An Architect and a DJ Build a Home Podcast

🏠As you embark on your building journey, it's okay to seek help along the way 🏠 Building your own home can be a daunting undertaking, but with the right team by your side, it becomes a manageable and rewarding journey This week, Mphangela discusses ‘Who To Hire’. She breaks down the complexities of home building, from basic structures to high-end designs, outlining who you need to hire and w...

Are you thinking about building your dream home? Crafting a space that is uniquely yours can be an exciting but daunting task. From envisioning your perfect sanctuary to collaborating with architects and considering every detail, it's important to start with a clear vision.  Mphangela shares some key starting points when building your unique home. It all begins with your vision; what kind of s...

We have come to the end of Season four of An Architect and A Dj Build A Home Podcast. And this week,Mphangela takes us through some of the highlight episodes of the season. We had a number of amazing guests who covered a lot of different areas of the home building journey. From home build stories shared by homeowners here in Zambia, to a range of experts giving insights on their experiences workin...

This week on An Architect and A Dj Build A Home Podcast, Mphangela is joined by guest Graduate Architect, Taonga Sibongile Zulu.  They engage in a thoughtful discussion about the nuances between architecture and interior architecture.  The conversation delves into the pivotal role interior architects play in refining spaces. And Taonga breaks it down for us. From bridging the gap between architect...

This week on An Architect and A Dj Build A Home Podcast, Mphangela is joined by guest Structural Engineer, Hannah Nzovu.  Hannah breaks down the importance of having professionals like a structural engineer on your home building project.    She highlights different areas of consideration that ordinarily may be overlooked at the initial stages of home building such as; When and why a structural eng...

This week on An Architect and A Dj Build A Home Podcast, Mphangela walks through the reflections to consider and mindset to have when starting to build your unique home.   She highlights different areas such as; Honesty as the Foundation: In embarking on the journey of building your dream home, honesty serves as the cornerstone. It's crucial to confront the reality of your budget and status fr...

Building your home is a unique process that comes with its own challenges and triumphs.  And this week on An Architect and A Dj Build A Home Podcast, Mphangela is joined by guest couple Daniel and Nthemba who share their unique journey and process of building their home.   Your home is an extension of yourself, a reflection of your personality waiting to be unveiled. And Daniel and Nthemba show us...

Navigating the Home Building Journey: Insights from an Interior Designer This week on An Architect and A Dj Build A Home Podcast, Mphangela is joined by guest Interior Designer, Muzala of @the.spacestylist.zm. Muzala shares the role an interior designer plays in guiding first-time home builders through the eyes of an experienced interior designer by giving valuable insights into how they assist cl...

The home building process can be a daunting one. Even more so when you do not know what to do or even where to start. This week on An Architect and A Dj Build A Home Podcast, Mphangela shares the necessary steps to take before embarking on a home building journey. Inspiration and aesthetics aside; What is your ‘why’ for building?  What functional aspects should you take into consideration that wil...

This week on An Architect and A Dj Build A Home Podcast, Kalenga and Mphangela are joined by guest Sharron, who answers their thought provoking questions as she and her husband, Blessings, journey to build a unique home. From minimalist to maximalist, Sharron shares the beauty in embracing chaos, letting go of control, and creating a home rich in a blend of colors, patterns, trinkets and memories....

Creating a home is more than just constructing a physical structure. This week on An Architect and A Dj Build A Home Podcast, Kalenga and Mphangela break down other factors to consider when building your unique home. Building a unique home will require you to move beyond mere technicalities. But rather help you focus on understanding, exploring and rediscovering the essence of what ‘Home’ truly me...

🎉🎉WE ARE BACK! 🎉🎉 An Architect and A DJ Build A Home Podcast is back for its fourth season. And in today's episode, Kalenga and Mphangela give a gist of what to look forward to this season. Join in the conversation: 👀 WATCH on our YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram

Planning permission is required because the planning authority, where you are located, wants to know that you follow the guidelines in terms of the home that you want to build.  In the final part of the Dream to plan series, Mphangela shares how during this process, you may need to respond to queries that the planning authority raises and make adjustments. Once you get the approval, this gives you...

Part six of the Dream to Plan series is what Mphangela calls the Developed Design Process. At this stage, you will be making decisions on fixed furniture, plumbing, lighting, and more. And will see how they will come together to transform your floor plan into a fully realized home. Your Architect may present drawings to show an in-depth look at the collaborative efforts that ensure your dream home...

In part five, Mphangela discusses the first steps the architect takes during what is known as the ‘pre-design process.’  At this stage, your architect assesses your site, studies your plot, and works with your brief to set the direction for your dream home. They also give you insights on site studies, soil investigations, and making early budget estimates! For more on this conversation; Join in th...

In Zambia, architects are licensed by the Zambia Institute of Architects and anything above 120 square meters needs to be designed by an architect. An architect will help you to bring your dream home to life. In part four of the ‘ Dream To Plan’ series, Mphangela walks us through key considerations for hiring an architect. From fee structures, referrals and viewing previous work to building a last...

In part three of the ‘Dream To Plan’ series, Mphangela guides you through what to consider when creating the ultimate Wishlist for your dream home.  She points out how, “Your brief is not going to be the same as someone else's. So do take time to prepare it. It's important to have a brief because this acts as a north star for your project.”  Your brief is your compass for the design stage,...

In the second part of our bonus home building series, Mphangela  dives into the crucial step of selecting the right plot for your dream home.  From consideration of  future expansions to essential services such as water and electricity. Join in on the conversation as she explores the key considerations to ensure your plot is the perfect fit for your vision!; 👀WATCH on our Youtube Channel

Join Mphangela as she guides you through the crucial first steps of deciding if building is the right path for you. From securing a plot and assessing financial commitment to understanding the time investment required. Before you commit to the journey she asks you to consider  whether this journey aligns with your reality and goals.  This bonus podcast episode is part of a series where we’ll be sh...

This week we come to the finale of season three of An Architect and A DJ Build A Home Podcast.  Kalenga and Mphangela give us a recap of the season. They talk about their favorite episodes and the highs and lows of the season.. Join in on the conversation; 👀WATCH on our Youtube Channel

This week on An Architect and A DJ Build A Home Podcast, Kalenga and Mphangela share what you can do to make sure you create a quality home. They dissect what ‘quality' means in terms of building. Mphangela explores a common misconception that quality is just about how your home will look. Join in the conversation. You can also watch the podcast on our Youtube Channe l. Got questions on how to...

This week on An Architect and A DJ Build A Home Podcast, Kalenga and Mphangela are joined by John and Nthongase Turner who share their home build story. They share what building as a couple has looked like for them. The Turners have found that tackling a building project together helped highlight the different strength areas they each have.. They talk about the benefits of working with professiona...

When you decide to build your own home, its important to consider what impact a building project will have on your life.  In this week’s episode, Kalenga and Mphangela discuss how considering the cost of building goes beyond your budget. It  includes the impact it will have  on your life obligations like taking care of family and also the impact on your time.   Mphangela highlights some questions...

Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, and it's important to remember that these twists and turns are a natural part of the journey.  This week, Kalenga and Mphangela take a little pause to offer some encouragement to first-time builders out there.  When things don't go as planned, it can be discouraging, but it's crucial to keep going. Sometimes, it's the momentary pause...

On today’s episode of An Architect and A DJ Build A Home Podcast, Kalenga and Mphangela sit down with guest, licensed therapist, Thandiwe from Pathway Psychotherapy Services. The question is ‘What does mental health have to do with building?  A building project is a huge undertaking and brings rise to a lot of different issues, yes including mental health issues. Thandiwe delves into different asp...