Building With BuildHer

In this episode we are joined by Kerry Armstrong, a self-taught and widely celebrated Abstract Expressionist and artist – and the visionary behind the Studio Gallery Group!

She opens up about her inspiring journey, from a high-stress notable corporate career and a life changing health-diagnosis of a brain tumour, through to finding her calling and becoming a thriving artist and gallery owner.  

She shares her emotional connection with art, the challenges she faced while making such a big career shift, and the grit it takes to make it in the art world. Kerry also talks about the resilience she’s built along the way and how her gallery empire has grown naturally over time, now featuring a wide variety of artists and mediums. 

During the conversation, she offers practical advice for art lovers—whether it’s how to start your own collection, the emotional ties we form with art, or tips on hanging and displaying pieces in your home. Kerry also highlights the importance of getting professional help when curating personal spaces and how budgeting for art can add long-term value to your home. Plus, she shares the joy of discovering new works through Studio Gallery’s diverse offerings.

You can learn more about Kerry and the Studio Gallery Group below - thanks for chatting with us Kerry!

https://www.kerryjarmstrongart.com.au/
https://www.studiogallerymelbourne.com.au/

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This week we have interior designer Claire Larritt-Evans of Larritt-Evans join us for a chat!

She shares her insights on what an interior designer really brings to a home project, from planning, designing, and carefully detailing the interiors of a house, whether it's working independently or teaming up with an architect. Claire points out the benefits of architects and interior designers collaborating closely to make sure the end result feels cohesive and well thought out.

We go through her process and how it starts with getting to know the client in detail —understanding how they live, what they need from their space, and then creating a design that truly reflects their lifestyle. She also touches on the importance of clients being honest and setting realistic budgets so there are no surprises later. 

By the end of the project, we chat about what clients walk away with - a full set of detailed design documentation which includes everything from floor plans and elevations to finishes and fixture schedules—ensuring the vision comes together just as planned throughout the build.

You can see Claire's beautiful work here: https://www.larritt-evans.com

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In this episode, Rebeka chats with Steph Bailey, one of our DevelopHers who's just completed and put her latest beautiful project, 'Fontayne', on the market! Having come from a background in digital and tech, Steph explains how being exposed to property and design from a young age through her parents sparked her interest to take the leap herself.

They cover everything from her design choices to the budgeting hurdles she had to jump, all while making sure it felt like home. Steph opens up about some valuable lessons she’s learned along the way, like the importance of negotiation and doing a feasibility upfront, as well as why adding your personal touch is key when designing a space to make it feel "homey".

Best of luck with the sale Steph! If you'd like to take a look at the listing or know someone that would love to buy a gem like this, head to: https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-frankston+south-146503980.

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In this episode, we're joined by Sarah Bryant from Bryant Alsop Architects who breaks down the process of hiring an architect and how important it is to find the right fit between you, your architect, and your builder.

Sarah also gives us a peek into the range of services her firm offers, from design and documentation to contract administration and assisting with tenders, and walks us through the five key stages of the architectural process: Concept Design, Design Development, Documentation, Tender, and Construction. 

We cover the importance of clear communication and having a trusted guide to help you through the sometimes tricky world of building projects. Plus, she touches on the costs of hiring an architect and why investing in the right team from the start makes all the difference for a smooth, successful build.

You can get in touch with Sarah or take a scroll through Bryant Alsop's stunning projects here:
https://www.bryantalsop.com.au/

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On this week's episode, we're joined by Cameron Gray, the National Product Training Manager at Kaboodle Kitchen!

As many of you already know, Kaboodle Kitchen is a leading supplier affordable of retail kitchen products across Australia and New Zealand. Exclusively available at Bunnings, kaboodle supplies a high quality, wide range of cabinets, doors and panels, benchtops, hardware and accessories which can be used in the kitchen, laundry and anywhere throughout the home really!

We explore the endless possibilities for customisation, letting you mix and match benchtops, handles, and colours to create a space that reflects your style, as well as the importance of thoughtful layout and functionality of course.

