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/

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a woman in the building and construction industry? As more and more women enter the trades, it’s being proved that this isn’t just men’s work - in fact, women are bringing unique perspectives and strengths that are only improving the worksite. 

This week’s episode is hosted by some incredible woman in building: Beth from Beth Builds, Molly (Matt’s first year apprentice) and Helena, now in her third year working for Hamish. We hear their journeys into the trade, their outlook on the industry and challenges in celebrating women in trade.

Meet the Hosts

It’s an interesting mix of backgrounds and experiences that contribute to this conversation. Beth, previously a mature age apprentice, now runs her own business, Beth Builds. Molly, after a brief foray into a university degree, discovered her passion for construction and is currently in her first year as an apprentice. Helena transitioned from a hospitality background to the construction scene, embracing the active and dynamic environment as a third-year apprentice. These women, with diverse paths leading to the same industry, are carving out spaces for themselves while smashing stereotypes.

We hear their interesting perspectives on and experiences in:

• The complexity of diversity in the industry
• Navigating the culture of male-dominated worksites
• Encouraging uncomfortable conversations
• Building unlikely friendships
• Practical advice on women's workwear

Women are undeniably making their mark in the trades, and by standing firm and excelling in their roles, they challenge and change the industry landscape—celebrated not as tokens, but as capable, competent colleagues.

LINKS:

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/

Ever wondered how the best leaders deliver feedback that empowers their teams rather than crushes them? We had a fantastic unscripted chat with our amazing friend and psychologist, Julie where we ventured into the territory of delivering constructive feedback in the workplace. 

Julie guided us through understanding the nuances of communication, how important the words are that we use, exploring effective feedback methods, and managing our emotions under pressure—essential tools for any leader wanting to encourage a positive and productive work environment.

Understanding the Power of Words

Feedback is often tricky. Julie emphasised how our language can profoundly affect how our message is received. Instead of defaulting to statements like "You failed," Julie suggests using less loaded language such as "Let's explore what went wrong and how we can fix it." This approach not only diffuses tension but also helps the individual focus on solutions. It's about facilitating a conversation around "the mistake" instead of labelling someone with "failure."

Inviting Participation and Ownership

One standout piece of advice from Julie was the idea of inviting employees into the solution-making process. Rather than dictating tasks, frame feedback sessions as a team collaboration against a common problem. Ask questions like, "What do you think went wrong?" or "How could we improve this together?" This method fosters a culture of trust and shared responsibility.

Managing Emotional Responses

As leaders, it's easy to let stress and frustration take the steering wheel, especially when things go awry. Julie explained that while expressing disappointment is legitimate, there is a fine line between constructive criticism and dumping our stress onto others. She stressed the importance of self-regulation, echoing how our tone and approach can determine whether feedback leads to motivation or demotivation.

Concentration on Positives

Hamish mentioned an episode of The Imperfects where Billy Slater spoke about catching people doing the right thing. By acknowledging and celebrating positive actions, you build credibility and goodwill, making it easier to address areas of improvement when needed. This also sets a balance, ensuring team members know their strengths and contributions are recognised.

Creating a Positive Work Culture

Ultimately, our discussion with Julie highlighted a critical theme that Hamish brought to the table —seeing the person, not just the problem. By creating a space where feedback is synonymous with growth, respect, and understanding, you set the stage for a thriving work culture. We also touched on the importance of addressing external issues affecting work performance, advocating for open conversations grounded in empathy and support.

As always, chatting with Julie was a thought-provoking experience, and her insights were invaluable for us as leaders in the building industry striving to improve how we communicate with our teams. We left the conversation more equipped to handle the dynamic nature of leadership with a heart, and hope these tips inspire you to do the same at your workplace.

LINKS:

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’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Damien, a listener of ours we brought on to answer some of the questions he had around passive house building. There was so much to cover during our chat, we knew we had to break it up into two valuable episodes for you. 

Last week, we got into the nitty gritty of the cost of passive house building vs traditional homes, the importance of working with the right design team, and gave our insights on insulation and membranes. 

Today, we share our experiences on how to effectively manage and educate your trade team, emphasising the importance of working with professionals who are ready to embrace new challenges. From our personal experiences, we discuss how some trades actually find passive house construction simpler than traditional building methods.

We explore practical construction tips, including our colour-coding system for external penetrations and the crucial aspects of planning ahead for solar installations and service routes. The discussion covers our insights on choosing the right windows and the critical importance of proper insulation installation. We also share a valuable lesson learnt from our own experience with Stuart Dawson from Thermaluxe about getting insulation right the first time.

We wrap up with our detailed advice on managing cash flow for high-performance homes, including our strategy of breaking payments into 10-15 stages. While initial labour costs might be higher, especially for first-time passive house projects, the investment in quality and sustainability pays off in the long run. Our conversation reinforces that successful passive house construction isn't just about technical expertise – it's about fostering a culture of innovation and sustainable building practices.

LINKS:

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/

Passive houses - they’re both exciting and undeniably complex. Recently, we had the opportunity to bring Damien onto our podcast, a builder with three decades of experience who’s now facing the intricacies of passive house construction and wanting to learn more.

A new listener of the podcast, he had reached out to us with a couple of questions and we thought hey, why not bring him on to interview us? We know there are others out there who’d be looking for these same answers.

We had so much to say around this topic, we had to make this a two part series. So, let’s get stuck in to Part 1 of our chat with Damien on the key secrets to passive house building. 

Damien presented us with his current project, a passive house design courtesy of a well-respected architect. He voiced his concerns and sought clarity on the key differences when quoting and building passive houses versus traditional homes. It's not just about building to higher standards; it encompasses a broader understanding of systems and costs.

We explore some of the nuances of passive house building such as:

1. The cost factor of passive houses vs standard homes

2. The importance of working with the right design team

3. Insulation techniques and airtightness

4. The role of membranes

5. Photographic documentation

This conversation is a good reminder that passive house construction requires a symbiotic relationship between builders, architects and engineers, and how cooperation and knowledge sharing is key to achieving sustainability goals. 

These passive house secrets are not just about technical know-how but encapsulate a mindset of continual improvement and passion for building better homes.

LINKS:

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/