Mindful Builder

In this episode, Hamish and Matt navigate the "geopolitical bruises" impacting the Australian construction industry in early 2026. They discuss the sharp rise in material costs driven by global tensions, the controversial shift in Victorian builder licensing, and the silver lining of surging apprenticeship numbers. The duo emphasises that while the climate is "doomy," transparent communication and creative contract management (like provisional sums) are the keys to survival.

The industry is facing a second wave of price hikes, this time driven by geopolitical issues rather than the pandemic.

• Material Spikes: PVC piping is up 37%, cement is up 25%, and "quality products" have surged by 50%.
• Fuel Impact: The HIA warns of sustained fuel increases, potentially adding $8,000 to $15,000 to the cost of a new home.
• The Victoria Disadvantage: Matt notes that unlike other states, Victoria lacks a standard "rise and fall" clause in residential contracts, making it difficult for builders to pass on direct costs without risking insolvency.

Hamish and Matt share how they are protecting their businesses and clients:

• Provisional Sums (PS) & Prime Costs (PC): Moving volatile items (like concrete and PVC) into PS/PC categories to allow for real-time cost reconciliation.
• Early Deposits: Securing stock by paying deposits for tiles, joinery, and lighting months in advance to lock in prices.
• "No Margin" Variations: Offering to pass on direct cost increases with zero builder margin to maintain trust and transparency.
• Granular Negotiations: Ensuring trade increases are only applied to the specific material (e.g., the PVC component of a plumbing quote) rather than the total labor/global price.

Matt critiques the Victorian Building Authority's transition to the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC).

• AI & Online Exams: The BPC is moving toward a "trust and verify" model, replacing face-to-face interviews with online AI exams and reduced documentation (from 40 pages down to seven).
• The Risk: The hosts argue this "faster route" may invite "shit builders" into the industry who lack the communication skills and practical experience that an in-person assessor can "smell".

There is a "bright spot" in industry training thanks to federal incentives.

• Incentives: A $10,000 staggered incentive for apprentices is driving record commencements.
• Leading Trades: Carpenters and joiners are leading the way with ~6,400 new starters, followed by plumbers and electricians.
• State Rankings: Victoria is currently leading the race with over 5,000 new commencements.
• The 2029 Goal: The Master Builders Association estimates the sector needs 500,000 additional workers by 2029 to meet housing targets.

• Dylan from Alwyn Projects: Recognized for his work in home retrofitting and his upcoming presentation at the SBA event. The hosts recommend following his mid-century project on social media.

The Australian building industry is shifting fast, and in this episode, we discuss what that really looks like on the ground. From economic pressure and labour shortages to changing technology and AI-driven disruption, this is an honest conversation about the reality of running a building business in a market that feels increasingly uncertain. If you are a builder in Australia, a construction business owner, or part of the wider residential construction industry, this episode will likely hit close to home.

A big focus in this discussion is pre-construction and the hidden work that happens long before a project starts on site. We talk about planning, pricing, quoting, revisions, and the challenge of helping clients understand the real value of that early-stage work. In an industry where construction margins, project costs, and builder pricing are under pressure, these conversations matter. Better outcomes in the Australian construction industry start with clearer expectations and a more honest understanding of what good building actually takes.

We also get into the mental and emotional side of staying in the game. When projects fall over, confidence drops, and the market feels shaky, builders need more than technical skill to keep moving forward. This episode explores builder resilience, construction industry challenges, and the importance of protecting your health, your mindset, and your business through difficult seasons. It is a grounded conversation for anyone navigating the pressure of running a building company in Australia right now.

We also talk about why industry events and communities still matter, including the Passive Haus Conference, the Sustainable Builders Alliance, and the value of learning from other builders, designers, and architects who want to lift the standard.

👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

00:00 Introduction | The Mindful Builder Podcast

01:34 Building Industry Events and Podcast Updates

02:12 Builder Reality Check in the Australian Construction Industry

03:26 Pre-Construction Costs, Delays and Client Expectations

05:09 What Is Changing in the Building Industry?

