Design Principles Pod

Send us a textPamela Bell, a trailblazer in New Zealand's architecture and construction scene, shares her inspiring journey from studying architecture to embracing prefabrication and entrepreneurial ventures. Pamela's story is not just about personal triumphs but also about innovating at the crossroads of design and business. Her narrative is a testament to the transformative power of networking and building meaningful connections, which she believes are crucial for success. Pamela's experiences, including founding Prefab NZ and creating influential exhibitions, illustrate the importance of accessible architecture and her passion for pioneering change.As Wellington faces political and economic challenges, particularly in the construction sector, there's a unique opportunity to rethink and enhance business processes. We discuss how refining brand propositions and supporting local enterprises can drive innovation during these trying times. By highlighting the significant role of industry associations and social enterprises, the episode underscores the necessity of embracing change and maintaining strong networks. Pamela and other industry experts share insights on how staying connected and being proactive can help navigate these challenges and foster new building methodologies.The evolving role of architects takes center stage as we explore strategic thinking and entrepreneurial approaches in design. This episode highlights the critical gap in architecture education regarding business skills and introduces design thinking as a versatile tool. Personal anecdotes emphasize the value of mentorship and curiosity in building connections, likening mentorship to having a personal board of directors. Finally, Pamela shares her perspective on the power of informal networking, encouraging listeners to engage actively with their surroundings and learn from others to inspire personal and professional growth.Key Links:https://www.pamelabell.nz/https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-bell-nz/?originalSubdomain=nzShow Chapters:0:09 - Architectural Innovation and Inspiration10:39 - Embracing Change and Innovation18:09 - Unlocking Architecture's Strategic Thinking21:51 - Entrepreneurial Approaches in Design Thinking26:18 - Building Networks and Seeking Mentorship29:55 - Exploring Architectural Business Models44:58 - Coffee and Networking in ArchitectureFollow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram.If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on [email protected]

Send us a textEver wondered how architecture can be more than just buildings? Join us as we chat with Kevin Hui of Archimarathon, an architecture tour curator, educator, YouTuber and social media savant. Kevin shares his inspiring journey from creating architecture running tours to collaborating with Andrew Maynard on a YouTube channel, especially during the pandemic. Get ready to explore the critical issue of Melbourne's declining studio culture and discover Kevin’s innovative co-working studio space designed to revive camaraderie and bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world practice.Kevin and our hosts dive into the necessity of making architecture communication accessible to a broader audience. Learn the benefits of fostering open and relatable dialogues about architecture, which help students and enthusiasts alike to appreciate the human side of acclaimed architects. This episode is packed with insights on how to make complex architectural ideas more relatable and engaging for everyone.From spontaneous, humor-infused architecture tours to the discrepancies between architectural photography and real-life experiences, we cover it all. Kevin takes us behind the scenes on the logistics of running dynamic architecture tours that blend infotainment with education. We also discuss the evolving methods of teaching architecture, the irreplaceable value of experiencing architecture in person, and the importance of genuine interactions in digital content creation. Tune in for an episode brimming with authenticity, education, and a fresh perspective on architecture.If you are interested in joining one of the acclaimed Archimarathon tours you can find out more at, https://www.archimarathon.com/, or check out their amazing YouTube series at, https://www.youtube.com/c/archimarathon.Episode Chapters:0:00 - Reviving Architecture Studio Culture12:48 - Improving Architecture Communication Accessibility18:11 - Architectural Tours28:57 - Exploring Discrepancies in Architecture Perception40:21 - Modern Education Critique and Collaboration55:57 - InterviewsFollow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram.If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on [email protected]

Send us a textWondering how you can stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of sustainable architecture? Join us as we sit down with Matthew Cutler-Walsh, a leading expert in green building practices, for a deep dive into the rapidly changing landscape of sustainable building in New Zealand. Matthew sheds light on the recent H1 regulation updates, the enthusiastic support from industry professionals like Ben Nansett of MPB Builders, and the tireless advocacy efforts in Parliament. We'll unpack the surging Homestar registrations and the transition towards voluntary schemes, laying down the groundwork for meeting ambitious carbon reduction targets.Tired of homes that overheat or lack proper ventilation? This episode tackles the critical gaps in New Zealand's Building Code around these pressing issues. Discover how Homestar's guidelines aim to mitigate overheating and improve ventilation through smart design and mechanical systems. Matthew shares personal experiences and expert insights on the benefits and potential challenges of various ventilation systems, underscoring the necessity of adequate home ventilation standards to ensure healthier living spaces.Curious about the future of high-performance homes in the market? We explore the mounting demand for sustainable design and the hurdles that architects and builders face. Matthew offers practical advice on simplifying building designs for cost-efficiency and sustainability, the power of mid-build open homes as a marketing tool, and the game-changing role of energy modeling tools in achieving stellar Homestar ratings. Tune in to hear about groundbreaking projects, the promising built-to-rent sector, and how Matthew's podcast ventures are steering the industry toward a greener future. Don't miss this insightful discussion that promises to inspire and inform anyone passionate about sustainable architecture.You can catch more of Matthew's expertise on his other podcast ventures, Homestyle Green (https://homestylegreen.com/) and The Passive House Podcast (https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast)Chapters:0:01 - Sustainable Architecture and Green Building Practices11:07 - Improving Building Code Gaps for Ventilation24:19 - Market Demand and High Performance Homes30:05 - Building Code Compliance and Efficiency41:17 - Effective Design for Efficient Buildings54:51 - Achieving High Homestar Ratings in Buildings1:04:11 - Building Industry Podcast CollaborationFollow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram.If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on [email protected]

Send us a textHow do you navigate the maze of fluctuating construction costs and avoid the pitfall of overcapitalization? Join us as we tackle these pressing questions and uncover practical solutions to manage building expenses effectively. We’ll break down the frustrations professionals face when clients are vague about budgets and how quantity surveyors can play a crucial role in stabilizing these uncertainties. You'll learn about the importance of concept designs in gauging project feasibility and the cultural factors in New Zealand that influence property investment decisions.Ever wondered how old rubbish dumps and flood zones in Wellington affect your building costs even before you break ground? We delve into the regulatory and environmental hurdles that significantly drive up expenses, exploring how adopting international testing methods might offer some relief. We'll also discuss how these challenges impact property resale and insurance, providing a comprehensive look at how market behavior is influenced by these factors. From a builder’s perspective, discover why sticking to familiar methods like NZS 3604 can be a double-edged sword. We delve into fixed-price contracts, the benefits of Early Contractor Engagement (ECI), and why thorough documentation is crucial during the design phase. Learn how open communication and meticulous planning can help control costs while delivering high-quality architectural designs. Don't miss this episode packed with insights on maintaining budget constraints and achieving outstanding construction outcomes.Chapters:0:12 - Navigating Cost and Overcapitalization14:28 - Building Costs and Regulatory Challenges27:55 - Builder's Perspective on Construction Contracts43:17 - Early Contractor Engagement and Cost Control56:15 - Architectural Design and Cost ControlFollow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram.If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on [email protected]