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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 Library: passive house insights, benchtop showdowns, and Dulux’s 2026 colour forecast. If you’re building, renovating, or designing, this episode is packed with ideas, advice, and real talk.

Key Takeaways
 – Why “no budget” is a red flag—and how to have better money conversations
 – Client boundaries: texting at midnight vs. genuine connection
 – Redefining AI: how tech can actually help the design process
– CPD, product updates + keeping pace in a changing industry
– The power of in-person presentations and shared learning
– Staying inspired: why it takes effort and intention
– How to use AI images as a springboard for real-life design
– What not to do when working with a designer
– Penny + Verity on imposter syndrome and owning your space
– Paint, pivoting + problem-solving on a tight timeline

Events Mentioned
 📅 7 August — Passive Homes with Mark from My Building
📅 21 August — Benchtop Breakdown with designers + suppliers
📅 28 August — Dulux 2026 Colour Forecast with Davina

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Instagram: @betweentheII_IIs

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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 in 53 days, each climb honouring a life lost. No fundraising, no fanfare—just a call to start talking.

Glen also shares how his journey led to Mental Hunts, an initiative working to change the way mental health is handled for firearms license holders and rural communities. This is an open, honest, and important conversation for anyone in or around the building industry.

Content warning: This episode includes discussions of suicide and depression.

Key Takeaways
 – 53 lives a year: the mental health crisis in construction
 – Glen’s personal story: from rock bottom to recovery
 – Why opening up to a GP was the hardest—and best—decision
 – The power of movement: why walking and talking matters
 – Financial pressure, industry stress, and toxic culture
 – How Turn the Corner got tradies talking on the mountain
 – Mental Hunts: tackling the fear of losing your firearms license
 – What you can say when someone is struggling
 – Why mental health training should be as normal as first aid
 – The need for everyday brain maintenance—not just crisis support

Follow Glen Thurston
 Instagram: @_turnthecorner 
@mentalhunts

Support & Resources
 Mates in Construction — Free, confidential support for workers in the building industry

Follow Between the Walls
 Instagram: @betweentheII_IIs

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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 customisation.

Whether you're planning a build or knee-deep in the final stages, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about what blinds can do for your space.

Key Takeaways
 – Zigbee protocol: smart blinds that integrate with Google Home, Alexa, and more
 – Battery and solar motorisation options for retrofit or off-grid setups
 – Caring for your blinds: simple habits that extend their life
 – Why early communication in the build process is essential
 – Common on-site mistakes—and how to avoid them
 – Choosing the right blinds: start by asking what the space needs to do
 – Metallic-backed and PVC-free fabrics: practical solutions for heat and lifestyle
 – Printed blinds coming soon: for a personalised design touch
 – Where to experience SP Blinds in person across NZ

Follow SP Blinds
 Instagram: @adlibrary.nz
Websites: www.adlibrary.nz | www.spblinds.co.nz

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 Instagram: @betweentheII_IIs

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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 project with a partner, hiring a collaborator, or simply curious about how strong creative partnerships work — this one’s for you.

🧵 In this episode:

• How Penny and Verity first met — and why not starting as friends worked in their favour
  
  
• Co-creation as a balance of dominance and surrender
  
  
• Why working with someone different can elevate your thinking
  
  
• Navigating tension without taking it personally
  
  
• Why they’ve never had a full-blown argument (and don’t expect to)
  
  
• What trust really looks like in business: action, not perfection
  
  
• Dividing roles, staying in your lane, and knowing when to let go
  
  
• The power of aligned vision over identical styles
  
  
• Designing and building in a male-dominated industry — and how they hold their own
  
  
• Common myths about female partnerships — and why they’re still going strong
  
  
• The importance of shared end goals and being flexible on the journey
  
  

💬 Reflections:

“We weren’t friends when we started — and that gave us a clean foundation.”
 “Trust is knowing it’ll get done, even if it’s not in your time frame.”
 “We debate constantly — not to argue, but to create better outcomes.”
 “You don’t have to agree on everything, but you do need to want the same result.”
 “We’ve built something based on respect — and that gives us room to be ourselves.”
 “You don’t need to think alike. You need to listen well.”

💡 Questions from AD Library Members:

• Penny: What does success look like to you?
  
  
• Verity: If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what path might you have taken?
  
  
• Penny: What design rule would you love to break — and why?
  