07:37 Builder Margins, Profit and Construction Business Pressure

09:48 Construction Insurance, Retention and Builder Risk

11:30 Sustainable House Day for Builders and Homeowners

15:00 Passive House Conference Australia 2026

20:29 Sustainable Builders Alliance Webinars and Industry Education

24:02 SBA Growth, Industry Partnerships and Builder Support

25:30 Why Builders, Designers and Architects Should Join SBA

26:49 Designer Education, CPD and Demand for Better Building Knowledge

28:09 Beer and BS Webinar for Builders and Construction Professionals

31:11 Construction Sponsorship, Industry Support and Transparency

33:09 Building Industry Newsletter and Education Mission

34:23 Adelaide Building Event and Passive House Learning Opportunities

37:06 Why Builders Need Ongoing Education and Training

37:33 Pro Clima Resources, Building Science and Industry Support

38:41 Wrap Up | What’s Next for Builders and Sustainable Construction

LINKS:

Connect with Sustainable Builders Alliance:

https://www.thesba.com.au/

Passive Haus Conference

https://www.passivhausassociation.com.au/thrive-2025-passivhaus-conference-2-1

Pro Clima Upcoming Events:

https://proclima.com.au/schedule/

Our Sponsors:

Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima

MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt

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/

Date: 9 April 2026

Hosts: Matt & Hamish

In this second instalment of The Weekly Gossip, Matt and Hamish navigate the "grey areas" of the 2025 National Construction Code (NCC) updates and the mounting administrative burden currently squeezing the life out of small building businesses. We also look at some progressive moves in South Australia and shout out a Kiwi builder doing the absolute "impossible" on the side of a cliff.

• The NCC "National" Discrepancy: Why are some states adopting the 2025 updates on 1 May while NSW and the ACT push it back to 2027? We discuss the confusion of a "National" code that isn't actually national.
• Mandatory Education: The hosts argue that government bodies, not just industry associations like the HIA or SBA, should be responsible for educating practitioners on code changes through mandatory sessions.
• Lead-Free Plumbing: Victoria is moving to lead-free plumbing standards by May 2026 to align with global safety standards—no grace period expected.
• The "Bullshit Jobs" of Construction: A deep dive into the HIA Small Business Conditions report, revealing that builders are spending a minimum of 10 hours a week just on "red tape" and administrative hurdles.
• Industry Stress & Retention: With 88% of small builders reporting increased personal stress and 68% considering closing their doors, we discuss the urgent need for a more supportive regulatory environment.
• Passive House as a Pathway: A massive win for South Australia, as they begin allowing Passive House standards as a performance-assessed pathway to meet thermal performance requirements.
• The Weekly Shout-Out: We head across the ditch to New Zealand to look at Josh from Compound and his mind-blowing project, "The Hill," in Queenstown.

• HIA National Conference (Gold Coast): 17–18 April 2026.
• The Mindful Builder SA Road Trip: 20–21 April 2026. Join Matt and Hamish for a Q&A at Jackson’s display home (Enduro Builders).
• SBA Retrofit Event: 7 May 2026. Featuring Sarah Lebner, Dylan Orwin, and Helen Oakley.
• Passive House Association Conference (Thrive): 25–26 June 2026. Use promo code THEMINDFULBUILDER.

Construction technology is changing fast, and in this episode, we sit down with Vas from C.R. Kennedy to talk about the tools already reshaping the construction industry. From geospatial technology and 3D site scanning to total stations and robotic set-out systems, this conversation looks at how builders can improve accuracy, efficiency, and communication on site. If you are interested in construction innovation, building technology, and the future of smarter job sites, this episode is packed with practical insight.

We explore how onsite construction technology is helping teams reduce mistakes, improve workflows, and give clients a clearer view of project progress. Vas shares how tools like 3D cameras, laser measuring systems, and digital site capture are making it easier to document existing conditions, track changes, and create more transparent building processes. For builders, architects, and contractors, this is where construction tech stops being a novelty and starts becoming a real competitive advantage.

The episode also dives into the role of robotics in construction and emerging tools designed to support safety and productivity. We talk about robot dogs, automated inspections, and even exoskeleton technology that can help reduce physical strain on trades. It is a grounded look at how construction safety technology and automation in construction can support workers, not replace them, while helping the industry deal with labour pressure, precision demands, and rising expectations.

If you want to stay ahead of where the Australian construction industry is heading, this conversation is well worth your time. We cover survey technology, construction site innovation, digital construction tools, and the growing role of smart building technology in everyday projects.

👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

00:00 Intro | Construction Technology in Australia

01:36 New Dad Life and Working in Construction Tech

02:39 Postnatal Mental Health and Life on Site

05:30 Meet Vas from C.R. Kennedy

07:21 How Construction Technology Is Evolving

07:58 3D Site Scanning in Construction

13:05 Prefab Construction Needs Precision

20:27 Construction Tech Costs, ROI and Team Training

26:58 Future Technology in the Construction Industry

27:31 Virtual Reality in Construction: Hype or Helpful?

