In this episode, Aileen Chew and Daniel Moore speak with Nanako McIntosh, Director of Ellia Design, about her diverse career spanning New Zealand, Singapore, and Australia, and her experience moving between architecture, project management, and design management roles. Nanako reflects on how working both client- and contractor-side has reshaped her understanding of an architect's value, revealing opportunities for collaboration that improve project efficiency and cost outcomes without compromising design integrity.

Nanako shares the story of founding Ellia Design with Senior Designer Ashleigh Elliott, building a bi-state practice with a focus on mid- to senior-level staff, and developing a loyal, recurring client base. Nanako offers candid insights into the challenges and rewards of running a small studio, from managing variable project scopes to balancing growth with hands-on design involvement. Her journey is a thoughtful reminder that an architect's role can be flexible, multifaceted, and deeply enriched by cross-disciplinary experience.

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 Aileen Chew 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.