In this episode, Nicole Eadie and Daniel Moore speak with buyer’s advocate and podcast host Emily Wallace about the journey of first-home buyers and how they perceive architecturally designed homes.

Emily brings a refreshing and grounded perspective from the frontline of Melbourne’s property market, where she works to demystify the buying process and ensure fairness for buyers navigating a complex landscape. She shares insights into what prospective homeowners are looking for, how design quality is perceived in the real estate market, and whether architect-designed homes truly stand out to those entering the property ladder.

This conversation offers architects a rare glimpse into the afterlife of their projects—beyond handover and into the hands of buyers—raising important questions about communication, liveability, and the long-term value of thoughtful design. Emily’s passion for transparency and accessibility in the property sector invites the architectural profession to reflect on how we connect with, and design for, everyday people.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Sally Hsu and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.