Building Design, Prime Time

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia sit down with Sophie from Harrington Road to explore the emotional, practical, and financial challenges of downsizing, transitioning into aged care, or managing a deceased estate. Sophie shares how her team supports clients through every step of the process, from assessing human needs and property potential, to guiding families through decluttering, organi...

Designing your dream home is exciting, but designing it on a rural block? That’s a whole new adventure. In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia steps into the client’s chair as she and Frank unpack the real, unfiltered process of creating a home from the ground up as Amelia navigates going through the process of getting the first floorplan concept for her new home.

From interpreting the very first concept ...

Are you looking to make your home more comfortable, efficient, and safe, but aren’t sure where to start? In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Trime Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive deep into the world of retrofitting and home upgrades, sharing practical insights for homeowners who want to improve their existing spaces without breaking the bank.

From choosing the right insulation and roof ventilation for Tasmanian conditions, ...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time podcast, Amelia and Frank pull back the curtain on one of the biggest challenges in Australia’s building and design industry, the lack of communication and consistency between systems, departments, and even states. Following on from their previous podcast discussion about the five key systems involved in every building project, they dive deeper into how these systems often operate ...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia pull back the curtain on one of the biggest misconceptions in the industry, that building designers just “draw plans.” They reveal the hidden complexity behind every project, explaining how designers must navigate five parallel systems  planning, building, site and infrastructure, technical disciplines, and title/legal implications each with its own rule b...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia diving into the world of landscape design with expert landscaper Andrew Nicholson. From passive solar planning to creating functional outdoor spaces, Andrew shares insights into how smart design can make your garden not only beautiful but practical all year round.

They explore the tricky balance of managing sunlight, wind, and shade, and the importance of c...

Are you considering a modular home but aren’t sure where to start? In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank are joined by mortgage brokers Carrie and Eliza from Uploans to discuss the latest policy changes for financing modular homes. Together, they unpack the evolving world of modular housing, providing expert insights for homeowners, investors, and first-time buyers alike.

you will gain va...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia and Frank tackle a topic that comes up with almost every client enquiry: budget. While many people hesitate to disclose how much they want to spend, Frank explains why being upfront is crucial for a successful design and build journey, if you're on a budget. 

Amelia and Frank discuss how a clear budget helps align design ideas with realistic outcomes, preventing...

Heating your home isn’t just about turning on a switch, it’s about comfort, efficiency, and making choices that suit your lifestyle and budget. In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive deep into the world of home heating, exploring the wide variety of options available to homeowners in Tasmania and beyond. From traditional wood heaters and pellet systems to reverse cycle, hydronic, and geoth...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia welcome back Sam from SM Building for the second instalment of our two-part series on Passive House design (If you haven't listened to part one yet go back to the previous episode first so you can hear the full instalment). Frank, Amelia and Sam dive deeper into what it really takes to build and certify a home to this international standard. They explo...

In this episode of Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia sat down with Sam from SM Building, who recently achieved something remarkable, completing the very first certified Passive House units in Launceston. Sam opens up about his journey of navigating the process for the first time, sharing both the opportunities and the challenges of bringing this globally recognised building standard to Tasmania.

If you’ve ever wo...

 In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia and Frank explore the lack of consumer protection in Australia’s housing market and the risks buyers face when purchasing a property. Frank begins with an imagined “ideal” inspection report to illustrate the level of detail buyers should receive but rarely do, pointing out hidden dangers like unapproved works, mould, or poor construction that often go undisclosed. ...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia discuss the potential reasons for overwhelm and stress during the design and construction of your home. Building or renovating should be exciting… but the reality is, it can also be one of the most stressful and expensive experiences you’ll ever take on. In this episode, Frank and Amelia talk about the hidden emotional and financial pressures that often cat...

In this episode of Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Amelia and Frank explore the potential pitfalls of turning your garage into short-term accommodation. While the idea of creating an Airbnb or private flat from an underused space is tempting, there’s far more to it than meets the eye.

They share real-life examples where stunning but non-compliant conversions had to be downgraded to non-habitable use, costing owners dearly. From ...

Looking for cheap ways to extend your home? In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time podcast, Amelia and Frank explore smart, budget-friendly options for adding extra space by converting existing areas like garages, alfrescos, and carports into livable rooms.

But beware—while these projects can be cost-effective, they’re not always as simple as throwing up a few walls. Frank explains why not all structures are suitable and...

In this milestone 100th episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank celebrate their journey while diving into one of the most practical and timely topics for homeowners—how to make your existing home more energy efficient. Drawing from decades of building design experience and personal insight, Frank shares five key areas where improvements can have the biggest impact. 

Listeners are encouraged to star...

In this educational episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank explore the top five renovation disasters homeowners should avoid. Aimed at first-time renovators and those unfamiliar with the building process, the episode highlights real-world scenarios that underscore the importance of proper planning, permits, and professional guidance. Frank shares his decades of experience, exposing the risks of t...

 In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia and Frank explore the pros and cons of home extensions, particularly the choice between building outwards or upwards. They discuss key factors such as construction costs, structural challenges, council planning restrictions, and how different site types affect renovation options. 

Emphasis is placed on the importance of working with experienced renovation builders a...

 In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, the hosts, Frank and Amelia explore the practical, emotional, and regulatory considerations of multi-generational living and designing for independence within shared homes. They emphasise the importance of thoughtful design features such as separate entries, kitchenettes, shared laundries, and accessible layouts, all while navigating planning regulations that distinguish ...