Sustainable Builders Yak

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ben Bardon, CEO of the National Australian Apprenticeships Association (NAAA), shares his journey from working as a painter and decorator to becoming one of Australia's leading voices on apprenticeships, skills development, and workforce planning. The conversation explores the challenges facing the construction industry, including labour shortages, apprentice...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Candice Halliday from CNA Design Studio shares her journey from founding a successful architecture practice to becoming a leading voice for emerging professionals within the Australian architecture industry. As the incoming president of Imagine at the Australian Institute of Architects, Candice discusses the importance of collaboration, sustainable design, and cre...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ben Walsham from Arkata shares his journey from studying as an architect to becoming a certified energy assessor, and how witnessing underperforming, single-glazed luxury developments drove him to step away from traditional volume building to tackle Australia's home performance crisis. The conversation explores how a simple shift in mindset, moving away from...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Kyle and Luke from Future Builder share how their platform is helping builders scale their businesses through structured systems, training, and community support. They dive into the fundamentals of running a profitable construction business—from accurate pricing and strong sales processes to effective project management. They also introduce Future Builder’s core t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Damien Collins from RecycleAll and NeverStop Construction shares his journey from plumber to eco entrepreneur, and how building some of Melbourne's most celebrated sustainable projects — including the prototype for the Nightingale Housing model — led him to tackle construction's most overlooked problem: plastic waste. The conversation explores the circul...

Send us Fan Mail In this Rethink bonus episode, Iain from Keystone Construction shares his unique journey into building—from a background in biology and environmental engineering to delivering innovative, sustainable homes. He discusses the challenges of entering the industry, the value of SBA badges in attracting better clients, and why stronger collaboration between designers, architects, and bu...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Matt Carland from Carland Construction shares his journey from aspiring surgeon to builder, and how it led him to focus on sustainable, high-performance homes. The conversation explores key challenges in the construction industry, including skills shortages, licensing, and the influence of social media. Matt also highlights the importance of mental health and mind...

Send us Fan Mail In this Rethink bonus episode, Matt from MS Constructions shares a real, on-the-ground perspective—from financing challenges and valuation gaps to the growing divide in builder knowledge. He explores the frustration of delivering high-performance homes in a system that doesn’t yet value them, and why some clients still walk away—even after years of education. Matt also highlights...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Sean Maxwell from ATMA (Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association) breaks down the essential intersection of building science, air tightness, and occupant health. He dismantles the industry myth that "houses need to breathe," explaining why modern buildings must be airtight to stay durable while the people inside receive controlled, filtered air....

Send us Fan Mail What’s really holding the building industry back? In this Rethink bonus episode, Matt from Pache Construction shares an honest, on-the-ground perspective—from rising training costs and limited access to education, to the ongoing challenge of apprentice retention. With 17 years of experience, Matt breaks down the gaps he sees across the industry and why improving education, increas...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Description Alex Campbell, director of Tallwood Custom Built Homes shares his journey from a two-way radio room to becoming one of Western Australia’s most awarded builders. In this episode, he unpacks the realities of building a profitable construction business—covering growth, client selection, insurance challenges, and long-term sustainability. Episode Covers  Building...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Description Simon Clark and Brian Guinan sit down with Andrew Smith from Weathertex to explore carbon-negative timber cladding and sustainable manufacturing. From their unique fibre-processing method to innovative product ranges like Weather Groove, Prime Board, and Natural Boards, this episode unpacks how low-carbon materials are shaping the future of construction. Episod...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Description What happens when experienced builders speak openly about the industry?  In this episode Brian & Simon sit down with Dean Backman and Luke Callery of Build Insite bringing real insight from real people on a pursuit to build better homes. With decades of hands-on experience, they share honest insights on the National Construction Code, labour shortages, sust...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Description Cathy Inglis, industry expert in masonry and brickwork, joins Brian Guinan and Simon Clark from SBA to explore the future of brick, block, and masonry in Australian construction. She discusses innovative construction materials, bespoke and architectural brick options, labor challenges, robotics in bricklaying, and strategies to support apprentices and small bri...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Description Melissa Neighbour, Founder and Principal Director of Sky Planning, takes us inside Australian council planning and residential development. She explains how state policies, council approvals, and incentive-based strategies shape projects, explores the shift from quarter-acre blocks to apartments and low-rise infill, and shares insights on sustainability, commun...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Description John, Managing Director of Bowens , shares the story of a family-owned business founded in 1894 and his leadership journey since becoming Managing Director in 2005 . We discuss how Bowens has grown through innovation, automation, and a focus on quality, speed, and ease of doing business. The episode explores timber and building supplies, expansion into cladding...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Description: In this episode, we sit down with Simon Croft, Chief Executive of Industry and Policy at the Housing Industry Association (HIA ), to explore the current state of Australia's housing market. Simon shares his extensive experience in construction, policy, and building, delving into the pressing challenges of housing affordability and supply shortages. With t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode: We sit down with Saul Griffith to explore his journey from metallurgy to MIT, Silicon Valley, and now leading work in policy, engineering, and sustainability. Saul shares insights on electrification, zero-emissions infrastructure, and how tradespeople are central to building a clean energy future. We also dive into innovative ideas for long-lasting homes, smarter...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jennifer Snyders, President of the Bamboo Society of Australia, shares her journey from indifference to advocacy for bamboo in sustainable construction, environmental restoration, and carbon reduction . Born into a bamboo legacy—her father founded House of Bamboo in 1972—Jennifer explains how this fast-growing, renewable material can transform Australia’s building...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Simon Clark and Brian Guinan chat with Emma Sutcliffe , Director of EV Firesafe , about the realities of electric vehicle (EV) fire safety . Emma shares how losing her plug-in hybrid in a 2018 bushfire inspired her mission to protect emergency responders , educate the public, and advance EV safety research in Australia. Dive behind the scenes of EV fire testing ,...

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 49 of The Sustainable Builders Yak , we’re joined by Joel Seagren , National Mechanical Ventilation Engineer at Fantech , to unpack the critical (and often overlooked) role of ventilation in high-performance homes . With a background in mechanical engineering, renewable energy, and a Master’s in building sustainability, Joel brings decades of experience to this conversa...

Send us Fan Mail How many hours have you wasted quoting jobs that never go ahead? In this episode of The Sustainable Builders Yak , we’re joined by Richard Armstrong , a former Melbourne renovation builder who turned over a decade of hard-earned experience — and frustration — into innovation. After 15 years working on extensions and renovations across inner-city Melbourne, Richard saw firsthand ho...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re joined by Jesse Raeburn , a former Block contestant, and real estate agent turned builder, who is now creating high-performance, sustainable homes in Melbourne. Jesse shares his journey from starting as a tiler in Queensland to transitioning into real estate, and eventually following his passion for building. He reflects on the valuable lessons he learned al...

Send us Fan Mail The Australian construction industry is recognizing the importance of weather resistant and vapour permeable building wraps. A correctly applied building wrap goes a long way to creating a resilient home protecting the building structure from water penetrating into the structure. In this conversation with Jesse Clarke, ProClima's  Innovation and Research & Development Man...

Send us Fan Mail Jeremy McLeod a ground-breaking Architect the entire built environment community can learn from. We talk all things sustainable architect and sustainable construction. This episode is brough to you by Holcim , Valley Windows & Crafted Hardwood If you're looking for a renewable energy provider try Momentum Energy The Sustainable Builders Yak has no affiliation with Momentu...