Made To Build by HIA

Builder Rob Watchorn has trained plenty of apprentices and learned the hard way what works and what doesn’t.   Rob shares real-world ways to engage Gen Z, set clear expectations, and keep 'em keen. Tools include a weekly scorecard helps track progress and build team culture.   We get deep into what it takes to fix the skills shortage. While school-based trade programs like youthBuild are turni...

Go behind the scenes of the Surfside House in Avalon Beach, crowned 2024 HIA-CSR NSW Home of the Year. Builder Joel Jones shares the challenges and triumphs of crafting a coastal home built to stand the test of time. From hoisting 200kg sandstone blocks to designing floating breezeways and sourcing extra durable materials, discover what it takes to build a beach house that will still turn heads in...

Gavin Hepper, Kitchens and Bathrooms specialist, unpacks how futuristic connected homes (where kitchens can ‘talk’ to bathrooms) are closer than you think. Hear how he uses the “Umbrella Effect” to keeps projects moving, what silica rules mean on-site, designing for ‘A.M/breakfast zone’, and why more clients want multigenerational living. Gavin also previews the latest global trends from Salone de...

Architect and builder Sarah Waller shares how she built HIA's 2025 Australian Home of the Year in only 10 months. 'Blackwood' is a clean, monochromatic masterpiece set in lush Noosa. Refusing to be beat, she tackled months of rain, slopes, scale, detail, and pressure, crediting her trusted subbies along the way. This ep is a sharp look at full-project control, and how she finished a wi...

Kim Allen , CEO of CRA Construction, shares how she stepped up from the office to lead a growing team - and why hiring more women made business sense. Her business partner and hubby, Chris Allen backs her with real talk on culture tweaks and rebranding the business for success. Find out how this couple is building a business that people want to work in.   Follow  @hia_au Check out Kim & Chris’...

Branding that stands for something. A bible for your build quality. Leaders who lift the load. Ryan Goodwin from Mode Group lays out how to build a business that could run - or even sell - without you. It’s about honouring the craft, setting the bar, and backing your team. Tune in on how you can think beyond today’s job.

Patrick from McDowell Building chats about renovations - how to handle dust, noise, and tricky old homes. He’s big on clear plans, honest chats with clients, and keeping sites clean. With a small, solid team, he pushes for high standards and learning as you go. Good planning and solid comms are key. https://mcdowellbuilding.com/ | @McDowellBuilding

We pitched the mics on the expo floor at National Conference and squeezed three sharp chats into one hour: Merrick Watts – comic-turned-entrepreneur – on using pain as a growth gauge and turning your passions into business. Paige Gercovich spills on the move toward timber use in kitchens, playful tiles and calm, earthy palettes. Dean O’Rourke on new tech, cutting waste and making the trade shine f...

We rolled the mics to HIA National Conference and stitched three chats into a one-hour bonus ep. Featuring: Ian Hazan & Debbie Johnson (HIA Presidents) on backing members, cutting red tape, and the builder’s role in better housing. Dean Backman shows how he bumps a house from 7 to 10 stars with airtight testing, triple glazing, and smarter detailing. Oliver Burnell explains trading a desk job...

Ben and Aaron Tass were done with plans changing after the slab was poured, so they put the architect’s desk next to the builder’s. A multi-award winning construction company, every custom job now starts with real numbers, not wishful thinking. They walk through upfront cost breakdowns, clear client chats, and keeping growth steady in a brother-run shop. Want fewer variations and smoother builds?...

Solar used to be a “nice‑to‑have.” Now tougher NCC energy‑efficiency targets are steering every new build toward full electrification. Anthony Igmen from Specialized Solar & Electrical lays out what that means on site - panels, batteries, EV chargers, subsidies, and the margins hiding in smart tech. We cover early‑stage design, ditching gas, and teaming up with the right sparkies. Tune in for...

Luke Callery is a builder on a mission to make homes perform better — and help other builders do the same. In this ep, he shares how chasing the ‘one percenters’ changed the way he builds, runs his business, and connects with clients. From letting go of micromanaging, to tracking your numbers, to rethinking what makes a quality home - it’s full of small shifts that actually make a difference.@call...

Neil Hipwell left school at 14, started hiring tradies by 20, and built FutureFlip into one of the most recognised design and build companies in the country. In this episode, he talks about how backing yourself, leaning into your strengths, and making hard calls early on helped him build a business — and a life — on his own terms. Tune in for an honest chat about backing yourself, resilience, and...

Welcome to Made To Build. The voices shaping the future of residential building in Australia.   Each ep brings you the stories, lessons, and practical insights from those who know building best. These are award-winning builders, design professionals, business coaches, mentors, and hands-on trades. They’re HIA members that have all been through it; navigating challenges, embracing change, managing...