Between The Walls

• Budgets, Boundaries + Blunt Truths

  Send us a textIn this episode of Between the Walls, Janey sits down with co-hosts Penny and Verity from the Architecture + Design Library for an honest, unfiltered conversation about what’s really happening behind the scenes in the design world.From client red flags and why budget transparency matters, to how AI can streamline your design process (without replacing real human insight), this one covers a lot of ground—and delivers a few good laughs along the way.You’ll also get a look at what’s coming up this month at the AD Library: passive house insights, benchtop showdowns, and Dulux’s 2026 colour forecast. If you’re building, renovating, or designing, this episode is packed with ideas, advice, and real talk.Key Takeaways – Why “no budget” is a red flag—and how to have better money conversations – Client boundaries: texting at midnight vs. genuine connection – Redefining AI: how tech can actually help the design process – CPD, product updates + keeping pace in a changing industry – The power of in-person presentations and shared learning – Staying inspired: why it takes effort and intention – How to use AI images as a springboard for real-life design – What not to do when working with a designer – Penny + Verity on imposter syndrome and owning your space – Paint, pivoting + problem-solving on a tight timelineEvents Mentioned 📅 7 August — Passive Homes with Mark from My Building 📅 21 August — Benchtop Breakdown with designers + suppliers 📅 28 August — Dulux 2026 Colour Forecast with DavinaFollow Between the WallsInstagram: @betweentheII_IIs

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• Turn the Corner with Glen Thurston

  Send us a textIn this powerful and deeply personal episode of Between the Walls, Janey and Verity sit down with Wānaka builder Glen Thurston to talk about mental health in the construction industry. Glen shares his own story—one that includes burnout, alcohol dependence, and suicidal thoughts—and how he found the courage to ask for help and turn his life around.We explore the brutal reality behind the statistics: 53 construction workers lost to suicide each year in New Zealand. In response, Glen launched Turn the Corner—a mission to climb Corner Peak 53 times in 53 days, each climb honouring a life lost. No fundraising, no fanfare—just a call to start talking.Glen also shares how his journey led to Mental Hunts, an initiative working to change the way mental health is handled for firearms license holders and rural communities. This is an open, honest, and important conversation for anyone in or around the building industry.Content warning: This episode includes discussions of suicide and depression.Key Takeaways – 53 lives a year: the mental health crisis in construction – Glen’s personal story: from rock bottom to recovery – Why opening up to a GP was the hardest—and best—decision – The power of movement: why walking and talking matters – Financial pressure, industry stress, and toxic culture – How Turn the Corner got tradies talking on the mountain – Mental Hunts: tackling the fear of losing your firearms license – What you can say when someone is struggling – Why mental health training should be as normal as first aid – The need for everyday brain maintenance—not just crisis supportFollow Glen Thurston Instagram: @_turnthecorner @mentalhuntsSupport & Resources Mates in Construction — Free, confidential support for workers in the building industryFollow Between the Walls Instagram: @betweentheII_IIs

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• Thoughtful Design, Seamless Execution with SP Blinds

  Send us a textIn this episode of Between the Walls, we talk with Nina from SP Blinds about how thoughtful design, deep product knowledge, and early collaboration lead to exceptional outcomes in window treatments. From choosing the right motorisation system to avoiding common installation mistakes, Nina shares practical advice for homeowners, designers, and builders alike.We explore the latest in smart blind technology—including the Zigbee protocol—plus how to make retrofitting possible even in completed homes. Nina also touches on fabric choices, care tips, and an exciting new offering: printed blinds for even more customisation.Whether you're planning a build or knee-deep in the final stages, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about what blinds can do for your space.Key Takeaways – Zigbee protocol: smart blinds that integrate with Google Home, Alexa, and more – Battery and solar motorisation options for retrofit or off-grid setups – Caring for your blinds: simple habits that extend their life – Why early communication in the build process is essential – Common on-site mistakes—and how to avoid them – Choosing the right blinds: start by asking what the space needs to do – Metallic-backed and PVC-free fabrics: practical solutions for heat and lifestyle – Printed blinds coming soon: for a personalised design touch – Where to experience SP Blinds in person across NZFollow SP Blinds Instagram: @adlibrary.nz Websites: www.adlibrary.nz | www.spblinds.co.nzFollow Between the Walls Instagram: @betweentheII_IIs

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• Co-Creation: What It Really Takes to Build Something Together

