"Nobody wants to be a carpenter anymore." It feels like this rings true in the building industry today. We’re seeing a shift in Australia’s trades landscape, and it’s time to talk about it. We’re exploring why carpentry apprenticeships - once highly sought after - are now struggling to attract and retain talent. 

Whether you're in the industry or considering a trade career, the insights from this conversation may help you think differently about where this industry is headed.

LINKS:

Thanks to Hip Vs Hype for having us

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

We’ve all dreamt of that perfect home - something warm, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing. But, how often do we consider the science behind construction that makes a house not only a thing of beauty but also a safe and comfortable haven? 

We recently sat down with Jess Kismet, a building science consultant who opened our eyes to the hidden factors some of us in the building and construction industry can overlook.

Jess, through her building science expertise, aims to enhance awareness and practical application of science in building homes. Her dedication is clear in her personal pursuits such as her own podcast, The Building Sciology Poddie which further explores these themes.

We walked away from this conversation with fresh ideas and a reaffirmed commitment to integrating science into building practices. In doing so, we aren’t just constructing homes; we are creating healthier, sustainable environments for future generations.

LINKS:

Thanks to Hip Vs Hype for having us

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

There's something exhilarating about diving into a pool of unknowns. Whether we're reviewing plans for a new project or Ben Cooper is creating a new dish, the thrill of creation emerges from the same curiosity that pushes us beyond what we already know. In our latest conversation with Ben, the executive chef at Melbourne's iconic Chin Chin restaurant, we unearthed profound lessons on staying curious, leading teams, and blending passions with our work. 

Whether you're picking up a hammer or a ladle, the drive to create, to continuously learn, and to merge personal passion with work is universal. Our chat with Ben Cooper reinforced that every industry, no matter how different, speaks the same language of curiosity and creativity at its core.

LINKS:

Thanks to Hip Vs Hype for having us

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

We've all had those moments in life that change us forever, moments where time seems to halt and priorities shift entirely. In our podcast, we found ourselves diverging from our usual discussions to talk through a very personal experience - one filled with loss, love, and resilience. This journey revolved around child loss, a topic not openly discussed, especially among men.

We recognise that conversations about child loss can be triggering, and for those listening to this episode who have experienced similar losses, please know this story comes from a place of healing and understanding. 

To my children, and to anyone who listens, I hope this story inspires you to take chances, to be vulnerable, and to embrace life's unpredictable beauty. Don't let fear hold you back. Lean into the love and support that surrounds you.

Thank you for allowing me to share this journey. It's not easy, but it's necessary, and I hope it encourages others to also share their stories, to find healing in the hardest of places. 

LINKS:

Thanks to Hip Vs Hype for having us

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

When you think of developers, what are the descriptive words that come to mind?

For so many of us, developers are synonymous with greed and arrogance. It’s an unfortunate stereotype that the construction industry is rife with. 

And although developers have earned this reputation, not all are created equal. There are some diamonds in the rough and Liam Wallis happens to be one of them. 

Liam Wallis is the founder of HIP V. HYPE, a group that is revolutionising sustainable development in Australia. Their mission resonates powerfully: "to leave our cities and regions in a better condition than we found them."

For those interested in the future of sustainable development, this episode offers valuable insights into how thoughtful design and ethical business practices can transform our built environment. The full conversation explores detailed strategies for creating developments that serve both community needs and environmental goals.

LINKS:

Thanks to Hip Vs Hype for having us

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

Let's face it—the stereotypical image of builders often conjures up thoughts of a rugged, all-male group clocking off early to down a few pints at the local pub. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with bonding over drinks, this old paradigm doesn't necessarily cater to everyone's needs in today's society. It’s an image that fails to encapsulate the diverse talents and ideas that can propel our industry forward. 

Building a positive culture in the workplace is about more than just workplace perks; it's about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated. Think about it: would you rather work in a place where every day feels like a chance to collaborate and grow, or a place where you’re just counting down the hours until the weekend?

Our conversation with Kaia left us feeling inspired about the future. Building culture is not a one-time effort but an ongoing journey that evolves with the people involved. We revisited the importance of learning from our past, as illustrated when Kaia shared his formative experiences at a Steiner school, which instilled in him the values of community and individual thinking.

Our takeaway? As we look to foster inclusivity and redefine what it means to "build," it’s crucial to listen and learn continually from those around us. Diversity goes beyond metrics; it’s about giving everyone a seat at the table. It's about creating an environment where every unique individual can thrive.

So, whether you’re just starting your career or you’ve walked the scaffold for decades, we encourage you to think deeply and live lightly. Let’s break the mold together and build an industry that reflects the diverse world we live in.

LINKS:

Thanks to Hip Vs Hype for having us

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

Have you ever walked into a room that feels stuffy, oppressive even, and thought, "Something doesn't feel right in here"? 

It's a sensation many of us experience but tend to dismiss. 

What if we told you that sensation might not only be an inconvenience but a potential health risk? 

Today we’re discussing air quality and ventilation, topics that are often overlooked in home construction and renovation projects. We're unpacking this critical subject with the help of Joel Seagren, the national MVHR Solutions Engineer at Fantech, who unravels the mysteries of airflow, air quality, and their importance in building homes.

This conversation with Joel gave us plenty to think about and a clear path forward—embracing the inevitable journey towards healthier, more sustainable living through proper ventilation. So next time you step inside your home, consider the air you're breathing. It matters more than you might think.

LINKS:

Thanks to Hip Vs Hype for having us

Fantech

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

Would you let someone who is unqualified perform surgery on you? 

Of course not. 

Similarly, building a home without the proper credentials can be daunting and lead to catastrophic failures. However, when done correctly, it is a viable option for many. The key here is understanding the role and embracing the learning curve.

The owner-builder path is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who have the right skills or are ready to learn, it can be a rewarding adventure.

In this episode we discuss the areas you need to be across as an owner builder to ensure a positive building experience.

LINKS:

Thanks to Hip Vs Hype for having us

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

Matt begins a mini-series, "Nailing Fatherhood," documenting his journey to becoming a first-time dad while managing his construction company. In this episode, he speaks with Ned from NW Build, a close friend and fellow builder whose baby is due imminently. They delve into the emotional rollercoaster of impending fatherhood, discussing the mix of excitement and anxiety, particularly the fear of sleep deprivation and its impact on their businesses. Practical preparations, like nursery setup, are covered alongside the realities of newborn care.

The conversation emphasizes the crucial role of strong support systems, including partners, family, friends, and work teams, in navigating the challenges of new parenthood. They discuss how building solid teams in both their personal and professional lives provides confidence in managing the upcoming changes. The episode explores the delicate balance between work and family, highlighting the need for adaptability, delegation, and open communication as they transition into their new roles as fathers.

As builders in the Australian market, there's one recurring theme that keeps rearing its head in our conversations, and that's the tender process. It's akin to a race to the bottom, a mad dash where numbers are thrown around like confetti, and every party involved is crossing fingers, hoping all that time they invested in the tender results in actually getting the contract. 

The reality can sometimes fall short, with tenders not proceeding through to a contract, clients just choosing the cheapest option and hours spent on a project that never comes to fruition.

For those new to the concept, the tender process traditionally involves getting multiple quotes for a project, often by an architect or a client. It's about cost comparisons and attempts to squeeze a project within a budget. We find ourselves questioning the validity of this approach, especially when the emphasis is typically on finding the lowest price rather than the best fit.

In this episode we take a look at how the tender process currently works, and why we recommend the negotiated tender process instead. 

LINKS:

Thanks to Hip Vs Hype for having us

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/