Design Principles Pod
Sam Brown, Ben Sutherland and Gerard Dombroski
Architecture. A hot topic, a buzz word, a realm for the rich and famous, or the thing that your step uncle does? We will be unpacking the good, the bad and the downright reality of the architectural and construction industry. With insights from industry professionals and personal anecdotes from our three hosts Ben, Gerard and Sam, you will be given a look behind the closed pages of those fancy looking moleskins. Tune in and redline out.
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Top 10 Design Principles Pod Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Design Principles Pod episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Design Principles Pod for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Design Principles Pod episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Money Talks: The Challenges of Cost in Architecture and Construction
Design Principles Pod
07/29/24 • 65 min
How 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 Overcapitalization
14:28 - Building Costs and Regulatory Challenges
27:55 - Builder's Perspective on Construction Contracts
43:17 - Early Contractor Engagement and Cost Control
56:15 - Architectural Design and Cost Control
Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram.
If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on [email protected]
Merging Green With Grey: The Importance of Landscape Architecture
Design Principles Pod
05/01/24 • 56 min
Venture into the heart of urban living where landscapes meet lifestyle, discussing the delicate balance needed for high-density environments to accommodate play spaces vital for children and family life. We shed light on the historical urban planning models that have shaped our cities and consider the legacy of landscape architecture in future-proofing our urban spaces. The conversation spans from the practical to the personal, and looks at how we can navigate the potential for landscape architecture to enhance residential experiences, challenging the conventional separation of built and natural environments.
As we wrap up this insightful discussion, we ponder the aesthetic and functional dimensions of landscape design. We weigh the merits of native against exotic plants, the cultural significance of historical indigenous cultivation, and the critical importance of soil health. By elevating the conversation beyond mere aesthetics, Charlotte demonstrates the powerful influence landscape architecture has on our cultural and environmental heritage. Join us this week and discover the greenie within you.
0:12 - Introduction
8:04 - Urban Design and Landscape Architects
13:18 - Importance of Landscape Architecture Integration
19:33 - Landscapes Role In Densification
24:56 - Value Engineering in Landscape Architecture
34:52 - Species - what should we plant?
47:52 - Design Approach of Landscape Architects
Key links from this episode:
WCC Regional Planting Guide - https://www.gw.govt.nz/assets/Documents/2021/10/Wellington-Regional-Native-Plant-Guide-Revised-Edition-2010-Web.pdf
Kiss the Ground - https://kissthegroundmovie.com/
Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram.
If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on [email protected]
The Architects' Voice: Advocating for the Role of the Architect
Design Principles Pod
04/01/25 • 65 min
What 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 Webb
6:00 - The Problem with Architectural Advocacy
16:40 - Lost Voices in the Housing Crisis
26:30 - Architecture as Service vs. Product
35:25 - Marketing Architecture: Breaking Taboos
43:45 - Finding Power in the Profession
54:30 - Collective Action and Moving Forward
Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram.
If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on [email protected]
A Deeper View: A Conversation with Architect, Chris Moller
Design Principles Pod
06/12/24 • 76 min
Discover the secrets behind the harmonious marriage of digital and analog design with acclaimed architect and Grand Designs New Zealand host, Chris Moller. Chris shares his unique perspective on the vital importance of tactile, sensory engagement in the creative process, reflecting on how traditional tools like pencils and legos can foster innovation. He also revisits a historical chat between Kevin Kelly and Brian Eno, uncovering the essence of good architecture through the lens of Marshall McLuhan's theories.
Unlock the power of juxtaposition and shock tactics in the world of design, as we draw parallels between media, art, and architecture. Chris discusses how master architects like Bjarke Ingels and Rem Koolhaas use these techniques to provoke new ways of thinking, and we contemplate the calming effect of physical creation in a digitized world. This episode also takes a deep dive into extreme sports, revealing the parallels between the intense focus required in sports like whitewater kayaking and the craft of architectural design.