28:09 How Exoskeletons Could Support Trades On Site

30:24 Robot Dogs in Construction Explained

31:48 The Reality of Robotics in Construction

34:02 AR Glasses and Digital Measuring on Site

36:16 Will Robots Replace Trades in Construction

38:34 Drones in Construction and Site Monitoring

40:28 Construction Cameras and Site Security Technology

45:43 Laser Layout Tools and Construction Workflow

48:54 Mindful Moment | Adapting to New Building Technology

50:30 How to Connect with Vas and C.R. Kennedy

LINKS:

Connect with Vas:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vassili-achkar-b2013412b/

C.R.Kennedy:

https://www.crkennedy.com.au/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/crkennedybuild/

Our Sponsors:

Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima

MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt

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/

This episode covers the latest updates in the Australian building industry, including new legislation, code transitions, and innovative materials. Hosts Matt and Hamish analyse recent news, government policies, and emerging technologies impacting builders and homeowners.

Matt and Hamish from The Mindful Builder are launching a new, "short and sharp" weekly news segment. Capped at 10 minutes, the offshoot aims to provide a non-biased rundown of Australian building industry news, focusing on facts and positive stories while navigating a shifting legislative landscape.

In their first wrap-up, they tackle the Victorian Government’s "Dodgy Builder" bill, which empowers the Building Plumbing Commission to halt defective work early and targets "phoenixing"—where builders fold companies to dodge warranty claims. While they welcome the move, they note it may inadvertently hike consumer costs through increased insurance premiums.

The duo also discussed the NCC 2025 transition. While some states have delayed adoption, Victoria is moving ahead on 1 May 2026 with no transition period, introducing crucial lead-free plumbing requirements and mandatory condensation management. Hamish argued that any "pause" in standards must include mandatory as-built verification to ensure seven-star ratings are actually met.

Other highlights include:

• Levy Relief: Victoria is winding down the combustible cladding levy, saving developers significant costs on large projects.
• EPA Crackdown: The EPA now considers poor moisture management during builds as "environmental pollution," holding builders liable for future mould growth.
• Fungi Tech: A "quirky" look at Swinburne University researchers using mycelium to grow fire-resistant, breathable structural blocks.

The segment wraps up with a cheeky acknowledgement of their "work-it-out-as-we-go" style, promising more prepared insights in the coming weeks.

“Sustainable design is not just lower energy bills. It is health, comfort, moisture safety, and long-term performance.”

We sat down with Marcus Strang, Technical Lead in Passivhaus at HIP V. HYPE, to explore what sustainable building design really means in practice. With a PhD from the University of Queensland and deep expertise in building science, Marcus shares how Passive House design is helping shape healthier, more energy efficient buildings in Australia.

We unpack how Passivhaus principles go far beyond energy efficiency. This conversation covers thermal comfort, indoor air quality, moisture safety, and why high-performance homes need to respond to Australia’s diverse climate zones. Marcus explains how sustainable architecture is not about applying one formula everywhere, but about designing buildings that perform properly in their specific environment.

A major focus of the episode is hygrothermal modelling and moisture movement in engineered timber buildings, including CLT construction. Marcus shares why condensation risk, mould prevention, and long-term durability are critical parts of sustainable construction, especially in hot and humid climates. If you care about building performance, timber construction, and low-energy design, this part of the conversation is especially valuable.

We also talk about the bigger picture for the construction industry. How technical expertise, early design decisions, and better collaboration can help drive net zero carbon outcomes and more resilient buildings. If you are interested in Passive House Australia, sustainable design, building science, energy-efficient homes, and the future of high-performance construction, this episode is packed with practical insight.

👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

00:00 Intro

01:58 Favourite Passive House Build

03:19 Meet Marcus Strang

04:05 What Is High Performance

07:44 Passive House In Humid Environments

12:41 ERVs And Dehumidification

14:08 Why Schools Need It

20:30 Commercial Modelling And Roles

22:52 Conflicts And Certification

23:37 Avoiding Certification Failures

25:29 Common Airtightness Mistakes

27:07 Moisture Risk in Cavities

27:29 Ventilated Brick Drainage

28:22 Photo Checklist Workflow

29:52 First Home Retrofit Plan

33:12 Low Cost Efficiency Upgrades

34:40 Step by Step Passive Retrofit

35:01 Windows and Air Quality

37:41 External Insulation Debate

42:06 Airtightness Without Intello

46:20 Apprentice Mindful Moment

48:44 Embodied Energy Tooling

50:57 EasyPH Controversy

52:14 Wrap Up and Thanks

LINKS:

Connect with Marcus:

https://hipvhype.com/our-approach/our-people?t=marcus-strang

Our Sponsors:

Pro Clima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima

MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt

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/

“Sustainable buildings focus on what's invisible, not visible”

In this episode of The Mindful Builder, we sit down with Roberto Petruzzi, an Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) specialist, to unpack what building performance and energy efficiency really mean in practice. We talk about energy modelling, building science, and why the details you cannot see often matter most for comfort, durability, and running costs.

Roberto explains the unseen layers that shape high-performance homes, including airtightness, thermal performance, insulation continuity, ventilation strategy, glazing choices, and shading. These are the decisions that determine whether a home feels stable and comfortable, or whether it runs hot, cold, damp, or expensive. Sustainability is not about ticking boxes. It is about designing buildings that perform as intended in their climate.

One of the most interesting parts of the conversation is Roberto’s take on restraint. Sometimes, the most sustainable decision is choosing not to build when financial or environmental constraints do not stack up. It is not a popular message in construction, but it is an honest one. Sustainability is not only about what you add to a project. It is also about what you avoid.

We also dig into collaboration across the whole project team. Architects, engineers, builders, and clients need to be aligned early, because the biggest performance wins happen in the early design stage. If you care about sustainable architecture, energy efficient homes, ESD, and building better in Australia, this episode will give you a clearer way to think about it.

👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

00:00 Welcome

03:41 Budget Reality Checks

05:48 Meet Robert Petruzzie

07:26 From Switzerland to ESD

09:24 What ESD Consultants Do

11:12 Council Plans and Greenwashing

15:17 Balancing Daylight and Thermal

16:33 Perfect Buildings and Tradeoffs

20:56 NAB HERS vs Passive House

24:41 Air Change Assumptions

25:37 HERS Rating Limitations

26:21 What Is WUFI

27:38 Retrofit Moisture Risks

30:59 Reading Mould Index

35:00 Parklife Wall Assemblies

39:02 Airtightness Skills Gap

40:02 Building the Backyard Pod

43:24 Retrofit Priorities

44:49 Curiosity for Apprentices

45:52 Mandatory Airtight Testing

46:50 Wrap Up

LINKS:

Connect with Roberto:

https://hipvhype.com/our-approach/our-people?t=Roberto-Petruzzi

Our Sponsors:

Proclima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima

MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt

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/

“Commercial teaches you speed and logistics. Residential teaches you people.”

In this episode, we sit down with Alistair Meallin, Director at Y Projects, to talk about what it really takes to build high-quality custom homes in Australia. With over a decade in construction and a construction degree from the University of Melbourne, Alistair shares the lessons he learned on big commercial sites and why he ultimately moved into residential building for the client connection.

We unpack Alistair’s path through construction management and working with larger builders, including Icon Construction, and how those early years shaped the systems and standards he now brings to Y Projects. This is a practical look at site management, trade coordination, and what it means to run a building business without losing the human side of the job.

A big part of the conversation is the design process and budget reality. Alistair explains why a successful build is not just the final product, but the client experience along the way, and how small design upgrades can stack up fast. Clear communication, grounded expectations, and aligning design with budget are key to avoiding stress and cost blowouts.

We also talk team culture, staff retention, and advice for apprentices and future builders. Alistair shares why curiosity and learning the “why” matters, plus his vision for making custom-designed, high-quality residential construction more accessible.

👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

00:00 Podcast Welcome

02:59 Commercial Builder Lessons

05:32 Defects And Retrenchment

07:31 Mentorship Deep End

08:56 High End Homes Shift

11:21 Client Emotions Process

15:05 Onboarding Handover Systems

17:47 EBA Unions Explained

21:50 Starting Y Projects

22:25 Footscray Development Story

28:22 Y Projects Name Origin

29:34 Leaving Commercial For Townhomes

32:21 Flexibility for Family

33:10 Retention Through Realistic Timelines

34:08 Carpenters Hours and Value

35:24 Hiring for Team Fit

35:56 Positive Site Leadership

39:22 Frozen Yogurt Budget Trap

42:57 Precon Costs and Risk

45:28 Making Custom Homes Attainable

48:43 ECI Early Budget Alignment

51:34 Architect Retention Debate

54:04 Builder Network and Support

55:19 Advice for Apprentices

59:59 Wrap Up and Contact

LINKS:

Y Projects:

https://yprojects.com.au/

Y Projects Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/yprojects/

Our Sponsors:

Proclima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima

MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt

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/

“Architecture is not just drawings and pretty renders.” In this episode, we sit down with Roger from Borland Architecture to unpack the overlap between architecture, construction, and real estate, and why those worlds are far more connected than most people realise. This is a practical conversation about problem-solving, designing for real life, and making decisions that affect how people live every day.

Roger shares his journey from Northwest Ireland to training in England, and how that hands-on background shaped his people-first approach to design. He describes his process as method acting, getting inside a client’s routines and priorities so the end result is not just an impressive plan, but a home that actually works. The kind of house that feels effortless to live in.

We also talk about the gap between architectural education and real-world building outcomes, and why sustainability and practical thinking cannot be treated as optional extras. If we want energy-efficient homes, better building standards, and high performance design at scale, the industry needs training that reflects what actually happens on site.

Finally, we dig into prefabricated high-performance homes and affordability through projects like StllHaus with Carbonlite, plus Roger’s take on real estate as a lever for better outcomes. We wrap with a Mindful Moment on AI in architecture, and why the human part of design is still the point. Listening, interpreting, and translating real needs into spaces that work.

👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

00:00 Welcome

01:26 Meet Roger Borland

01:42 Farm Roots to Architecture

04:15 Architecture Training Path

05:08 Design as Method Acting

07:15 Is Architecture School Broken

10:03 Passive Solar Basics

16:44 Reading the Site Deeply

20:16 Sustainability Origins

31:47 StllHaus Prefab Vision

33:16 Build Timeline Iteration

34:12 Orientation Passive House Standards

34:46 Certification Optional Baseline

35:31 Volume Builder Partnership

37:24 Pricing Market Position

40:48 Designing Smaller Better Homes

41:47 Real Estate Design Concepts

54:03 Pre Purchase Site Analysis

58:30 Mindful Moment AI Future

01:02:06 Where To Find Roger

LINKS:

Borland Architecture:

https://www.borlandarch.com.au/

Our Sponsors:

Proclima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima

MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt

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/

“Success looks great on social media. The reality is usually messier.”

In this episode, we sit down with Liam Wallis, Founder and Managing Director of HIP V. HYPE, to talk about what sustainable development really looks like behind the highlight reel. Not just pretty renders and big announcements, but pressure, responsibility, and the constant work of improving systems so each project is better than the last.

Liam shares why sustainable success is built through iteration, not perfection. Using ParkLife 2 as an example, we unpack how strategic planning, process improvement, and a long-term mindset help create high performance apartments that can scale without losing the values that matter. This is sustainable building that is practical, repeatable, and designed for real people.

We also explore how lived experience shapes better design. From simple moves like bike storage on apartment levels to bigger performance goals like an eight and a half star NatHERS rating, Liam explains how energy efficiency, comfort, and lower running costs become tangible outcomes when you design for the long game. Better thermal performance. Smarter energy decisions. Homes that support people to live well.

Finally, we talk about why experience is belief through the HV Hotel, and why community does not happen by accident. Liam breaks down the importance of community-centric design, feedback loops, and building places where residents feel connected and invested. We also touch on construction mental health, and why building better buildings means building better support systems for the people doing the work.

👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

00:00 Introduction

01:38 Park Life Two Intro

10:13 Building In House Engineering

12:11 What Park Life Two Is

13:39 Lived Experience Design

16:44 Solar And Regulations

18:21 Electrification And Hot Water

23:03 NatHERS And Passive House

27:22 Design Versus Performance

29:18 HV Hotel Experience

33:59 Park Life Two Sales

36:43 Owner Occupiers Vs Investors

39:29 Collaborating With Builders

42:23 Tendering And Capability

44:08 Scaling Industry Capacity

44:56 Open Sites And Trade Schools

48:15 Parkside Project Vision

49:19 Mindful Moment Mental Health

52:51 Closing Reflections

LINKS:

Stay in HV Hotel:

https://hipvhype.com/hotel

ParkLife 2 Project:

https://hipvhype.com/projects/parklife-2

Our Sponsors:

Proclima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima

MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt

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/