  
• Verity: What part of the industry do you feel is still stuck in the past?
  
  

💌 Want to learn more?

• Follow the podcast: @betweenthell_lls
  
  
• Explore the Architecture + Design Library: @adlibrary.nz
  
  
• Website: https://www.adlibrary.nz
  
  

Between the Walls is hosted by Janey — opening up warm, grounded conversations with the people reimagining how we design, build, and live in Aotearoa.
 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with someone who’s dreaming up something bold.

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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 hardwoods, and exciting innovations on the horizon.

Whether you're building new, renovating, or specifying materials, this episode offers practical insights, bold truths, and a reminder that what we build with matters more than ever.

🧵 In this episode:

• The Grand Designs story that sparked LMA Timber
• How a single power pole becomes 150m of beautiful cladding
• Reclaimed vs sustainably sourced timber — what's the difference?
• The carbon equation: hardwood vs softwood and tropical alternatives
• Why Australian forestry is setting the global gold standard
• Tracking the origin of every reclaimed pole—yes, really
• The shocking truth about Amazon deforestation and FSC certifications
• Timber density: what makes hardwoods stronger and longer-lasting
• Common misconceptions about hardwood — and what clients should know
• The importance of full-length samples and managing expectations
• Real talk on maintenance, weathering, and warranties
• New product innovations: Grey Box, finger-jointed lengths, batten boards, and more
• A stunning NZ-grown eucalyptus option you can see in the showroom
• Circular thinking: reducing waste through every step of the process
• Local projects, resources, and where to see LMA Timber in real life

💬 Reflections:

“From one reclaimed pole, we can get up to 150 lineal meters of cladding.”
 “Even after transport and processing, our hardwood is still carbon negative.”
 “The Amazon loses the equivalent of Wales in forest every single year.”
 “You can literally hold a hardwood sample in one hand, softwood in the other—and feel the difference.”
 “Clients want beauty, durability, and integrity—and that’s what this timber delivers.”

💌 Want to learn more?
 Find Matt and the team at LMA Timber:
 Showroom: 50 Anderson Road, Wānaka
 Website: www.lmatimber.co.nz
Instagram: @lmatimbernz

You can also find LMA samples at AD Library and in the Placemakers showroom, or request Dropbox links to local projects near you.

Between the Walls is hosted by Janey, bringing you fresh perspectives on building, renovating, and the people shaping our homes and spaces.
 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share this episode with anyone curious about sustainable, long-lasting building materials.

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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 can future-proof our homes and reduce national energy demands.

Whether you’re building new or renovating, this episode offers practical tips on where to start, how to think about cost versus long-term value, and why a shift to passive houses is not just smart—it’s essential.

 In this episode:

• What makes a passive house different (five key components)
  
  
• How passive houses keep homes between 18–25°C all year round
  
  
• Health benefits: dry, mold-resistant, toxin-aware living
  
  
• Common misconceptions and resistance from builders and architects
  
  
• The energy crisis and why New Zealand needs passive homes now
  
  
• Small wins for improving air tightness and insulation on a budget
  
  
• Passive houses for renovations — it’s not just new builds
  
  
• Why fireplaces may no longer make sense in a passive house
  
  
• Real feedback from families living in passive houses—comfort and energy savings
  
  
• How passive house design adapts to different climates and sites
  
  
• The importance of energy modelling for smarter home design
  
  
• Where to find resources and experts to get started
  
  

 Reflections:

“Why wouldn’t you want to be in the most comfortable, healthy, warm environment possible?”
 “We’re always emitting heat—losing it through gaps is just wasted energy.”
 “Clients who live in passive houses report huge savings and incredible comfort.”
 “Building differently means thinking five steps ahead.”
 “This is your opportunity—find the experts and get excited about it.”

 Want to learn more?
Find Mark and the team at MA Building:

• Website: www.mabuilding.co.nz
• Instagram: @mabuilding_wanaka

Check the show notes for links, and get in touch with us to keep the conversation going.

Between the Walls is hosted by Janey, bringing you fresh perspectives on building, renovating, and the people shaping our homes and spaces.

🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share this episode with anyone curious about better living spaces.

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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 share how trusting your instinct can guide your creative journey. This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to be “ready” or “perfect” before starting something new.

