In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Darin Bradbury from Mint Design.

In this episode we talk about:

• Darin started his career in the wine industry as a winemaker but was always more interested in biology.
• His choice to study Horticulture at Melbourne University, where he made some great connections.
• Darin’s life-long love for gardens which, came from this grandparent and how this shaped him as a young man.
• Passion for making the most of a space, convenience and low maintenance.
• Darin’s approach was to gain as much experience as possible while studying.
• His time as a commercial landscaper and, the programs he uses for digital landscape design.
• How Landscaping Design grows as more plant varieties become available.
• The shift in the way that people see landscaping and its value.
• The value of landscaping has risen since the pandemic as we are spending more time at home.
• There has been a perspective shift on the value of landscaping as it has become an Artesian trade.
• The variety of creative outdoor projects which can fit on your property - if you have the space.
• Landscaping does not have a regularity standard, and Darin shares the value of a qualified Landscaper.
• Darin’s shares some of his recent projects.
• Collaboration between trades that are generally needed on a landscaping project.
• Setting the expectations of the client.
• Fire pits, pools and off-form concrete and other innovations in the industry,
• Australia is the biggest consumer of pool tiles per capita in the world.
• We are now willing to pay for something that looks amazing and the problem solving needed in the design.
• Darin’s top tips for screening plants plus the trend of bringing in mature trees.
• Outside of work Darin is enjoying basketball and is enjoying sports again.
• The history behind the name, ‘Mint Design’ and the marketing approach behind the business.
• The trick is to ‘Balance the practical with the beautiful’

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Darin Bradbury from Mint Design.

Links:

Build Hatch

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram 

Mint Design

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Matt Perrott from BuildPass.  

In this episode we talk about:

• Matt grew up in Victoria with lots of outside activities and was a hands-on young man.
• After school, he did a Batchelor of commerce with the goals of becoming a Civil Engineer.
• Realising that a career in commerce was not as exciting as first thought, Matt became interested in start-up business’.
• 5 years ago, Matt was in the midst of a social media boom and changed tactics to study software.
• Matt’s software degree was a challenge and at times daunting, however, ‘like anything you bite off small pieces and you will make progress'.
• Matt’s first exposure to the construction tech world.
• Finding a niche, applying existing technology and working towards changing people’s lives.
• The ‘why’ behind BuildPass and the work that they do.
• Matt deliberately spent the first few months of business researching and understanding problems in the construction industry to determine whether his product would actually solve these problems.
• Designing software is the easy part – it is working out whether or not people will actually want the solution you are selling.
• Learning and listening to create a product that will naturally market itself through warm leads rather than hard marketing strategies.
• The practical benefits of using Build Pass as someone who works in construction.
• The more data you can capture in one place, the easier it is to keep records.
• Matt explains the subscription pricing model.
• Keeping current client’s happy before expanding, to ensure longevity and a high-quality product.
• A balanced partner, methodical thinking and a structured systematic rollout has been the key BuildPass’ success thus far.
• QR Codes, ticket wallet integrations, sharing capabilities and the value of these electronic systems.
• Outside of work, Matt is an avid surfer and passionate about his local life-saving clubs.
• The advantages of BuildPass, not only for Builders, but sub-contractors and all other trades.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Matt Perrott from BuildPass. 

Links:

Build Hatch

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram 

BuildPass

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Roger Borland from Borland Architecture.

In this episode we talk about:

• Roger grew up in North Western Ireland on a cattle and sheep farm, growing up 1 of 8 kids.
• As a child, Roger was very hands-on and shares his first experience of architecture in secondary school doing technical drawings.
• Following school, Roger completed a practical foundation course in construction which lasted 2 years.
• After this bridging course, Roger commenced his studies in Architecture and moved to England to attend the University of Lincoln and Humberside Hull.
• Meeting his now-wife while in England.
• Roger goes into detail about the different parts of his degree and the required years of experience.
• His first job as an architect working for a Conservation Architecture firm, doing Modern design with his own clients.
• 24 months of onsite experience and completing his Post-Grad at Liverpool and, the advantage of this practical work.
• The trust needed between client and architect.
• After finishing his degree Roger and his wife moved to Australia as tourists but, eventually moved here permanently.
• The opportunity to step into the design and build space where Roger learnt the mechanics and economics of this work.
• Collaboration is key from concept to handover.
• Roger shares the beginnings of Borland Architecture as it was an unplanned partnership.
• The impact of the Pandemic for Roger as he became fully independent in business.
• The importance of designing for the end-user and wholistic design.
• ‘We can do better’ and, maintaining design while dealing with the current price rises in the building and construction industry.
• Briefing clients, pre-feasibility stages and value management prior to the commitment of a build.
• Roger’s perspective on defects and the quality of builds in the current building climate. 
• Passive houses are healthier buildings and, better regulated during the building process.
• The practical elements and design of managing air flow in a passive home.
• Roger says, ‘A home is a kit of parts’ and reviewing the ‘parts’ to ensure quality.
• For Roger, soccer is a large part of his life, both as a fan and player. He shares the mental value and benefits of this sport for himself and others.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Roger Borland from Borland Architecture.

