Episode 263: Phillip Rossington and Richard Francis-Jones on the the design philosophy, challenges, and vision that shaped Sydney House
This is the story of Sydney House, a transformative mixed-use development that redefines luxury living while honouring over 130 years of built legacy. Rising above the historic facades of the former City Tattersalls Club, this elegant composition is more than just a building—it’s a conversation between past and present. From the scalloped rhythms of the tower to the carefully restored Victorian and Art Deco details, Sydney House embodies sensitive addition and contemporary express...
1 Sep 34min
Episode 262: Designing for Hope with Design Psychologist Kylie Sandland
In this episode of Talking Architecture & Design, we speak with Kylie Sandland, Design Psychologist and Co-Founder of Design for Hope, a social enterprise creating trauma-informed spaces for recovery and well-being. With three decades of experience in psychology and organisational consulting, Sandland brings a unique, evidence-based approach to the way environments affect our mental health. From domestic violence shelters to rehabilitation centres, her work focuses on designin...
25 Aug 33min
Episode 261: New designs, cladding & facade trends and the value of Stratco's local manufacturing base with Eric Lien and Andrew Steele
In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into Stratco, an Australian company with over 75 years of experience providing building solutions for both professionals and homeowners. Stratco offers a wide range of products, including patios, carports, verandahs, garages, sheds, and outdoor living products such as NINELINE, SUPERDEK & PRODEK. Critically for Australian architects and builders, Stratco has manufacturing facilities in all mainland states of Australia and also in New Zealand...
18 Aug 37min
Episode 260: Ray White’s Chief Economist and one of Australia’s leading property experts, Nerida Conisbee on fixing Australia's housing crisis
Nerida Conisbee is Ray White’s Chief Economist and one of Australia’s leading property experts. Nerida works closely with industry partners to provide strategic vision and policy recommendations for the future of property in Australia. She represents Ray White to inform and influence key stakeholder groups across the residential and commercial sectors, in addition to advising major Australian government bodies. In this exclusive interview, Nerida unravels the main issues behind our hous...
11 Aug 24min
Episode 259: Autex's Jono Mountford on circularity, regenerative design and why Closing the Loop is now more important than ever
Jonathan 'Jono' Mountfort is the Creative Director at Autex Acoustics and a design expert specialising in sustainable acoustic solutions. With over 20 years of experience in design and manufacturing, Jonathan oversees product design, compliance, and sustainability. His journey into design began with a background in mechanical engineering, which sparked his passion for tinkering. After a brief stint as a vegan chef on the set of ‘Lord of the Rings,’ he pursued a degree...
4 Aug 33min
Episode 258: Holding Redlich Special Counsel Katharine Huxley on the EPBC Act Amendment & its impact on future land use
The Australian Parliament passed the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Reconsiderations) Bill 2025, restricting the Minister for the Environment’s power to reconsider certain past decisions under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This change has significant implications for environmental oversight, particularly in cases where new information emerges about the impact of ongoing land use activities, such as the co...
28 Jul 19min
Episode 257: Paul Scully, New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces explains all about the NSW Housing Pattern Book
With housing affordability at crisis levels and younger generations leaving Sydney in record numbers, the Minns Labor Government has announced a bold plan to make it faster, easier, and more affordable to build a new home. At the center of this plan is the launch of the NSW Housing Pattern Book—a collection of architect-designed terraces, townhouses, and manor houses—combined with a world-first Complying Development pathway that promises to cut approval times down to just ten days. ...
21 Jul 18min
Episode 256: Why weatherproofing at the system level rather than through individual components is key to delivering code-compliant buildings
Proper weatherproofing is essential for buildings in Australia due to the country's climate, which includes intense sun, heavy rainfall, and varying temperatures. Effective weatherproofing protects the building from water damage, structural issues, and the growth of mould and mildew, while also ensuring a comfortable and healthy living environment. Jon Conway – National Technical & Product Development Manager for Innova at Etex Australia and Craig Blinco – Sales and Marketing Direct...
14 Jul 43min