Connect with the cosmos and nature through architecture with Chris's insights on projects like the Mount Pleasant Community Centre and the Porirua Community Market, Kai Tahi. We explore how learning from natural forms and historical principles can lead to more sustainable and efficient designs. The episode wraps up with an inspiring highlight of the Ruamahanga River conservation project, showcasing the powerful impact of grassroots activism and community involvement in environmental restoration. Join us for a journey that bridges the past, present, and future of design, offering a rich tapestry of insights and inspiration.
Episode artwork by Anna Briggs
0:00 - Digital vs Analog in Design
10:43 - Juxtaposition and Shock in Design
17:34 - Craft, Creation, and Architecture
35:13 - Connecting Architecture to Nature and Cosmos
46:50 - Architectural Design and Cosmic Inspiration
1:03:20 - Revisiting Ancient Architecture Principles
1:13:15 - Ruamahanga River Conservation Project
Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram.
If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on [email protected]
Balancing Art and Architecture: Matt Liggins' Inspiring Journey
Design Principles Pod
07/16/24 • 65 min
Join us for an invigorating conversation with the multifaceted Matt Liggins (Ngati Ruanui) as he shares his remarkable journey through the realms of architecture, art, and design. Matt dives into the exhilarating process of preparing for his TEDx presentation and the profound impact of forging relationships within New Zealand's art scene. We discuss the essential balance of isolation and interaction in the creative process, offering practical tips on staying organized and maintaining creativity amidst a flurry of projects. Matt's experiences and insights provide a captivating glimpse into the dynamic world of architectural and artistic innovation.
We unravel the story of building an affordable glass pavilion in Linton back in 2011. From the architectural nuances and budget constraints to the unique legislative differences between New Zealand and Australia, this episode is packed with personal anecdotes that highlight the challenges and triumphs of architectural design. We touch on the lifestyle contrasts across various New Zealand regions, sharing stories of surfing, weather conditions, and the camaraderie built through hands-on work in rural settings. This personal narrative paints a vivid picture of the architectural landscape and the heartfelt connections made along the way.
Wrapping up the episode, we delve into the complexities of designing large-scale art installations like the Euclidean Tower, exploring the collaborative efforts that bring these visions to life. We reflect on the challenges of medium-density housing design, advocating for simpler and more effective architectural approaches. Matt's unique perspective on balancing work and creativity, combined with his profound appreciation for the artistic and architectural landscape, makes this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about the arts.
Key Resources:
- https://www.mattliggins.com/
- https://tedxauckland.com/people/matt-liggins/
- @matt_liggins
Chapters:
- 0:00 - New Zealand Architecture, Design, Education
- 11:24 - Architecture, Design, and Personal Stories
- 18:52 - Creative Workflow and Personal Organization
- 28:39 - Geometry and Light
- 34:03 - Designing Sculptural Installations Through Drawing
- 46:40 - Balancing Work and Creativity
- 54:04 - Challenges in New Zealand Architecture
- 1:04:46 - Building Connections Through Podcast Conversations
Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram.
If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on [email protected]
From Classroom to Studio: The Evolution of Design Process
Design Principles Pod
04/15/24 • 58 min
Step into our studio as we dissect the evolution of our design process, from groundbreaking theses to the profound influence of architectural talks on our professional development. We shed light on how our craft, much like pottery, demands commitment to iterative processes and adaptability. The episode is a toast to the hands-on experiments that sculpt our architectural skills, and a reflection on whether our most instinctual designs remain our purest expressions, or if we truly refine our craft through experience.
Have your thoughts ever danced around the subjectivity of architecture? We scrutinize the creative legacies of luminaries like Frank Gehry, Peter Zumthor, and Anne Holtrop, and consider how architectural firms can spur innovation beyond waiting for the perfect brief. We wrap up on an uplifting note from Gerard's recent chair exhibition, urging fellow creatives to leap over the barriers they've built around their work. So, grab your favorite sketchbook and join us for a conversation that's as much about the beauty of design as it is about the journey that shapes it.
