In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Luke Mahaffey from LJMA.

In this episode we talk about:

• Luke was born and bred in Newcastle and is proud to be a part of the city and the way it has evolved.
• Luke’s journey into Architecture and his passion for becoming a real and practical architect.
• Luke took a more holistic approach University during his 5-year Architecture degree designing for the build not the marks.
• His first role at a mid-tier architecture firm did not quite fulfil Luke’s passion for design. 
• The evolution of LJMA as Luke took steps to start his own firm.
• Seeing the business side of architecture gave Luke a better sense of practical design.
• Playing a round of Golf is Luke’s form of marketing.
• How to go from designing a single dwelling to multi-residential projects.
• Luke’s sink or swim moment.
• The future for LJMA.
• Golf has become an outlet for Luke and finds it re-invigorates him for his work.
• The West End project in Newcastle and Luke’s favourite aspects of this apartment.
• Luke enjoys diversity and also works on residential projects.
• Luke is pragmatic and will always help his clients understand the big picture.
• Newcastle’s building restrictions being an old mining city, on top of water tables.

Sit back and enjoy this insightful interview with Architect Luke Mahaffey.

Links:

LJM Architecture

Follow @ljmarchitecture on Instagram

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from the wonderful and fun pair of interior designers, Riss & Court from Bone and Blanc Interiors.   

In this episode we talk about: 

• Riss & Court met while working together on project homes which was a great foundation for starting their own business.  
• Court is originally from Canada and on a holiday to Newcastle she fell in love with Australia and never left.  
• Riss is a local Newcastle girl and grew up in a small town. 
• The difference in the Interior Design space between now and 13 years ago when Riss completed her interior design course.  
• Both Riss and Court have an undeniable passion for Interior design and this love for the industry motivated them to step out together at the beginning of 2020 to start Bone and Blanc Interiors. 
• The origins of the name Bone and Blanc Interiors  
• Bone and Blanc Interiors focuses on renovations as well as internal styling and they share their process.  
• Riss and Court are their own brand and pride themselves on being genuine, honest and real.  
• Bone and Blanc have found their niche in a saturated market using particular colour pallets. 
• Working during COVID and how Riss and Court pivoted to take advantage of working online. 
• The process of working with Bone and Blanc Interiors and the importance of creating mood and sample boards.   
• Their goal is to work alongside trades and turn their clients house into a home.  
• The importance of communication between Riss and Court as a partnership.  
• In the ‘Mayf Springs’ project, Riss and Court are working with a family to create the home of their dreams . 
• Some of the upcoming projects for Bone and Blanc Interiors. 
• As designers, Riss and Court are constantly looking at upcoming trends. 
• The influence a designer has on a client’s style. 
• The importance of placing your trust in an interior designer.  
• The future for Bone and Blanc Interiors. 

Sit back and enjoy the dynamic duo in Riss & Court from Bone and Blanc Interiors.  

Links: 

Bone and Blanc Interiors on Instagram 

Bone and Blanc 

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Dylan Hunt, a tower crane operator from Reds Global.

In this episode we talk about:

• Dylan attended high-school in Neilson Bay and started in the construction industry at age 17.
• Dylan has followed in his father’s footsteps and became a tower crane operator.
• Dylan’s career started out as a labourer rigging cranes prior to use.
• We learn the terminology; ‘dogging’, ‘operating’, and ‘rigging’.
• The planning that is involved in setting up a tower crane, including the extensive pre-planning required prior to erecting the tower.
• The logistics of moving and managing massive loads.
• Dylan is currently working on a Liebherr crane through Reds Global
• The experience of sitting in a crane up to 95m in the air and what this means for smoko.
• Environmental factors, wind and rain, impact the use of a crane.
• A typical day in the life of a Tower Crane Operator. 
• The most interesting item Dylan has lifted during his time.
• Dylan’s favourite part of his role.   
• Dylan’s advice for aspiring tower crane operators.

Sit back and enjoy this interesting interview with Dylan Hunt.

Links:

Reds Global 

Connect with Dylan Hunt

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Kirby Licence, founder of ‘Brik Design Studio’.

In this episode we talk about:

