
09.12.2019
TDF Talks With Life Coach + Author Kemi Nekvapil
Kemi Nekvapil on leadership, women's wellness and how a disempowered childhood led her to becoming an accredited life coach, author and speaker.
08.29.2019
TDF Talks With Sasha Titchkosky, Co-Founder Of Koskela
As Koskela celebrates ten years of social impact work, we chat with with the company's co-founder to discuss their approach to doing business, with purpose.
08.16.2019
TDF Talks With Architect, IADV Co-founder, + University Of Melbourne Academic Jefa Greenaway
The trailblazing architect, advocate and academic reflects on his pivotal role as the first indigenous architect to be registered in Victoria.
08.01.2019
TDF Talks With Jeremy Wortsman Of The Jacky Winter Group
The incredibly inspiring creative entrepreneur and invaluable mentor reflects on building community around business, expanding from Oz to the US, and what's next.
07.18.2019
TDF Talks With Architect Penelope Penelope Seidler
This national icon reflects on her early life, working with her husband Harry in the 60s/70s, and her proudest achievement to date!
06.13.2019
TDF Talks With Influencer + Entrepreneur Courtney Adamo
The much-loved mum-of-five shares her amazing journey, from launching Babyccino Kids more than a decade ago, to her new e-course, 'The Loop'.
05.30.2019
TDF Talks With Director Of The NGV, Tony Ellwood AM
The man behind the country's most-visited gallery shares his surprising path and approach to leadership, ahead of the game-changing precinct expansion!
05.17.2019
TDF Talks @Mercedes Me With Justine Cullen
The mum-of-four reflects on her career, the state of the Australian fashion industry, and the future of magazine publishing.
05.02.2019
TDF Talks With KeepCup Co-Founder Abigail Forsyth
The lawyer-turned-businesswoman reflects on the incredible growth of Keepcup, and their next big challenge – advocacy and activism!
04.18.2019
TDF Talks @Mercedes Me With Paul West
A surprisingly hilarious chat with the River Cottage Australia host, covering his atypical career path, and his philosophies on living a more fulfilling, sustainable life!
04.04.2019
TDF Talks With Peter Maddison
The host of Grand Designs Australia has had a long and illustrious career as an architect, however, his path isn’t what you'd expect!
03.21.2019
TDF Talks With Landscape Designer Paul Bangay
One of Australia’s most revered and celebrated green thumbs reflect on his career, the mentors who have inspired him and his brand new book!
03.07.2019
TDF Talks With Artist David Bromley
From dropping out of high school at 15 to cementing himself as one of Australia’s most well-known artists, David reflects on his unique and inspiring journey.

What's The Design Files Talks about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Design Files Talks episodes:

Restoring A Historic Melbourne Mansion, With Julie + Vincent Fodera

A First Home Buyers’ Never-Ending Renovation, With Pat + Ruby Shields

Building A Sustainable Home From Scratch, With Al + Imo Roberts

The Highs + Lows Of Renovating A Beach Shack, With Lucy And Gordy

Australia's Path To Renewable Energy, With Momentum Energy’s Lisa Chiba

Making Melbourne The World's First 'Self-Sufficient' City, With Consultant Will Young

How To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient, With Energy Advisor Tim Forcey

The Future Of Sustainable Housing, With Architect Jeremy McLeod

Restoring A Heritage Homestead, With Josh and Jenna Densten

Expert Advice From A Seasoned Renovator, With Interior Designer Leigh Ellwood

How To Renovate On A Budget with Interior Designer Jono Fleming

Lessons From A DIY Renovator, With TDF's Art Director Annie Portelli

Cormach Evans on Creating Space For Aboriginal Excellence

Stylist Turned Designer Sarah Ellison On Building A Cult Status Furniture Brand

BuildHer Collective Co-Founder Rebeka Morgan On Empowering Women In Construction

The Unconventional Career Path Of Interior Designer Yasmine Ghoniem Of YSG Studio

Ultimate Creative Freelancer Kelly Thompson On Finding Your Place In The Industry

Dinosaur Designs Co-Founder Louise Olsen On Building An Iconic Australian Brand

Interior Designer Lauren Li On Creating The Backdrop To Life

Creative Director + Community Leader Grace Dlabik on Australia's Accessible Housing Crisis

Pip Newell On Building The Curated Spaces World, On TDF Talks

Country Road’s Managing Director On The Stickiness Of Sustainable Fashion, On TDF Talks

Jirra Lulla Harvey On The Intersection Between Commerce, Capitalism + Culture, On TDF Talks

TDF Talks with Super Stylist, Jono Fleming

TDF Talks with Artist, Bobby Clark

TDF Talks with Plant Designer, Jenna Holmes of Plant Mama

TDF Talks with Florist Gina Lasker of Georgie Boy

TDF Talks With Tantri Mustika, Ceramicist

TDF Talks with Interior Designer, Mim Fanning

TDF Talks with Interior Designer Mim Fanning

TDF Talks with Interior Designer & Educator Jenna Densten

TDF Talks With Textile Designer Cassie Byrnes

TDF Talks with Author & Food Stylist Donna Hay

TDF Talks with Singer, Songwriter and Storyteller, Clare Bowditch

TDF Talks With Lou Bannister, Co-Founder & Editor of Lunch Lady

TDF Talks with Street Artist, Rone.

TDF Talks with Iconic Australian Artist Ken Done

TDF Talks With Life Coach + Author Kemi Nekvapil

TDF Talks With Sasha Titchkosky, Co-Founder Of Koskela

TDF Talks With Architect, IADV Co-founder, + University Of Melbourne Academic Jefa Greenaway

TDF Talks With Jeremy Wortsman Of The Jacky Winter Group

TDF Talks With Architect Penelope Penelope Seidler

TDF Talks With Influencer + Entrepreneur Courtney Adamo

TDF Talks With Director Of The NGV, Tony Ellwood AM

TDF Talks @Mercedes Me With Justine Cullen

TDF Talks With KeepCup Co-Founder Abigail Forsyth

TDF Talks @Mercedes Me With Paul West

TDF Talks With Peter Maddison

TDF Talks With Landscape Designer Paul Bangay

TDF Talks With Artist David Bromley