Links:

Build Hatch

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram 

Borland Architecture

Connect with Roger Borland on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we sat down with Jason Samargis from Multi Dwell Developments.

In this episode we talk about:

• Jason grew up in Melbourne and says he was a practical kid growing up and was always hands on.
• Following school, he followed the path of building surveying however, after a year, decided to switch to carpentry.
• Jason shares the entertaining story behind receiving his first apprenticeship in residential construction.
• The first few years of Jason’s career and how his love for soccer and construction collided.
• The first few years Jason worked on townhouses, did some sub-contractor work before getting his Cert IV in building and construction with Master Builders and fast-tracked Workplace Health and Safety Cert IV.
• Following his certifications, Jason had exposure to steel frame construction.
• The differences in working with steel framing vs wood framing as a carpenter.
• Jason’s time as a supervisor for 12 townhouses following which, he jumped between the tools and working as a Safety Officer.
• Jason shares his uncles battle with mental health and how this experience changes his perspective on life.
• Realising his passion for the hands-on side of building, Jason pursued his building licence and shares what this experience was like for him.
• After passing his building test, Jason’s first job was on channel 9’s The Block which came through his HiPages ratings.
• The story behind Multi Dwell Developments and the path Jason would like to see it expand to.
• Jason’s collaboration with MYOB and how this software has helped him in his new business ventures.
• Jason’s advice for anyone wanting to get into business for themselves.
• The value of reputation and word of mouth referrals.
• Outside of work, Jason plays soccer and shares the time he spent in Scotland playing in the snow.
• The Docklands project and how Jason managed to get this job done over such a short period of time.
• Jason’s approach to pricing and, his advice for those considering a pivot in their career.
• The importance of client satisfaction, communication and having mentors.
• Jason’s approach to building up relationships with both clients and Architects.
• His perspective on the current building and supply environment in Australia in 2021.
• Aaron shares news of the upcoming Build Hatch Marketplace and how this could relieve some of the pressure felt by the building and construction industry.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Jason Samargis.

Links:

Build Hatch

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram 

Multi Dwell Developments

MYOB

Jason Samargis on LinkedIn

Follow @multidwell_developments on Instagram

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Rob Schaasberg from Builder's Edge Consulting.

In this episode we talk about:

• Rob grew up in New Zealand and grew up on 2500 acres where he learnt many essential life skills.
• Not having a clear passion after graduating high school, Rob took a 2-year gap year after which he settled into the study of construction management.
• Practical experience and creating connections with builders helped Rob apply everything he was learning to the industry.
• Moved to London for 2 years with his now wife, Rob became a construction recruiter where he quickly realised selling is not for him.
• After ‘throwing a dart at Melbourne’ Rob and his wife then moved to Australia.
• His time with HIA and the experience he gained from this role.  
• Rob was thrown into the deep end but, found his passion for construction once again.
• The motivation behind starting Builder's Edge Consulting.
• The self-imposed pressure required to launch a business and, being accountable to others.
• Rob’s golden advice to anyone starting a business; ‘Get a good accountant because it changes your world.’
• Using connections to his advantage, Rob was able to share the straight and true information for how to become a registered builder in Victoria.
• The process of becoming a registered builder in Australia and how Rob coaches clients through this historically difficult process.
• The reason it is tough to get a building registration and the legislative system involved.
• Rob explains what it looks like to work with Builder's Edge including Rob’s pre-application advice.
• Rob’s course is a one-on-one service and the advantages of completing a building application through Builder's Edge Consulting.
• Rob’s approach to the personal life and, creating a course to fit around that.
• The relationship between Builder's Edge and Carpentry Australia.
• The strike rate and how Rob prepares his participants for success.
• Commitment, honesty, accountability and drive are all needed to become a registered builder.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Rob Schaasberg from Builder's Edge Consulting.

