Creating Australia

“Test Before You Invest”

This week, Jessica Reynolds interviews Nikki Quittner, Founder of Test Before You Invest, a company that provides clients with “big picture” architectural advice before they begin the design and construction process.

They discuss how Nikki got into architecture, why she started her company, and her views on the architecture in Sydney versus that in Queensland.

Time Stamps

00:44               Introducing Nikki Quittner.

01:36               The services provided by Test Before You Invest.

03:13               The importance of being “active” versus “reactive” in your career.

04:37               How Nikki’s grandparents’ careers drove her towards architecture.

06:49               How Nikki’s stint in Sweden influenced her approach to architecture.

08:32               The inspiration behind Test Before You Invest and Nikki’s experience as a sole female founder.

14:43               The architectural process in Queensland versus Sydney.

16:29               The influence of sustainability on architecture in Sydney.

19:53               How Nikki presents her opinion when she disagrees with designs provided by clients.

21:09               The difference between traditional architecture versus Nikki’s style of architecture.

24:01               How to contact Nikki.

Headline Quotes

03:41

“...stop. Look around us. See what people really need and what people are really looking for.” – Nikki Quittner

11:01

“I am a big believer that challenges are the catalyst for change” – Nikki Quittner

Contact Nikki: https://testbeforeyouinvest.com.au/about

This week, Jessica Reynolds interviews Brett Hales, Founder of Tappr, a company that helps to set up transactions for small businesses at a fraction of the cost of traditional banks. He currently works at Synapse, which enables businesses to set up and provide financial services. He also runs operations at ENSO, a new digital bank. 

They discuss why Brett founded Tappr, his work at Synapse, and the role of digital banks as opposed to traditional banks.

This week, Jessica Reynolds interviews Adam Di Marco, Founder and CEO of the Urban Developer, a media company for the property industry, which also organizes events and educational workshops for property developers.

They discuss Adam’s journey towards founding the Urban Developer, his background in property development, and his inspiration and interests within property development.

What do you think of Adam’s media platform for the property industry? How do you think that the Urban Developer actually helps to produce better cities? Do share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to subscribe for more content!

Jessica Reynolds host of this podcast is the founder and managing director of JREY.au 
JREY is a private town planning firm servicing small scale property projects. You can contact the JREY team via [email protected]. 

Jessica Reynolds interviews Jacqui Savva, a passionate property developer.

They discuss Jacqui’s experiences, passion for her work, and challenges as a woman in property development.

What do you think of Jacqui’s method of investing in her own projects? Do you agree with Jacqui’s analysis of the differences between male and female property developers? What part of her discussion with Jessica Reynolds inspires you the most? Do share your thoughts in the comments down below and be sure to subscribe for more content!

Jessica Reynolds interviews Lucas Piperides, managing director of HL Landscapes, a civil infrastructure landscaping company. They discuss Lucas’ career trajectory in landscaping and landscape architecture, HL Landscapes’ revegetation efforts, and Lucas’ top tips for his clients.

Jessica Reynolds interviews Kelle Howard, an interior designer who specializes in an aesthetic that she calls “coastal luxe.”
 Kelle talks about the recent creation of her dream house, her interior design experience, and tips for designing your own home.

What do you think of Kelle Howard’s approach to facing challenges? How would you want to design your dream home? Do share your thoughts in the comments down below and be sure to subscribe for more content!

Jessica Reynolds host of this podcast is the founder and managing director of JREY.au 
JREY is a private town planning firm servicing small scale property projects. You can contact the JREY team via [email protected]. 

This week, Jessica Reynolds interviews Lianna Pan, Founder of Freedom Property Investors, a company that helps investors to achieve their passive income goals and financial freedom.

They discuss Lianna’s journey from poverty to financial freedom, her immigration to Australia, and her thoughts on buying property during a pandemic.

Were you inspired by Lianna’s hard work to climb out of poverty towards financial freedom? What do you think of Lianna’s advice to be optimistic about property investment during the COVID-19 pandemic? Do share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to subscribe for more content! 

Jessica Reynolds interviews Karen Kunst, founder of KjK Interiors, an interior design studio based in Brisbane. They discuss Karen’s change in career to interior design, her day-to-day life and common tips she has for her clients.

Jessica Reynolds interviews Dan Everett, owner of Everett Property Development & Management and organizer of Property Feed, which is an educational and networking event for property development in Southeast Queensland. 

They discuss the role of property management, tips for clients, and Dan’s dream project. 

Time Stamps

00:43 Introduction of Dan Everett.

03:12 The purpose of Property Feed and how it was established.

05:00 What property managers do.

08:15 The difference between property managers and standard developers.

09:20 Types of clients of property managers.

12:08 Benefits of using a property manager versus developing a property yourself.

13:45 The best part of Dan’s career.

14:43 Dan’s dream project.

15:52 How to contact Dan.

Headline Quotes 

12:55

“Every development, whether it’s a renovation through to large developments, they are all businesses. ” – Dan Everett

13:54

“Probably the best part is being able to directly influence and help people on a journey that is really complex and forever changing...” – Dan Everett

We want to hear from you!

What do you think of Dan Everett’s role as a property manager? Which parts of his experiences inspire you? Do share your thoughts in the comments down below and be sure to subscribe for more content! 

Jim Atwood – Creating Queensland

Jim is the owner of Divine, a Brisbane based building company. He has over 20 years experience in the residential industry. His latest build in the suburb of Bardon has been featured in Home Beautiful, The Financial Review and even The Wall Street Journal. Jim has built a reputation for his genuine and down to earth nature, award-winning designs and quality builds. 

Episode Run Time: 15:43

“Home Building: Joys, Challenges & Tips ”

In this episode, Jessica Reynolds interviews Jim Atwood, a builder whose private home Amaroo was recently featured in various media including the Wall Street Journal. 

They discuss how Jim got into home building, the biggest challenges in the industry, and Jim’s advice for people who want to renovate their homes.

Time Stamps

00:40 Jim Atwood Introduction.

01:58 How Divine Renovations got started. 

03:11 Jim’s private home, Amaroo, and his journey of building it.

05:15 How Jim accounts for weather when planning the construction of a building.

06:06 Why Amaroo is Jim’s biggest achievement.

08:09 The biggest challenges in the building industry.

09:30 Jim’s biggest tip to clients who are looking to renovate.

12:24 Jim’s primary inspiration within the building industry. 

14:07 How to contact Jim.

Headline Quotes

09:52

“...have a look at your own finances. Work out what your budget would roughly be.” – Jim Atwood

8:22

“...the biggest challenges are probably design”. – Jim Atwood

What do you think of Jim’s home building company? Which part of his experience