In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Dean Dyson from Dean Dyson Architects

In this episode we talk about:

• Dean is from England and spent his childhood growing up near Manchester.
• After graduating school, Dean was interested in structural expressionism and really wanted to work for Grimshaw Architects.
• Landing a job in the Grimshaw Melbourne office cemented his passion for architecture. So, Dean moved back to England to complete his studies before returning to Australia.
• Working for Grimshaw Architects and collaborating with others was a really enjoyable part of the process for him.
• Knowing he wanted to create his own ideas, Dean started out on his own with a small Pool house here in Melbourne.
• The ‘Edge House’ and coming up with different concepts and trusting Dean to make good choices for them.
• The ‘Cloud House’ in Malvern, Melbourne which was a residential knockdown and re-build
• Dean says, ‘Design follow you around’ and he spends his spare time filling his inspiration tank.
• Dean takes a moment to reflect, not something he often does, and shares the big lessons.
• Building culture within Dyson Architects and the importance of ‘challenging the norm’.
• The future goals and aspirations for Dean and his studio.
• Managing the growth of Dyson Architects and pivoting.
• Dean’s ultimate dream for the future.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Dean Dyson, from Dean Dyson Architects.

Links:

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Dean Dyson Architects

Follow @deandysonarchitects on Instagram

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Gary Windiate from Windiate Architects.

In this episode we talk about:

• Growing up in England and moving to Australia when he was 25 years old.
• Gary always wanted to become an Architect but was unable to pass his first exams.
• He believes you should put all your effort into something you absolutely love and although it took him a little longer, he finally graduated.
• His first Architectural job brought him to Australia and the connections he made during this time.
• After in 1998 he come over to Australia permanently and started working on some of his own projects.
• After a back injury in 2007, Gary decided to start a his own architectural firm.
• The goals of Windiate Architects and the projects Gary was intentional about saying ‘yes’ to.
• Gary looks at each project as a puzzle and walks us through his client engagement process.
• The creative opportunities that have opened up since the pandemic and the shifts in priorities Gary has experienced.
• Intentionally resourcing mostly Australian Made products.
• Out of adversity, you can get some great results.
• Gary’s favourite material is still a humble piece of timber.
• His extensive work in the community and how this has impacted his life and architectural firm.
• The future for Gary Windiate and his team.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Gary Windiate from Windiate Architects

Links:

Build Hatch

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Windiate Architects

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from the Director of Emily Armstrong Architects.

In this episode we talk about:

• Growing up in Melbourne and realising, in year 12, she wanted to pursue architecture.
• Being good at maths and science and having a creative streak, led Emily to the profession.
• Her experience of studying architecture at University – expectations vs reality.
• Being interested in food, Emily has started to develop a product line of breakfast cereals.
• Falling in love with the business side of architecture and the organic growth that led to her establishing Emily Armstrong Architects.
• The typical process Emily’s clients go through.
• Architecture and client trends since the Covid pandemic.
• Emily also does interior design including custom cabinetry and lighting.
• The whole idea that someone can encourage you to see something from a different perspective, but also, translate that to the nuts and bolts.
• Guiding clients in a direction – encouraging and influencing.
• The Grey Street residence project, a heritage Victorian Terrance in East Melbourne.
• The current economical climate and how this has impacted the building and construction industry.
• Emily’s experience working with builders and her tips for finding a good match.
• When not working Emily enjoys creating with food and hopes to travel again soon.
• The future for Emily Armstrong.
• Emily’s favourite design trends at the moment.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Emily Armstrong Architects.

Links:

Build Hatch

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Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

Emily Armstrong Architects 

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Steph Richardson from InBetween Architecture

In this episode, we talk about:

• Steph finished school and went to study music and the arts – this was her first exposure to Architecture.
• She instantly fell in love with the history and cultural influence that came along with architecture.
• Steph enrolled as a ‘mature age student’ at age 21 at the Melbourne University’s Architecture program and ‘strapped in for 6 years of study’.
• Her advice for those on the long study path of architecture.
• Working in medium sized firms and the opportunities she had for learning.
• The correlation between music and, the creative process of architects.
• Steph says, ‘Music is the space between the notes – that’s where the drama comes in.’ This is where their idea for the name ‘InBetween Architecture’ came from.
• The Engawa Japanese veranda.
• Steph walks us through step-by-step the re-design of a family home.
• She says, ‘They key is to get individual elements to talk to each other and, reinforcing that.’
• Working with clients and, Steph’s process for figuring out what they actually want.
• When designing a home it is important to consider the different stages of life and, creating a space to support that.
• The moment Steph realised that architects and builders are the same – the love the challenge and want to bring the picture in their head to life.
• The Future for InBetween Architecture

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Steph Richardson from InBetween Architecture

Links:

Build Hatch

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InBetween Architecture

Connect with Steph on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Brett Winter from Geelong Port - The APP Group.