🧵 In this episode:
• Holding your ground and earning respect on a job site
• The emotional and practical cost of being an interior designer
• Why undercharging hurts more than just your business
• Trusting your instinct to shape your design and business style
• Collaborating across disciplines—how respect transforms projects
• Redefining perfectionism: when to strive and when to let go

🛠 Listener Q&A:
One simple budget-friendly way to refresh a space?
🎨 Paint walls
🛋 Move furniture
🧹 Declutter and create calm

💬 Reflections:

“Respect starts with knowing your worth.”
 “Design is deeply emotional — you carry people’s homes with you.”
 “Messiness isn’t failure; sometimes it’s the only way forward.”

💌 Have a question for Penny & Verity?
Send it on Instagram @betweenthell_II. Practical, random, or curious — your question might feature in a future episode!

Between the Walls is hosted by Janey, with Penny & Verity from the Architecture & Design Library — a hub for design professionals to connect, create, and thrive.

🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share with someone who needs this reminder: You don’t have to be perfect, just willing.

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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 Takeaways

• Dekton is made from a blend of 20 natural minerals and is non-porous, UV-resistant, and incredibly durable—making it a true lifetime product.
• It’s ideal for interior and exterior use, including facades, benchtops, and even outdoor kitchens.
• Available in New Zealand since 2015, its popularity continues to grow.
• Installation must be done by trained professionals due to its unique properties.
• Sustainability is core to Cosentino’s mission—Dekton has a low carbon footprint and is made with natural materials.
• Minimal maintenance is required—just soap and water does the job.
• Cosentino is currently developing a hybrid surface, combining the strengths of Dekton and engineered stone.
• Ongoing education for builders and designers is vital for wider adoption in the industry.
  
  

Episode Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Dekton and Cosentino
 01:49 — The Versatility of Dekton
 03:40 — Innovative Applications of Dekton
 06:25 — Challenges and Solutions in Installation
 09:43 — Sustainability and Maintenance Benefits
 12:14 — Future Innovations and New Products

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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 trio also explores the subtle art of reading clients, embracing personal design styles, and how the AD Library has grown into a place where people feel like they belong.

🧵 In this episode:

• The real job of a designer: emotional load, last-minute changes, and owning mistakes
  
  
  
• Why interior designers often carry the project across the finish line
  
  
  
• Window treatments, white kitchens, and the myths of “just picking a paint colour”
  
  
  
• Creating spaces that reflect personality — not just resale value
  
  
  
• The joy of shared spaces, dream teams, and collaborative working
  
  
  
• Why the AD Library feels like home (and not just another design showroom)
  
  
  
• A rapid-fire Q&A: go-to paint colours, least favourite trends, and dream design styles
  
  
  

🛠 Listener Q&A Highlights:

• Go-to white paint? Opanoni Half, Man Aspiring, and warm whites with depth
  
  
  
• Secretly over? Hex tiles and white kitchens
  
  
  
• Design styles? Penny = colour, texture, joy. Verity = neutral, refined, aligned
  
  
  
• Bonus: How to choose a colour palette based on someone’s outfit
  
  
  

💌 Have a question for Penny or Verity?
 Send it to us on Instagram @betweenthell_II  whether it’s cheeky, curious, or completely off the wall. Your question might feature in a future episode.

Between the Walls is hosted by Janey, in collaboration with Penny & Verity of the Architecture & Design Library — a space where design professionals gather, create, and connect.
 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and share it with someone who gets it.

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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 House supports the wider industry in delivering high-performance homes.
• Homes are constructed using an offsite, panelised system for fast on-site assembly.
• The company maintains quality through a focus on architecturally designed builds.
• Planning is streamlined by applying learnings from previous projects.
• Nationwide collaboration with architects and builders boosts project efficiency.
• A decentralised manufacturing approach helps de-risk projects for clients.
• High-performance homes are especially vital in New Zealand’s colder regions.
• Designs offer flexibility for future expansion.
• Sustainability is central—prioritising energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
• Flexi House works closely with councils to navigate building consent processes.

Chapters
00:00 — Introduction to Flexi House and Its Mission
03:01 — Innovative Construction Methods and Systems
05:50 — Decentralised Manufacturing and Risk Management
09:05 — Flexibility and Future-Proofing in Home Design
11:55 — Sustainability and High-Performance Homes
15:10 — Collaboration with Architects and Building Consents
18:03 — Growth and Future Plans for Flexi House