If you’re looking for a quick solution, we chat about the extensive range of products available off the shelf at your local Bunnings. For an elevated look, you can customise! There’s a huge range of range of colours, materials and finishes available to choose from.

We also cover kaboodle's free design tools, including the mykaboodle style quiz, price estimator, and 3D planner, and you can save heaps by designing and installing it yourself, or book a Bunnings consultation and they’ll do it all for you – including finished designs and organising a tradie to help install. 

Like what you hear? Head to mykaboodle to find your style and get started!

https://kaboodle.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/kaboodlekitchen/

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In this episode, Rebeka sits down with BuildHer Kate Hawkins to talk about her recent renovation project in Geelong, which she impressively finished in just six weeks!

Having made a bold move to uplift their family's life from New South Wales, Kate opens up about how she found the property and the vision that guided the renovation.

They dive into the satisfaction that comes from hands-on work, and the emotional connection that grows when you're personally invested in a project, making mindful decisions to create a home, not just complete a quick "flip" project.

Kate also touches on the value of building strong, long-term relationships with tradespeople and the care she took to honour the home's heritage throughout the renovation process.

This beautiful home is now on the market which you can view below - best of luck Kate!

https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-east+geelong-146067228

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In this episode, we welcome Kristen Jackson of Wealth House back to the podcast. Having recently completed a new project, Rebeka and Kristen talk about her innovative approach to property investment - Pre-sale Renovations.

Kristen shares her experience of helping clients maximise their property value without needing a large upfront investment. They explore the importance of doing your own market research, how she builds trust with clients, and the different financial structures available.

The chat highlights the creative strategies that can be explored to navigate the property market, and ultimately, how to renovate for profit.

You can learn more about Kristen and her projects by visiting her website:
https://wealthhouse.com.au/

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Welcoming Glen Chamberlain of Chamberlain Architects on the podcast this week! 

We cover all things architecture, but specifically, the difference hiring a full-service architect can make and the value of design integrity. 

Having appointed Glen and his team for our Clarke Street JV, we have had the pleasure of this experience first-hand and share what we personally found the benefits to be and who would most benefit from a full-scale service architect. 

Glen shares insights on the challenges of new builds versus renovations, the significance of well-resolved spaces, and the collaborative approach necessary for successful projects. We also touch on client expectations, architect fees, and the importance of finding the right fit when selecting an architect for a project.

You can learn more about Glen and Chamberlain Architects here:
https://chamberlainarchitects.com.au/

We hope you enjoy this episode!

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Joining us on the podcast this week is Karin Bochnik of KB-ID, specialising in Interior Direction. She explains how Interior Direction differs from styling and how she helps developers, homeowners, and architects create visually appealing spaces that target specific buyers and showcase their work in its best light - typically a dreamy setting!

She touches on how this role has shifted over the years - no longer forming part of the "final touch" of a project but more so being a strategic approach at the beginning, to help shape a space to specifically meet the lifestyle of the resident.

Karin also shares the importance of having a clear vision and really diving deep to understand the psychology of the resident and their lifestyle needs.

You can learn more about Karin and her projects by visiting her website:
https://karinbochnik.com

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In this episode we welcome Climate Scientist and DevelopHer, Dr Heather Stevens!

Heather takes us into how climate change is shaping property investment and development, with a focus on fire and flood risks. She points out how crucial it is to factor in these risks when purchasing or developing properties, as they can heavily influence building requirements, insurance premiums, and even interest rates.

She also stresses the growing need for climate-adapted housing designs, especially when it comes to managing extreme heat and its impact on tenants. Heather encourages landlords to offer affordable energy solutions, like solar panels, to help reduce energy poverty.

The discussion highlights how climate change is affecting housing and the importance of creating homes that are both sustainable and resilient. While transitioning to greener practices, such as moving away from gas and embracing renewable energy, comes with challenges, it’s essential. From solar panels, to batteries and water tanks, Heather covers the big role these play in cutting energy costs.

We also chat about the potential for investing in areas that are less vulnerable to climate change impacts.

We can't hide from these issues - they affect us all in one way or another - so this is a great listen to get across some risks that currently exist, as well as future considerations you should keep in mind.

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