In this episode we talk about:

• Growing up in Melbourne, which is his home base.
• How Brett found himself immersed in the world of logistics and shipping, .
• Making an offer to build a new port in Geelong, a 40minuite drive from Melbourne city.
• Brett dreamt big with the Port proposal asking them what was on their wish list – then, he made them an offer they couldn’t refuse.
• As the CEO of such a large business, Brett then had to weigh up weather to manage the project internally or use an external consultant.
• A project like building a Port, only comes along every 50 years.
• Executing the construction phase and brining in The APP Group.
• Knowing when to bring in the experts to ensure you deliver the end result.
• The deadline of the port for the Spirit of Tasmania.
• The early steps of physically setting up the site
• Operating at a CEO level and keeping an eye on the overall business.
• The cost of building the Spirit Port.
• The unique approach by using three principal supervisors on site.
• Contract packages, tendering, Lump Sum, DNC, and the rising approach of Target Pricing.
• Delivering outcomes on the premise of solving the problems on the go.
• The future for the Geelong Port and the impact is had made on the region.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Brett Winter from Geelong Port.

Links:

Build Hatch

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Geelong Port - The APP Group

Connect with Brett on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to speak with Mark Alves from MAP Architects.

In this episode we talk about:

• Growing up in Sydney, Mark’s childhood dream was to become an architect, without any external factors.
• Studying at UTS and his experience whilst at university.
• The dropout rate of budding architects and, learning to manage the workload.
• After finishing Uni, Mark took an overseas holiday and then arrived home and looked for work.
• His first residential Architectural role, where he stayed for 10 years and, the type of jobs he enjoyed.
• The strong relationship with between Mark and boss Russel, who encouraged Mark to start his own business while under Russel’s wing.
• Mentorship, learning from each other and strong relationships.
• His most popular project was a contemporary Mediterranean styled home in local Sydney.
• Senior living residents in and creating a community with clubhouses, amenities and other facilities.  
• Mark explains the term ‘manufactured housing’ and the permanent nature of these buildings.
• Sydney and the Hunters Hill construction Market.
• Mark says, ‘People still see value in their home living spaces, no matter the external factors.’
• Picking and choosing the work that Mark, and his team at MAP, enjoy working on.
• For Mark, downtime is all about family life.
• Mark’s long-term goal of travelling the world so his children can see their heritage.
• The future for MAP Architects.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Mark Alves from MAP Architects  

Links:

Build Hatch

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MAP Architects  

Follow @map.arch on Instagram

** Trigger warning **

This episode contains conversations about suicide, if you would like to speak to someone from TIACS you can get in contact on 0488 846 988 or visit their website at www.tiacs.org/

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Ed Ross from Trade Mutt.

In this episode we talk about:

• Ed is based in Queensland and grew up in the centre of the State.
• Whilst at boarding school Ed was unable to sit still and moved to the Northern Territory after graduating to work on a 4 million hector cattle station.
• After moving back to Brisbane, Ed enrolled in a mature aged carpentry apprenticeship, which is where he met his now business partner and Dan Allen.
• At the end of 2015, Dan lost one of his mates to suicide which brought to light the large mental health issues within the construction industry.
• The beginnings of TradeMutt.
• The goal is early intervention. Getting people working on their mental health journey early, to ensure we have the tools in our toolkit to manage those stressful times.
• Setting up ‘This Is a Conversation Starter’ (TIACS) a not-for-profit mental health support service funded by TradeMutt. It is both a text and call service providing access to mental health clinicians in a free and easy to use from available Monday to Friday from 8am-10pm.
• Ed tells us about this workwear rage and Funky Shirt Fridays.
• The TIACS call room, which has over 38 clinical support people employed to give this free service for up to 10 sessions per individual.
• TradeMutt gives 50% of it’s profits to TIACS which has funded over 2600 hours of free mental health support
• The range of contributing factors that are adding stress to those working in the building and construction industry.
• The culture of ‘toughing it out’ and how pocket QR codes are opening the dialogue.
• Outside of work, Ed loves his footy and spending time with those that matter most.
• Ways you can support TIACS by purchasing your workwear from TradeMutt.

Sit back and enjoy this interesting interview with Ed Ross from Trade Mutt.

Links:

Build Hatch

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TradeMutt

TIACS.org

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Sam Barlow from Barlow Building.

