Building Design, Prime Time

In this down-to-earth episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive into whether it's cheaper to buy or build a home? They discuss the real-life challenges and rewards of tackling home renovations versus building from scratch. 

Frank and Amelia reflect on their own renovation journeys—like ceiling chunks falling mid-project and learning the hard way that not all DIY jobs are created equal. The messag...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank break down the often confusing world of building terminology, making it clear and accessible for anyone involved in the building or renovation process. They kick off with essential plumbing terms like IO (Inspection Opening) and ORG (Overflow Relief Gully), explaining what they mean and why they matter for your home’s drainage system. The discussion ...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia tackle one of the biggest questions on every homeowner's mind: What’s the most expensive part of building? 

Frank takes a deep dive into the numbers, breaking down the percentages of each area and explaining that interior finishes often make up the largest chunk of your budget. From flooring and cabinetry to lighting and fixtures, these are the areas w...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank reveal the smartest, most budget-friendly ways to extend your home—without cutting corners on quality or design.

Learn why keeping your roofline simple is one of the biggest money-saving decisions you can make, and how standard sizing for windows, doors and building materials can stretch your budget further. Discover how a small floor level variation ...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive deep into the one question every home builder has: How much is this going to cost? From budgeting for the basics to planning for the unexpected, Frank and Amelia break down the key factors that influence your building costs before you even start building —so you can make informed decisions from the start.

Building a new home or renovating an existing o...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive into one of the most misunderstood aspects of land and property development — flood overlays. Whether you're looking to buy a block of land, planning a renovation, or designing your dream home, knowing whether a flood overlay affects your site is absolutely critical.

You'll learn what a flood overlay is, how it can impact your design, and why...

In this eye-opening episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank are joined by special guest Leanne Jordan, a qualified Bushfire Practitioner, to unpack everything you need to know about Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings and how they impact your build.

Whether you're planning a new home, an extension, or converting an existing building like a church into a residence, understanding BAL ratings is ...

In the second part of our two-part series which follows on from the previous episode, Amelia and Frank discuss with special guest Clarence from Ionic Construction a deeper look into one of the most overlooked challenges in the construction industry—condensation. 

They discuss poorly designed and constructed homes that are not just inefficient; they can lead to major moisture issues, mould growth, and long-term structural damage. In ...

As homes become more airtight, the need for proper ventilation has never been more important. In this episode, Frank and Amelia welcomed special guest Clarence Macalister from Ionic Construction to talk about the effects of condensation in homes and  explore how changes in building standards and energy efficiency measures are impacting indoor air quality, and what homeowners, designers, and builders need to know. 

Clarence discusses...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive into the complexities of building envelopes and how they impact your home design. We discuss key regulations, including setbacks, height restrictions, and site coverage, particularly for smaller and steeper blocks.

Frank and Amelia also explore how different zones and overlays influence what you can build, and why early planning is essential to avoid c...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia tackle a scenario no homeowner wants to face—what happens if you suspect your builder is not complying with regulations during construction?

From poor workmanship to outright breaches of the building code, non-compliant work can cause serious issues down the track. But what can you do about it, and who should you turn to for help?

We break it all down, cover...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia are joined by special guest Tahleah, a building designer, to explore the often-complex world of home renovations, building permits, and compliance. 

They highlight several real life scenarios discussing what you can and can't do on your property without needing a permit. 

They discuss the potential consequences of taking on home projects without the prop...

In this episode, Frank and Amelia dive into the crucial yet often overlooked topic of home ventilation. With changes to the National Construction Code and Bushfire Code, many modern homes are now so airtight that they’re trapping moisture, leading to mould, mildew, and poor air quality. They explore the Catch-22 of bushfire protection and ventilation, discussing how sealing homes against embers has inadvertently created unhealthy i...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive into planning and creating spaces to accommodate teenagers and the changing needs of families and what to consider to accommodate these changing needs. From adding a master bedroom with an ensuite to creating sheds and backyard studios for rental income or teenage retreats, Frank and Amelia explore the smartest ways to maximise your space.

Frank discus...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive into the art of creating the perfect getaway spot, whether it’s a shack, a shed at the beach, or a holiday home. JoinFrank and Amelia as they explore how to design functional, budget-friendly spaces that cater to your family's current and future needs for your current or future holiday shack.

Frank and Amelia discuss practical tips for storage sol...

In this special episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, we celebrate Prime Design’s incredible achievement of winning the Practice of the Year Award at the 2024 Building Design Association of Australia National Gala Awards. Join Frank, Amelia, and special guest Alicia take you behind the scenes of this prestigious win, exploring the dedication, innovation, and collaboration that set Prime Design apart in the building de...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia explore the complexities of wastewater treatment systems, particularly for rural properties and holiday homes. Join Amelia and Frank as they discuss the importance of planning wastewater systems early in the design process and how they influence other aspects of your build, from site layout to council approvals.

We cover key considerations, including the di...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, were on location in Hobart for the Building Designers, Association of Australia Trade night as part of the annual national conference held for building designers. 

Featured is a discussion about one of the biggest challenges, bridging the knowledge gap among contractors and professionals. 

Join Amelia and Frank who invited special guests Chris Knierim the...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, we dive into the world of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)—an innovative, sustainable building material revolutionising the construction industry. In the episode we welcome special guest Ken Slamet from the Rubix Collective. Our guest explains why European spruce outperforms Australian timber, particularly in moisture control, and shares insights into how CLT delivers signific...