• Kirby is a graduate architect who grew up on the Central Coast of NSW.
• As soon as Kirby was able to hold a pencil, she was drawing houses and made scrapbooks of houses from a young age.
• Kirby attended a selective high school and shares a snapshot of her upbringing.
• Following school, Kirby attended University in Newcastle for her architectural degree. Kirby had aspirations to transfer to Sydney Uni however loved studying at Newcastle.
• Kirby openly shares the personal struggle of her sister being diagnosed with bowel cancer while at university.
• Between her undergraduate degree and master’s degree, Kirby took a year off to spend time with family and during this break continued her learning by working for a Building Designer.
• After a gap year, Kirby worked with an interior designer which led to a confirmation of her goals to work in residential architecture, rather than big projects.
• Kirby defines a town planner and the advantages of getting this experience while working with one.
• The vision behind ‘Brik Design Studio’ and the reason Kirby stepped out on her own to start her own architectural firm at such a young age.
• Kirby has teamed up with Sam Horn (from episode 18) and they now work collaboratively on many projects.
• Her first project of designing a Hamptons inspired design home.
• The advantages of working alongside a builder from the draft planning stage.
• She shares her favourite part of designing a building and the process she uses when meeting with clients.
• Kirby is currently working on pre-designed homes with customisable internal features.   
• She shares some of her favourite materials and current trends of 2020. 
• Kirby explains passive homes and what they mean to her.
• Kirby’s advice to new architects and being not afraid to reach out and don’t be shy to ask for experience from others in the industry.
• All of Kirby’s business is generated through Instagram.

Sit back and enjoy this interview with graduate architect Kirby Licence.

Links:

Brik Design Studio on Instagram

Credits:

Podcast Produced by Pretty Podcasts

Build Hatch Podcast Soundtrack Title: “Ride It Like You Mean It”.

Artist Name: Kristian Leo.

Written By: Evert Zeevalkink.  

Published by Soundstripe Productions

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Paul Smart from Smartview Building.  

• In this episode we talk about: 
• Paul grew up locally at Speers Point, Lake Macquarie and loved playing sports as a child. 
• The construction industry was always Paul’s goal as he always had a love for property development.  
• The importance of learning ‘low-level’ roles like contract administration and organising plans. 
• A clean site is the foundation for a good building business. 
• How the concept of Smartview Building was born. 
• After meeting Paul’s business partner Dan, Smartview was formed and commenced in 2014. 
• Splitting business responsibilities and roles has been a crucial move in their business.  
• The first job of Smartview Building which was the removal of a chimney. 
• Paul’s passion is the client journey and for Dan it’s the quality – they together combine and make a level headed team. 
• A typical work week for Smartview Building and the team they have built.  
• Smarter Building focus’ on renovations, repairs and residential projects. 
• Paul is a family man with three small children. 
• Paul’s advice to his 18 year old self.  
• Paul stays humble and works hard and encourages young builders to be careful of the lure of ‘it all’.  
• The relationships created behind the project is much more important to both Paul and Dan. 
• Paul has set out to include owner operated trades who mirror their very same culture fit. 
• The reward of clients going from transactional to long-time friends. 
• The next steps for Smartview Building. 
• Staying in your lane and focus on what you do well rather than competing with others.    

Sit back and enjoy this insightful interview with Paul Smart.  

Links: 

Smartview Building 

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Leif Aleksic from Built.  

In this episode we talk about: 

• Leif grew up in Penrith and his goal, at school, was to become a rugby league player. 
• Sporting injuries led Leif to the world of construction, and he stared out with a carpentry apprenticeship.  
• Working on the Olympic Stadium in Sydney and the scale of this project. 
• The process of getting your foot in the door when winning a construction job. 
• Managing budgets for a project and the pre-planning that goes into a commercial construction site. 
• Leif’s approach to dealing with conflict on site and the qualities required to be a good site manager.  
• A construction job starts years before the fence goes up and Leif shares how he wins his building company’s bids.  
• Quality and safety go hand in hand – you cannot have one without the other.  
• As a construction site manager Leif is always conscious of the culture within his crew.  
• Leif’s current project is a Japanese Nihon University international campus at the former Newcastle Courthouse.  
• The challenges of working on a heritage-listed site from 1892.  
• Leif explains the considerations that need to be made when you mix refurbishment and new construction.  
• Working on projects from the 1600s in contrast with modern architecture.  
• The future for Built and projects Leif is looking forward to. 

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Leif Aleksic.  

Links: 

Built 

Learn more about the Nihon University international campus 

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Ben Grover from Bluewater Stainless.  

In this episode we talk about: 

• Ben grew up originally in NZ and as a teenager relocated to live in Fingal Bay, Port Stephens. 
• Ben always knew he wanted to do something with his hands and he started his heavy metal fabrication apprenticeship following high school.  
• Using his skills in welding Ben was able to work abroad. 
• The technical components of working with stainless steel and the advantages of a weatherproof product.  
• Ben worked at ‘Always Stainless’ for 3 years and this experience prompted him to move to Dubai with his wife, with no job to go to! 
• During his time in Dubai, Ben worked on luxury yachts completing steel fabrication. 
• After returning to Australia in 2010, Ben started working at Bluewater Stainless, where he eventually took over the business.  
• A day in the life of Bluewater Stainless. 
• Ben’s learnings from taking over a business and making it his own.  
• Ben is a family man and shares how he balances business and family. 
• Working with glass vs working with stainless steel. 
• The artistic eye that is required when working with steel.  
• The difficulties of being a creative soul and managing a business. 
• Working with Sean Richards Building, our guest from episode 14, to install an incredible glass staircase and pool.  
• The process of bringing in glass to the project using cranes.  
• Ben’s reflections of his time in business and the future for Bluewater Stainless. 