Links:

Builders Edge Consulting

Robert Schaasberg on LinkedIn

Build Hatch

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram 

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Mark Asimus from Hunter Frame & Truss.

In this episode we talk about:

• Mark grew up on a cattle farm but realised early on that farming can be a hard, lonely life. 
• After a few months’ opal mining, Mark was offered a role at a framing factory which, is where the story begins.
• Mark worked his way up to being the NSW sales manager and gained critical industry understanding over many years.
• The story behind purchasing Hunter Frame & Truss.
• The challenges of owning a frame and manufacturing company in construction.
• Mark shares that the relationships formed in business are the key for success.
• The process of manufacturing at Hunter Frame & Truss.
• The average time it takes to prepare timber for a build.
• Mark walks us through the timber’s journey through his factory.
• The emerging timber supply problems we are experiencing, and Marks perspective on this issue.
• The impact the timber shortage is having on flooring systems.
• Mark shares the flow on effect he is seeing during this uncertain time for the building and construction industry.
• 20-30% of timber used in Australia is imported from overseas.
• The number of builders in Australia who are now unable to keep up with the financial burden from this issue.
• People are the core of Mark’s business and this will not change – no matter the climate of the industry.
• Mark says, ‘We have to design our way out of this timber shortage’.
• The importance of loyalty from supplies, all the way down to customers.
• Outside of work, Mark is an avid golfer and enjoys an overnight on his touring road-bike.
• Mark reflects on his time in business.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Mark Asimus from Hunter Frame & Truss.

Links:

Build Hatch

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram 

Mark Asimus from Hunter Frame & Truss

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, Aaron Kyle will be bringing to light the crisis we are seeing in the construction industry at the moment. Joining him is Mark Asimus from Hunter Frame & Truss. Mark will share his perspective as we take a stand together for the good of the construction industry.

In this episode we’ll discuss:

• The Master Builders Association Australia estimates there are 70,000 construction workers unable to work due to pandemic restrictions.
• There is 2.3 million small business’ in Australia who contribute 4.18 billion to our economy – 8% is generated by small construction business.
•  In March 2020 the pandemic reached Australia – Mark says during March to September 2020 he was at least 30-50% down on a monthly basis. However, in September, all of the sudden, the work was back with the help of the government subsidies.
• At the end of 2019, Australia also experienced the Black Summer Bushfires which impacted wood supplies but may have boosted the building and construction industry as we start to rebuild the homes of those affected.
• Mark is located in the Hunter Valley – his timber supplies come from the Bathurst region in NSW, where he now has a limited allocation.
• Timber and pine suppliers are owned by a combination of government (around 70% nationwide) and long-standing family business’.
• Ensuring the future wood supplies considering a pine tree takes 9 years to grow before it can be logged.
• HIA recently published that in the June 2021 quarter for new homes, there was an 11% increase nationwide.
• Mark explains how the price increases have impacted his business. There has been up to a 67% increase in price compared to previous years. ‘I can only guarantee my prices for 7 days now’ says Mark.
• As a result of wood supplies, and increased prices, builders are handing back contracts and losing livelihoods. We have a crisis on our hands.
• Aaron says, ‘I am putting together an exclusive network of people who will be able to lobby together to the people who supply these materials.’ He will share how you, as a member of the Build Hatch community, can support this cause.

Let’s all stand together as a community and bring about the change we all need to see to ensure the longevity of our industry.

Links:

Build Hatch

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram 

Mark Asimus from Hunter Frame & Truss

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Adrian De Boucherville from After Dark Design.

In this episode we talk about:

• Adrian started out in industrial design and shares the inspiration for starting on this career path.
• Adrian grew up in a family of designers and problem solvers so, industrial design was a natural fit for him.
• After a few years in the industry, Adrian became bored and shares how working for ‘Argyle House’, in hospitality, led to the start of his adventure into restaurant and club refurbishments.
• Adrian then began to re-design and fit out other clubs and pubs around Newcastle.
• Rolling from one project into another, allowed Adrian to keep the same sub-contractors and keep the autonomy of the projects going.
• Quantifying budgets, working with heritage listed buildings and capturing the needs of a business.
• The value of good communication, compromise and loyalty.
• How Adrian uses his gut instinct and intuition to work out the costs of a project.
• The beginnings of After Dark Design.
• One of Adrian’s first projects was the ‘Meet Restaurant’.
• The differences between commercial and residential design.
• In commercial work, there is a lot more room for risky design which Adrian loves.
• Working for clients who trust Adrian’s creative flair and are willing to let him have freedom.
• Designing for the end-user and creating interactive spaces.
• Increasing the revenue of locations through layout and creative design.
• Outside of design, Adrian loves to ride his motorbike and is currently renovating his own home.
• Creating a client journey within a hair salon and having to pivot on location and parameters.
• Design, for Adrian, is more than just space – it’s the functionality and flow.
• Adrian’s hospitality experience has become a huge asset as he understands the needs of their patrons.
• How he has created profit for business’ by changing a layout.
• COVID’s impact on people’s thinking and adapting to change.  
• Adrian’s goal is to keep business’ trading. If that means creating a temporary kiosk, he will do it!
• According to Adrian, research is the key to overcoming any challenging project.
• Being able to lean on other trades for advice has been essential and Adrian sees the value in teamwork.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Adrian De Boucherville from After Dark Design.

Links:

Build Hatch

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram 

After Dark Design

Follow @afterdarkdesignau on Instagram

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Robbie Stratti from Stratti Building Group.

In this episode we talk about:

• Robbie grew up in Sydney with his younger brother and parents.

• His grandfather had three family businesses – an excavation company, earthmoving equipment manufacturing company and an excavation sales business.

• Growing up in the family business’ sparked Robbie’s ambitious nature as a child and he always knew he would become involved in construction.

• Robbie shares how a trip to Africa ignited a deep and meaningful passion for building spaces.

• After the passing of his Father while in Africa, Robbie took over the project which would house 50 residents.

• He goes into detail about the project in Africa which won a world architecture award and, the impact it had on the local community.

• After living in Africa for a year, Robbie returned to Australia and started to work towards the next steps which led him to work, for a while, in the Civil sector.

• Robbie enrolled into Tafe and was then led into a fast-paced learning environment in his workplace.

• How the rollercoaster ride of his first few years back in Australia led to Robbie registering his own company, Stratti Building Group.

• Asking the why, being direct and having an overview of a project.

• Adversity is an opportunity for growth.

• Working as a project manager on three separate homes and Robbie’s learnings from this time.

• Robbie’s first build on his own and the support he received from local architects and sub-contractors.

• The value of relationships and how Robbie’s connections gave him the confidence to move forward.

• Changing construction methodology in the building space.

• Robbie gives us examples of his approach to marketing and preliminary agreements.

• Transparency and capturing the bigger picture of pricing.

• Taking a collaborative approach to a building as a whole entire process.

• Outside of work, Robbie is married with two beautiful children and shares how starting a family has positively impacted his life and business.

• The future for Stratti Building Group.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Robbie Stratti from Stratti Building Group.

Links:

Build Hatch

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram 

Stratti Building Group

Follow @strattibuilding on Instagram

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Joel Stewart from Lime Building Group. 

In this episode we talk about: 

• Joel grew up on the South Coast of NSW as the eldest of five and lived on a 10-acre farm right on the coast.  
• Being a practical learner Joel, started a carpentry apprenticeship with a high-end builder early on.  
• Joel shares how his first boss turned ‘a boy into a man’ and the value of earning your keep in a trade.  
• After finishing his apprenticeship, Joel booked a one-way ticket to Indonesia and spent the next period of his life travelling, surfing and working.  
• Joel returned home to start Lime Building Group in his late 20s.   
• The beginnings of Lime Building Group as Joel started with a business partner, which eventually split into two businesses due to rapid growth.
• The relationship between the Southern Highlands, the South Coast, and the building industry boom.  
• Lime Building Group is well known for premier beachside homes and Joel shares how this has evolved over time.  
• The high value Joel places on the relationships with both the client and architect on a build.  
• Architectural builds vs project homes.  
• Joel’s tips for costing projects and ‘the triangle’ analogy.   
• Joel walks us through the Pheasant Point project.  
• The client centric attitude towards a build and supporting their journey. 
• Thinking outside the box as well as keeping the budget in mind. 
• Outside of work surfing is meditation for Joel, along with being available for his family. 
• The Future for Lime Building Group.  

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Joel Stewart from Lime Building Group.   

Links: 

Lime Building Group 

Follow @limebuildinggroup on Instagram 

Build Hatch 

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram