Think Brick

Suzannah Waldron co-founded Searle x Waldron Architecture in 2007, a small Melbourne based practice that specialises in doing public works. She is particularly interested in small projects and how they can be connected to the larger urban context. The practice has worked in several high profile civic, cultural and education precincts. Our built work investigates material specificity and explores a...

Today we go through the National Construction Code 2022 Volume Two and focus on energy efficiency. Did you listen to Part 1 of this series? Find out why bricks are the superior choice when building your project! In this episode your host Elizabeth McIntyre, and Engineering Intern, Danielle Simbulan, cover topics such as;  All about energy efficiency; The new 7-star rating requirement; How you can...

David is an architect and former Councillor representing St Kilda, Middle Park + Albert Park on the City of Port Phillip Council. He has taught architectural history and design at the University of Melbourne for many years. His design studios focus on real-world urban sites in need of cultural reconceptualisation -- and the realisation and expression of cultural values in built form. In this episo...

What a milestone, 100 episodes of the Think Brick Podcast! Over these 100 episodes, we have had the pleasure to sit down with architects from all over Australia and in other parts of the world. We've had so many intriguing conversations and for this special episode, your host Elizabeth McIntyre takes us on a journey through our favourite highlights from the very beginning of the Think Brick Podcas...

Monique Woodward is a founding director of WoodWoodWard (WOWOWA) Architecture. WOWOWA is a studio with a uniquely Australian approach to architecture, established in collaboration with Scott Woodward in 2010. In describing its architectural practice, WOWOWA says that its studio is all about "creating meaningful, contemporary, idea- based civic spaces that are socially useful and publicly generous....

The National Construction Code 2022 has been released! Have you had a look over to see what has changed since 2019? Have a listen now to find out! In this episode your host Elizabeth McIntyre, and Engineering Intern, Mina Matta, cover topics such as;  The key differences between NCC 2019 and NCC 2022, focusing on; Energy efficiency; Weatherproofing; Combustibility; and much more... This episode an...

With 25 years of professional experience in Argentina, the UK and Australia, Daniel plays a key role on the design front at With Architecture Studio (With Studio), being actively involved in early conceptual stages and design reviews for projects across all typologies. Throughout his career at With Studio, Daniel developed an expertise on the master planning, design and delivery of educational inf...

There's so much you can explore with bricks by changing up their bond types and creating some amazing patterns! In this episode your host Elizabeth McIntyre, and Civil Engineer, Danielle Simbulan, cover topics such as;  The different bond types; The patterns that can be created by these; Some amazing examples of how these bonds have been used in projects showcased in the Think Brick Awards; and mu...

With more than 15 years at B.E Architecture, Andrew Piva has developed the company's design standards and is responsible for ensuring project outcomes and quality assurance. He is highly involved in the developing design schemes and overseeing the construction of projects to ensure client expectations are meet. With broad knowledge of materiality, furnishings, construction methodologies he leads p...

We've gone through the Brick Manufacturing Process, but ever wondered what happens to the brick quarries after they've been excavated? In this episode your host Elizabeth McIntyre, and Engineering Intern, Rahul Elangovan, cover topics such as;  The lifespan of a brick pit; The different ways an exhausted brick pit can be redeveloped; Some examples of how brick quarries have been transformed in Aus...

Michael Morgan is a director at nettletontribe and served the company as Managing Director for 26 years. Since joining the company in 1977 Michael has developed extensive expertise in detailed design reviews as well the ability to identify strategic commercial and environmental opportunities. In this episode, your host Elizabeth McIntyre and special guest, Michael Morgan have a conversation which...

Did you know that on average, Australia records over 100 earthquakes each year? How should we design our buildings to withstand this and why should we build in brick? Let's find out! In this episode your host Elizabeth McIntyre, and Engineering Intern, Mina Matta, cover topics such as;  What needs to be considered when designing for earthquake-prone regions; Why commercial buildings and residentia...

Billy Kavellaris is the managing director and established KUD in 2002. He has led his team of architects to complete single residential dwellings, high-density residential, public and commercial buildings and major high-rise developments. Billy has taught at the University of Melbourne and has also been a guest critic at various universities. In this episode, your host Elizabeth McIntyre and speci...

