Episode 210: Tone Wheeler on why immigration is not the reason behind our a housing problems

Immigration is a driver of GDP and a solution to Australia’s declining birth rate, but as housing pressures mount, polls showing strong support for reduced intake could force the government into a debate on population growth,” says Mike Secombe writing in the Saturday Paper.

“The high pace of immigration is not compatible with the level of housing supply that we have in this country. We’re just not building enough homes to keep up with our population growth,” AMP deputy chief economist Diana Mousina said late last year to the ABC.

However some people think that this is not the main issue that’s causing our house prices and rentals woes.

 One of those is Tone Wheeler, regular A & D columnist, and a director at Environa Studio who is also a passionate advocate for environmental architecture. 

Tone has taught at universities for thirty years, served on boards and appeared regularly on television and radio.

We recently sat down with him to talk about what he thinks is the reason behind our housing affordability crisis.

Episode 209: Eilish Barry, a project leader at Hayball talks about sustainability & designing the perfect precinct

Eilish Barry, a project leader at Hayball, found her passion for architecture through a pivotal conversation with a family friend who emphasised the profound impact architects have on shaping the built environment. 

This inspiration has guided her professional journey, predominantly focused on social infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing communities. 

Eilish’s work showcases a commitment to designing for both social and environmental wellbeing, incorporating considerations such as local materials, communal spaces and support for local labour opportunities. 

Through these endeavours, she explains what she has witnessed and how the tangible value of good design for communities is universal.

This podcast is brought to you in association with Moddex, proud sponsors of our 2024 Sustainability series of podcasts.

Episode 208: How NSW transformed the old White Bay Power Station into a site for a world-famous art festival

For many Sydneysiders the old White Bay Power Station at Rozelle, some 4km from Sydney’s CBD has been a familiar landmark as they travel over the Anzac Bridge.

 Fenced off, with broken windows, covered in graffiti and sporting rusted metal smokestacks, the century-old industrial site hasn’t been used since the lights were switched off on Christmas Day, 1983.

 While successive state governments have spent decades arguing over its future, now after almost $110 million was invested by both the previous Coalition and now ALP state governments in the restoration and remediation of this iconic site, its not only ‘new’ again, but also winning design awards.

We talk with Barbara Moore (right), CEO of  Biennale of Sydney, one of the top three Biennials in the world, along with Sao Paolo and Venice and Anita Mitchell (left), Chief Executive at Placemaking NSW, part of Planning NSW that focuses on development and management of some of our most important harbourside precincts, on what it took to turn the White Bay Power Station from an disused power station to a global art powerhouse.

Episode 207: Tamica Lewis, founder of Tempus Design Studio, on her holistic approach to residential building design & creating inspired spaces

Tamica Lewis is the Principal Building Designer and founder of Tempus Design Studio and has been involved in the Building and Construction Industry since 2005. 

Tempus operates across Queensland with a focus on the Whitsundays, Mackay, Hervey Bay and Brisbane.  Her team consists of both Building Designers and Interior Designers, providing a holistic approach to Building Design.

Tamica studied at CQ University and obtained her Bachelor of Building Design. She is a member of BDQ (Building Design Queensland) and not only is she a member, she is the first female President as of 2021. Tamica was also previously elected to the role of National President for the NABD (National Association of Building Designers). 

In this interview, Tamica talks about her her holistic approach to residential building design and creating inspired spaces.

This podcast is brought to you in association with AWS,  proud sponsors of our 2024 Residential series of podcasts.

Episode 206: Rothelowman Principal Chris Hayton on why designing apartments in shopping centres may help solve the housing crisis

Chris Hayton is a Principal at Rothelowman. With a passion for driving positive change through critical thinking, Chris embodies Rothelowman’s core value of radical exploration – creating bold, sustainable, and inspiring places for people and cities.

As a leader of urban design, master planning and mixed-use, Chris encourages his team to recognise the unseen opportunities of projects and utilise collective thinking to turn concepts into reality.

In this podcast, Chris explains his design of the residential part of the magnificent Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre and how this trend for building apartments in shopping centres is both new and different form the usual residential typology.

This podcast is brought to you in association with Moddex, proud sponsors of our 2024 Sustainability  series of podcasts.

Episode 205: Why the newly-opened Powerhouse Museum is both an architectural and a cultural marvel

Lahznimmo Architects has completed the Powerhouse Castle Hill in northwest Sydney, an imposing shed-like storage facility wrapped in corrugated aluminium and concrete.

Owned and operated by the Powerhouse Museum group, the 9000sqm facility is intended as a public-facing storehouse containing a mix of storage, exhibition and conservation facilities, alongside spaces for research and community engagement.

The expansion of the Museums Discovery Centre, Powerhouse Castle Hill was delivered to better protect State heritage and cultural assets.

The new building also provides more space for education, research and public programs. It will enhance the conservation, preservation and exhibition of collections for generations to come.

We talk with Powerhouse Group CEO Lisa Havilah

and Principal of Lahznimmo Architects, Andrew Nimmo.

Episode 204: Tara Veldman from BLP on the future of health infrastructure & designing for collective wellbeing

Tara Veldman, Principal and Health Sector Leader at BLP brings over 15 years’ experience designing projects across Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. 

She initially joined BLP in 2003 to work on the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Royal Women’s Hospital and led the masterplan and feasibility for the Royal Children’s Hospital Redevelopment.

Tara’s expertise in mental health design began in the Netherlands, working on Regional Mental Health Centres,  Intensive Care clinic and  Protected Living including mental health rehabilitation units.

In this podcast, Tara explains how she is shaping the future of social infrastructure by designing health care spaces that promote collective wellbeing.

This Podcast was brought to you by Siniat, proud sponsors of our 2024 Aged & Healthcare series.

Episode 202: Taking commercial flooring to the next social level: GH Commercial & Dreamtime Flooring collaboration

Joel Williamson (left) is the National Sales Manager of GH Commercial  and Josh Haddock (right) is the Managing Director of Dreamtime Flooring. 

Together they have embarked on a journey that has seen them create a partnership  between the two companies that is designed to help indigenous artists expand their reach into the world of commercial flooring and providing a whole new inventory of flooring designs, while also go some way to helping Close the Gap for Indigenous Australians.

They give us an insight into how they’ve achieved this and where it’s taking both companies in this exclusive interview.

This podcast is brought to you in association with GH Commercial proud sponsors of our 2024 Commercial series of podcasts.