In this episode we talk about:

• Sam has been living on the Gold Coast of Queensland since he was two and loves everything it has to offer.
• The construction climate of the Gold Coast and how much the demand has risen in recent years.
• Sam left school at grade 10 to start his Landscape Construction apprenticeship.
• The transition from Landscape construction to residential construction and the reasons for the transition.
• Sam says, with age and learning comes awareness and his approach to work during his first few apprentice years.
• Honesty and hard-work are the core values of business for Sam and his team.
• The beginnings of Barlow Building, with a small push from his beautiful now-wife.
• Throwing yourself in the deep-end and learning how to swim.
• Why Sam took on weekend work to improve his carpentry skills.
• Keeping up your responsibilities to your staff and knowing when it is the right time to increase your team.
• For Sam, team members need to have a good energy on site and, respect for those apprentices and appreciations for those who are still learning.  
• Asking his team each month; ‘What have we done in the last month that you have enjoyed, something you want to start and, what improvements can be made?’
• The relationship builders have with trades and how this has shifted since the Covid pandemic.
• The ‘Burleigh Apartment Project’ including some of the challenges, and lessons learnt along the way.
• Designing a hidden bookcase made of steel and client trust and acceptance.
• Sam’s pricing structure and his tips for cost-plus contracts.
• Outside of work, Sam enjoys taking advantage of the Gold Coast’s weather and amazing lifestyle it has to offer.
• The future for Barlow Building and his amazing team.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Sam Barlow from Barlow Building.

Links:

Build Hatch

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram 

Follow @barlowbuilding on Instagram

Barlow Building

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Bryce Ireland from Ireland Tiling.

In this episode we talk about:

• Growing up in up in Emerald VIC before moving to Melbourne after getting married.
• Bryce wasn’t a pen and paper guy so, he finished his high school studies as soon as he could before getting a job.
• The beginnings of Bryce’s work-life as he trialled cabinetry, welding, call centre, sales and much more.
• The fundamentals of business and the experience Bryce gained moving job to job.
• Variety of work and environments attracted Bryce to the tiling industry and he finally found his craft.
• Finding commercial tiling to be unsustainable financially, Bryce stepped out on his own and started Ireland Tiling.
• The first few years of cold calling and growing the business to now a 11-man staff.
• Working with sub-contractors and the pros and cons of this staffing style.
• ‘We’re all relying on each other in construction so, communication is key’
• The big jobs of waterproofing and the common challenges tilers face.
• Bryce’s favourite tiling products as well as new trends.
• The future for Ireland Tiling
• Construction can mean delays in payment and how Bryce manages this within his business.
• Doing research before quoting by using ‘creditor watch’ to avoid financial hardship up front.
• The early learnings for Bryce as a tiler.
• Outside of work, Bryce is a family man with a passion for cars and motor bikes.
• Bryce’s reflections on Ireland Tiling and his hopes for the future.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Bryce Ireland from Ireland Tiling

Links:

Build Hatch

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Ireland Tiling

Follow @ ireland_tiling_melbourne on Instagram

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Brad Reeves from Trend Building Solutions

In this episode we talk about:

• Brad grew up in Canberra NSW, as the son of a hard-working single dad who owned a small business / lawn mowing company.
• Although he had goals to become a panel beater, he decided to go down the carpentry path for the lifestyle outside.  
• The entry to construction came in the form of an apprenticeship in Cabinet making.
• After several years in carpentry, Brad decided to step out on his own and started ‘Trend Building Solutions’ at the age of 23.
• At the beginning, Brad started with real-estate maintenance and naturally progressed into building homes full time.
• The construction industry in Canberra in the current climate and, the public service requirements and government funding for those projects.  
• The challenge of sourcing materials and the increase in steel frame construction.   
• Working in the cold months, managing a small team and working through the unexpected events.
• Canberra is generally based on rates when it comes to pricing and pricing at a per metre rate and how this is calculated.
• Emerging trends in metal cladding in Canberra.
• Marketing, collaboration and the strong word-of mouth benefits in Canberra.
• The process of acquiring a building licence in Canberra and surrounding area.
• Outside of work, Brad enjoys Rugby League and this year has started coaching his 5-year-old son’s team.
• Brad’s reflections on his career and his advice to a ‘young Brad’.
• How he manages staff as they leave to move on to the next thing – he calls this the full circle.
• Brad discusses ‘completing the circle’ – assisting those who want to start their own business and the support he provides.
• The future for Trend Building Solutions

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Brad Reeves from Trend Building Solutions.

Links:

Build Hatch

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Follow @trendingingbuildingsolutions on Instagram

Trend Building Solutions