Thinking of building your first home? Take a listen as we explore through 5 top tips! In this episode your host Elizabeth McIntyre, and special guest, Tess Nyanjom from BGC Housing Group, cover topics such as;  The reason why location matters; Having a budget and sticking to it; Why brick should be considered as a building material; and much more... This episode and many others can be found on all...

Patrick Kennedy is a founding director of Kennedy Nolan. With Rachel, he established and continues to lead the practice's distinctive design direction.  In this episode, your host Elizabeth McIntyre and special guest, Patrick Kennedy have an engaging conversation which covers topics such as: Patricks upbringing in Northeast Melbourne; How Patrick moved towards architecture; Meeting Rachel Nolan th...

The third and final part of the Brick Manufacturing Process! Have you enjoyed this series so far? And what do you know about firing bricks? In this episode your host Elizabeth McIntyre, and Engineering Team Lead, Jack Gill, cover topics such as;  Different types of brick firing kilns; Carbon neutral bricks; How bricks are packed and sent out for delivery; and much more...   This episode and many o...

Catherine has 33 years of experience in Landscape Architecture practice, in Australia and overseas. Catherine's strength lies in design generation and in setting the creative direction for Rush Wright's projects.    In this episode, your host Elizabeth McIntyre and special guest, Catherine Rush have an interesting conversation which covers topics such as: Growing up in Canberra; Experiences throug...

Part Two of the Brick Manufacturing Process! What do you know about shaping and drying bricks? In this episode your host Elizabeth McIntyre, and Engineering Team Lead, Jack Gill, cover topics such as;  The process of shaping bricks and the different types; Glazing that is applied to cut bricks; How and where bricks are dried; and much more...   This episode and many others can be found on all majo...

Debbie Ryan is the owner of McBride Charles Ryan (MCR). MCR has completed many state, national and international award-winning projects over the past years. MCR works on a wide range of project types, where each project explores the tension between the program, local tradition and experimentation.  In this episode your host Elizabeth McIntyre, and special guest Debbie Ryan, have an engaging conver...

Bricks are around us everyday, but have you ever stopped to think about how they're made?   In this episode your host Elizabeth McIntyre, and Engineering Team Lead, Jack Gill, cover topics such as;    Different types of clays used in brick manufacturing; Chemicals and compounds in clay and how this effects the final product; How the clay is transported from brick pits to the brick plant; The mixin...

University of Queensland student, Claire Black, recently won our Think Brick Student Prize, awarded to a master of Architecture student for the best use of bricks, blocks or roof tiles in a design studio. We are proud to have been able to get Claire's thoughts and opinions about bricks, and the way in which she utilised them in her project.  In this episode, your host Elizabeth McIntyre and specia...

Brick paving around your pool, not only looks great due to the colours not fading and the durability of the material but they are also very easy to clean! In this episode your host Elizabeth McIntyre, and Engineering Team Lead, Jack Gill, cover topics such as;  Considerations when paving with brick around your pool; How different chemicals such as chlorine can effect your pavers; Which types of ma...

Noel Whittaker is an international bestselling author, finance and investment expert, radio broadcaster, newspaper columnist and public speaker. He is one of the world's foremost authorities on personal finance. In Noel's early career, he worked in various financial services jobs in Brisbane as a property conveyancer and at a listed property company.   In this episode your host, Elizabeth McIntyre...

Australia has one of the most diverse climates, with each state boasting a multitude of extremes. Have you ever wondered which states used which brick walling types?   In this episode your host Elizabeth McIntyre, and Engineering Team Lead, Jack Gill, cover topics such as;  The types of walling types used with brick; How and why different walling systems became popular in different states; Walling...

Aaron Peters has contributed articles to a number of architectural publications and led design studios at The University of Queensland and Bond University. Vokes and Peters is currently working on a number of residential, commercial and institutional projects across Australia as well as running an (ir)regular public talk series: Garden Variety. In this episode, your host Elizabeth McIntyre and spe...