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Ben Grover.  

Links: 

Bluewater Stainless 

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

In this episode we talk about: 

• As a kid Sam grew up between two families including living on a farm.
• Sam always wanted to become a builder and started his apprenticeship with a large firm with lots of variety.  
• Early on Sam started his own business ‘Sam Horn Building’ conducting general carpentry jobs. 
• Sam’s learning’s from starting his own business and underestimating costs.  
• Sam’s ownership structure and the value of his team.  
• Estimating and tracking costs using building software. 
• Sam’s journey to building one-off architectural designs. 
• Interacting with other trades and finding good, value-aligned contractors.  
• Sam’s recent project was a Hampton Style house at ‘The Vintage’ Golf Course development, in the Hunter Valley.
• Using Social Media to connect with, and inspire clients.  
• Engaging Kirby Licence from ‘Brik Design Studio’ as an architect for this project. 
• The construction and approval requirements needed for building in a Golf Course course-type development where development controls are much more stringent for a reason.
• Sam’s favourite part of this build was the kitchen which was built by ‘Valley Kitchens’. 
• Sam’s advice for young builders coming into the industry.  
• Working with clients to see them achieve their dreams is Sam’s favourite part of building a home. 
• The future for Sam Horn Building, including pre-designed homes. 

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Sam Horn.  

Links: 

Sam Horn Building 

Sam’s Instagram 

Kirby from ‘Brik Design Studio’ 

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Tim Hodges from Urban Certifying.  

In this episode we talk about: 

• Tim grew up in Kempsey and enjoyed a simple and coastal up-bringing.  
• Tim’s role of Principal Certifying Authority (NSW) is also referred to as a Building Surveyor (VIC). 
• After deciding that school wasn’t for him, Tim cold called companies until he received a carpentry apprenticeship.   
• The value of always learning new skills within your role. 
• After becoming a carpenter Tim took a gamble to pursue a career as a Principal Certifier.  
• Tim explains ‘Class 1-10’ in building structures and the reason Tim works mostly in -residential. 
• Working with home owners is the most rewarding part of his job.  
• Tim defines the role of a Principal Certifying Authority.  
• Using a Principal Certifier allows you to bypass Council. This gives a builder huge advantages in relation to deadlines and adaptability. 
• The advantages of word of mouth referrals.
• Good old fashioned treating people how they want to be treated.
• The beginnings of Urban Certifying, which started in August 2018, and the reason Tim wanted to step out on his own.  
• Cold calling, yet again, was the main driver of new business for Urban Certifying.  
• Learning the appropriate time to switch off when working in a family business. 
• Tim explains the difference between a Registered Principal Certifier (issues the permit)  and Principal Certifying Authority (statutory role of inspections).  
• Tim’s advice for anyone considering this career, and the pathways available.  

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Tim Hodges.  

Links: 

Tim Hodges’s LinkedIn 

Urban Certifying 

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from renovator and designer Naomi Findlay. Naomi is an excellent communicator and her passion for design and people is so evident in this episode. She shares why she loves design and the value it has added to her life and others.

In this episode we talk about:

• How Naomi came to be an all-round renovator after obtaining a PHD and working as a senior lecturer in Medical Science.
• Naomi is an avid planner and intentionally created a 3-year plan to start her own business in design.
• The stereotypes of designers and how Naomi challenges them.
• Understanding the ‘how can we…’ is important when it comes to working with contractors.
• Word of mouth is Naomi’s biggest driver of business.
• Naomi believes that good design starts with the dream of the client.
• Renovating for profit vs personal renovations.
• The ‘Farms to Fortune Project’ is all about breathing life into regional properties around Australia.
• Naomi works with many contracts and has a desire to see them enjoy what they are creating.
• Naomi’s perspective on budgets and keeping the conversation around money open.
• Renovating outdoor living spaces can add huge value to a home.
• Naomi’s tips for reducing drastic ageing when renovating.
• The recent change of collaboration between architects and designers.
• Naomi often consults with new-home buyers prior to purchasing a home.
• The order in which you renovate a space is important as it keep costs down.
• Naomi has intentionally involved her children in her work, so they learn why she loves what she does.
• Naomi’s perspective on the recent world disasters and the impact these may have on trends in home design.
• Current projects; the ‘Rose Farm’ with Denise Duffield Thomas and a 1980s home renovation.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Naomi Findlay.

Links:

Contact Naomi

Retreats at the Rose Farm with Denise Duffield Thomas

Credits:

Podcast Produced by Pretty Podcasts

Build Hatch Podcast Soundtrack Title: “Ride It Like You Mean It”.

Artist Name: Kristian Leo.

Written By: Evert Zeevalkink.  

Published by Soundstripe Productions.