0:12 - Design Education and Practice Perspectives
11:25 - Evolution of Design Process
16:36 - Iterative Design Process in Architecture
22:56 - Design Intuition
39:23 - Architectural Design and Process Influences
45:00 - Future Architectural Exploration for Clients
51:27 - Design Development Through Physical Modeling
57:05 - Encouraging Creativity and Taking Action
Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram.
If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on [email protected]
The Art of Architectural Marketing: Strategies for the Creative Field
Design Principles Pod
03/03/24 • 56 min
Our conversation in this episode traverses the patience needed to 'lay seeds' for future recognition, the value of high-quality photography, and the smart deployment of social media strategies. Listen in as we discuss the delicate balance between showcasing polished work and harnessing the ephemeral nature of stories, and share our experiences in navigating the challenges posed by a portfolio limited to conceptual pieces.
We wrap up with an exploration of the benefits that strategic partnerships bring, delving into how they can inform on market trends and lead to client referrals. We also tackle the marketing of high-performance, sustainable architecture and the avenues to attract eco-conscious clients. Join us on this candid journey, and be prepared to be inspired, informed, and ready to elevate your marketing prowess.
Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram.
If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on [email protected]
The Everything House: Materiality in Architecture and Pushing Boundaries
Design Principles Pod
10/31/24 • 56 min
What 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 Concept
- 14:35 - The Impact of Architectural Design
- 18:18 - The Art of Process-Based Design
- 33:18 - Pushing Architectural Boundaries
- 46:19 - The Debate on Decorative Elements
Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram.
If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on [email protected]
Designing for Density: Crafting Sustainable and Community-Focused Urban Spaces
Design Principles Pod
03/14/24 • 62 min
Unpacking the evolution of apartment living, we revisit built examples and address the shift towards more compact living spaces. Delving into the role of building regulations, we discuss the critical importance of sound insulation in creating harmonious living conditions and how a focus on mere code compliance is a missed opportunity for superior quality construction. Drawing from both personal experiences and international standards, we reflect on the essence of quality in urban development, underscoring the importance of raising the bar for living spaces regardless of geographic location.
Our insightful journey through urban planning culminates with a candid discussion on the design challenges faced by architects in New Zealand. Emphasizing the role of unique design over cookie-cutter architecture, we touch upon the nuances of creating spaces that consider both natural and social environments. Additionally, we tackle the seldom-discussed topic of toxicity in building materials, revealing the hidden environmental and health costs behind modern construction. This episode provides a rare glimpse into the future of urban landscapes, where conscientious design paves the way for sustainable, life-enhancing communities.
Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram.
If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on [email protected]
Power of the Beast: Taking on Group Home Builders
Design Principles Pod
02/14/24 • 54 min
Discover the technological advances and material innovations, like Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), that are revolutionizing construction methods, driving down costs, and setting new standards for quality in residential architecture. As we peel away the layers of the construction process, we share our perspectives on maintaining the balance between building code compliance and the need for creating living spaces that truly enhance homeowners' quality of life.
To wrap things up, we delve into the significant influence architects have on the built environment and the formidable hurdles they face in reaching a broader audience. Our conversation spans the potential for architectural firms to venture into the design-build sector, the complexities of marketing within the architectural world, and the challenges of sourcing materials for innovative housing designs. So join us for a session that's not just about construction and design—it's a bridge between creativity, reliability, and the future of sustainable living.
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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FAQ
How many episodes does Design Principles Pod have?
Design Principles Pod currently has 20 episodes available.
What topics does Design Principles Pod cover?
The podcast is about Architecture, Art, Visual Arts, Construction, Design, Housing, Development, Podcasts, Building, New Zealand, Arts, Commercial and Sustainability.
What is the most popular episode on Design Principles Pod?
The episode title 'Money Talks: The Challenges of Cost in Architecture and Construction' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Design Principles Pod?
The average episode length on Design Principles Pod is 60 minutes.
How often are episodes of Design Principles Pod released?
Episodes of Design Principles Pod are typically released every 15 days, 1 hour.
When was the first episode of Design Principles Pod?
The first episode of Design Principles Pod was released on Jan 30, 2024.
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