  Send us a textIn this episode, Janey sits down with her co-hosts and co-founders of the Architecture + Design Library, Penny and Verity, for a candid, funny, and refreshingly real conversation about co-creation.They unpack the dynamics of working closely with someone who thinks, creates, and responds differently — and why that can be your greatest strength.From building trust and navigating creative tension, to letting go of control and staying aligned on the end goal, this episode explores what it really takes to build something meaningful together.Whether you’re launching a project with a partner, hiring a collaborator, or simply curious about how strong creative partnerships work — this one’s for you.🧵 In this episode:How Penny and Verity first met — and why not starting as friends worked in their favourCo-creation as a balance of dominance and surrenderWhy working with someone different can elevate your thinkingNavigating tension without taking it personallyWhy they’ve never had a full-blown argument (and don’t expect to)What trust really looks like in business: action, not perfectionDividing roles, staying in your lane, and knowing when to let goThe power of aligned vision over identical stylesDesigning and building in a male-dominated industry — and how they hold their ownCommon myths about female partnerships — and why they’re still going strongThe importance of shared end goals and being flexible on the journey💬 Reflections:“We weren’t friends when we started — and that gave us a clean foundation.” “Trust is knowing it’ll get done, even if it’s not in your time frame.” “We debate constantly — not to argue, but to create better outcomes.” “You don’t have to agree on everything, but you do need to want the same result.” “We’ve built something based on respect — and that gives us room to be ourselves.” “You don’t need to think alike. You need to listen well.”💡 Questions from AD Library Members:Penny: What does success look like to you?Verity: If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what path might you have taken?Penny: What design rule would you love to break — and why?Verity: What part of the industry do you feel is still stuck in the past?💌 Want to learn more?Follow the podcast: @betweenthell_llsExplore the Architecture + Design Library: @adlibrary.nzWebsite: https://www.adlibrary.nzBetween the Walls is hosted by Janey — opening up warm, grounded conversations with the people reimagining how we design, build, and live in Aotearoa. 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with someone who’s dreaming up something bold.

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• LMA: Strong, Sustainable Timber Solutions

  Send us a textIn this episode, Janey and Verity sit down with Matt from LMA Timber, New Zealand’s leading supplier of recycled, reclaimed, and sustainably sourced hardwoods. From humble beginnings after a Grand Designs episode, LMA has grown to import a container of high-performance timber every week into Lyttelton.They explore what makes hardwoods like Spotted Gum and Ironbark so durable, how reclaimed timber like old telephone poles are transformed into premium cladding, and why sustainability is at the heart of LMA's mission. Matt also shares jaw-dropping carbon stats, eye-opening comparisons with tropical hardwoods, and exciting innovations on the horizon.Whether you're building new, renovating, or specifying materials, this episode offers practical insights, bold truths, and a reminder that what we build with matters more than ever.🧵 In this episode:The Grand Designs story that sparked LMA TimberHow a single power pole becomes 150m of beautiful claddingReclaimed vs sustainably sourced timber — what's the difference?The carbon equation: hardwood vs softwood and tropical alternativesWhy Australian forestry is setting the global gold standardTracking the origin of every reclaimed pole—yes, reallyThe shocking truth about Amazon deforestation and FSC certificationsTimber density: what makes hardwoods stronger and longer-lastingCommon misconceptions about hardwood — and what clients should knowThe importance of full-length samples and managing expectationsReal talk on maintenance, weathering, and warrantiesNew product innovations: Grey Box, finger-jointed lengths, batten boards, and moreA stunning NZ-grown eucalyptus option you can see in the showroomCircular thinking: reducing waste through every step of the processLocal projects, resources, and where to see LMA Timber in real life💬 Reflections:“From one reclaimed pole, we can get up to 150 lineal meters of cladding.” “Even after transport and processing, our hardwood is still carbon negative.” “The Amazon loses the equivalent of Wales in forest every single year.” “You can literally hold a hardwood sample in one hand, softwood in the other—and feel the difference.” “Clients want beauty, durability, and integrity—and that’s what this timber delivers.”💌 Want to learn more? Find Matt and the team at LMA Timber: Showroom: 50 Anderson Road, Wānaka Website: www.lmatimber.co.nz Instagram: @lmatimbernzYou can also find LMA samples at AD Library and in the Placemakers showroom, or request Dropbox links to local projects near you.Between the Walls is hosted by Janey, bringing you fresh perspectives on building, renovating, and the people shaping our homes and spaces. 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share this episode with anyone curious about sustainable, long-lasting building materials.

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