Design Principles Pod

• The Architects' Voice: Advocating for the Role of the Architect

  Send us a textWhat happens when the people who shape our cities, schools, and homes are missing from the public conversation about our built environment? Award-winning architect Lisa Webb joins us to unpack architecture's growing crisis of relevance in New Zealand.Following her thought-provoking piece in the NZIA Bulletin, Lisa shares her concerns about architects becoming increasingly sidelined in discussions about housing, climate resilience, and community building. "We have a lack of voice, a lack of mandate, and a lack of mana," she observes, pointing to recent political attacks on the profession that went largely unchallenged.We explore the disconnect between how architects communicate their value (often through beautiful images) versus what clients and communities truly value about architectural services. As one colleague noted, "Pretty pictures are scrollable but have no real sense of the agency the architect brought to bear." This insight leads us to discuss meaningful alternatives – sharing client testimonials, documenting transformed lives, and telling the stories behind successful projects.The conversation reveals a profession at a crossroads: highly trained professionals with unique holistic oversight capabilities who nonetheless struggle to assert their relevance. We discuss how smaller practices in particular face challenges being heard, while questioning whether the profession's traditional reluctance toward marketing has become self-defeating in today's media landscape.Lisa challenges listeners to move beyond waiting for someone else to advocate for architecture. Whether through greater engagement with the NZIA, strategic marketing, or simply telling better stories about what architects actually do, the path forward requires collective action from a profession that designs not just buildings, but lives.Key Links:- https://www.studiolwa.co.nz/- https://www.nzia.co.nz/member-area/resources/news/2025/architecture-in-crisis-why-our-relevance-is-fading/- https://www.nzia.co.nz/member-area/resources/news/2025/a-response-to-architecture-in-crisis/Chapters:0:00 - Introduction to Lisa Webb6:00 - The Problem with Architectural Advocacy16:40 - Lost Voices in the Housing Crisis26:30 - Architecture as Service vs. Product35:25 - Marketing Architecture: Breaking Taboos43:45 - Finding Power in the Profession54:30 - Collective Action and Moving ForwardFollow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram.If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on [email protected]

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• AI Meets Architecture: The Zuru Revolution

  Send us a textA revolution is brewing in the housing industry, and it's coming from an unexpected source – Zuru, the New Zealand toy company that's now setting its sights on disrupting how we build homes. Their ambitious AI platform called "Dreamcatcher" promises to deliver fully customizable houses for as little as $500 per square meter, a fraction of current construction costs.What makes this potential game-changer so fascinating is the comprehensive approach Zuru is taking. While most prefabrication systems still rely on standard designs and external supply chains, Zuru plans to manufacture every component in-house. From structural elements to finishes and fixtures, their vertically integrated model aims to eliminate the inefficiencies and markups that plague traditional construction.The Dreamcatcher platform itself represents a significant departure from conventional architectural software. Built on technology similar to game engines rather than clunky CAD programs, it allows designers to experiment freely while the AI handles technical aspects like structural requirements and building code compliance. The system provides real-time cost calculations, making the often opaque world of construction pricing transparent and accessible.This approach raises provocative questions about the future of architectural practice and the building industry. Will this democratize good design, making quality architecture available to average homebuyers? How will traditional builders and suppliers respond to this potential disruption? Could this be the "Tesla moment" for housing that finally forces the industry to embrace innovation?While Zuru's system is still in the prototype stage, with actual on-site implementation yet to be proven, the potential implications for addressing housing affordability are too significant to ignore. As construction costs continue to rise globally, technologies that fundamentally rethink how we design and build might be exactly what we need to solve one of society's most persistent challenges.Curious about how AI and mass customization might transform your future home? Listen to our full discussion about this fascinating intersection of technology, design, and manufacturing that could change how we think about housing forever.https://zuru.tech/0:48 - Parrot Dog Partnership Announcement1:12 - Introduction to Zuru's Housing Revolution5:29 - Dreamcatcher: AI-Driven Design9:44 - Mass Customization vs Traditional Architecture19:47 - Cost Implications and Affordable Housing31:12 - Industry Disruption and Future Challenges43:57 - Automation and the Future of BuildingFollow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram.If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on [email protected]

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• Flying High: From Dezeen to Design Dreams

  Send us a textStep into the new year with us as we reopen the doors to our podcast, diving deep into the vibrant world of architecture and design. We'll share our personal highlights from the recent Dezeen Awards, a celebration of exceptional creativity, and inspire listeners with the remarkable projects that put New Zealand on the global design map. Throughout the episode, we unpack the differences between local awards and their international counterparts, examining how to enhance the celebratory aspects of these events.Join us as we advocate for the revitalisation of competition in the architectural landscape, encouraging fresh ideas and innovative approaches to design. From discussing Wellington's thriving talent to recognising the need for more dynamic celebrations, we aim to uplift and inspire the architectural community. Our conversation challenges the norms that often dampen creativity and emphasises the necessity for an engaging environment where designers feel confident to share their work.Within this episode, we reflect on the rich potential within New Zealand’s architecture, and the exciting prospects that lie ahead. The dialogue encapsulates our belief that architecture should not only be about buildings but about community, creativity, and recognition. We invite you to engage with us, share your experiences, and collaborate in shaping a brighter future for design in our country. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review—it truly helps us connect and grow our community!Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram.If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on [email protected]

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• The Everything House: Materiality in Architecture and Pushing Boundaries

  Send us a textWhat happens when you build an entire house from just one material? We explore the revolutionary "everything house" concept, inspired by architectural visionaries like Robert Bruno, Tadao Ando, and Tom Kundig. This episode takes you on an imaginative journey through the possibilities and challenges of constructing homes from singular materials like wood and concrete. We question the marriage of aesthetics and functionality in architecture and reflect on the profound impact such designs have on our daily lives.Be inspired by the unexpected as we humorously consider a house made entirely of plasterboard and marvel at Shigeru Ban's ingenious use of cardboard. Discover the magic that unfolds when architects push a design concept to its fullest, as seen in the ice hotel where every element is sculpted from ice. We delve into the importance of bold colour choices and materiality, highlighting the creative courage required to challenge conventional design norms and realise truly unique architectural masterpieces.The debate surrounding architectural ornamentation resurfaces as we explore the tension between modernist minimalism and ornate classical styles. Are we missing something by shunning decorative elements in contemporary design? As we reflect on projects that successfully blend ornamentation with modern aesthetics, we invite listeners to reconsider the role of decorative features in enhancing a building's unity and rhythm. Join us in celebrating the artistry and innovation that can emerge when architects dare to push beyond traditional boundaries.Chapters:0:13 - Exploring the Everything House Concept14:35 - The Impact of Architectural Design18:18 - The Art of Process-Based Design33:18 - Pushing Architectural Boundaries46:19 - The Debate on Decorative ElementsFollow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram.If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on [email protected]

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• Beyond Design: Architecture, Innovation and Business with Pamela Bell

  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]

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