The Building Talks Podcast

Martin Preece

A fortnightly podcast showcasing conversations with professionals across Australia’s Built Environment—spanning Construction, Property Development, Engineering, Architecture, Project Management, Consulting (and much besides).

In each episode, we explore the challenges, opportunities, and trends shaping the industry, while hearing the stories, insights, and experiences of the people behind the projects. From architects and engineers to builders, project managers, quantity surveyors, researchers, and business leaders, our guests offer valuable perspectives from across the sector.

Whether you're curious about industry issues or want to better understand the people driving Australia’s built environment, The Building Talks Podcast brings you authentic conversations with those ‘in the know.’

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Top 10 The Building Talks Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Building Talks Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Building Talks Podcast 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 The Building Talks Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Talking with Robert Pradolin about Australia’s Housing Crisis, Compassionate Capitalism, and Private Sector Solutions

The Building Talks Podcast

11/11/24 • 82 min

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Hey, Legends! Welcome back to The Building Talks Podcast! I’m Martin Preece, and in this episode, I’m diving into Australia’s housing crisis with the insightful and passionate Rob Pradolin. Rob’s a seasoned pro in property development, having spent years with big names like Australand (now Frasers) and leading his own projects since he was 23. He's not only got the know-how but a deep drive to tackle the housing crisis head-on.
We dig into the critical role of the private sector in addressing housing affordability and the intersection of capitalism, corporatism, and social responsibility. Rob, a founding member of Housing All Australians, sheds light on the real impact of homelessness, from how quickly stable housing can be lost to the profound ripple effects on society. He makes a compelling case for private sector involvement, pointing out that solutions can’t come solely from government but need a collaborative push from industry leaders.
If you're interested in understanding how we can work together to combat housing insecurity and drive change for the future, this episode’s packed with insights. So, tune in, and let’s get talking about real solutions to Australia’s housing crisis!
Takeaways:

Compassionate capitalism can support social housing solutions.
Investing in social housing has long-term economic benefits.
The housing spectrum spans crisis accommodation, social, and affordable options.
Education can shift public attitudes toward housing needs.
Business voices are essential in driving housing reform.
Housing solutions need government, business, and community collaboration.
Shared responsibility must shape the housing conversation.
Private sector engagement strengthens public service delivery.
Stable housing supports societal and economic health.
Affordable housing must stay below market rates to remain sustainable.
Trust and empathy drive successful partnerships.
Collective action can create meaningful change in housing.

The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.

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Strategies for Thriving towards Retirement Age, Construction Careers: A Building Talks Special with David Fisher

The Building Talks Podcast

04/22/24 • 74 min

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Hey Legends! Welcome to another insightful episode of the Building Talks Podcast! In this edition, we're diving into the later stages of a construction career with our special guest, David Fisher. With over four decades of industry experience, David shares invaluable insights on navigating retirement age in construction.
From his roots in New Zealand to wearing multiple hats in the sector, David's journey offers a wealth of knowledge. Now at 61, he's contemplating how to maintain momentum while embracing a more relaxed pace in the twilight years of his career.
Join us as we uncover the challenges and opportunities of this stage, from biases against older workers to the importance of passing knowledge to the next generation. Plus, we discuss the need for clear pathways for transitioning out of the industry and the value of projects like the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) in shaping careers.
Actionable takeaways to navigate construction's evolving landscape:

Experience Counts: Older construction pros bring valuable know-how to the table, before and after retirement.
Plan Ahead: Planning for retirement is key to staying on track and avoiding aimlessness.
Bias Alert: Watch out for biases against older workers in the industry—they can limit opportunities.
Passing the Torch: Sharing knowledge from older to younger workers is crucial for filling skill gaps.
Navigating Change: Transitioning out of the industry can be daunting without clear pathways.
Team Harmony: Employers should balance using experienced workers' skills with supporting younger staff.
Smooth Transitions: Flexible retirement plans ensure a seamless shift and ongoing contributions.
Learn and Grow: Projects like the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre offer valuable career lessons.

Tune in, grab your headphones, and join us for an enlightening discussion filled with eye-opening revelations and fresh perspectives for the journey ahead!

Chapters:
00:00 The Role of Technology in Podcast Recording
13:50 Transitioning into Semi-Retirement in the Construction Industry
31:55 Utilising the Knowledge and Expertise of Older Professionals
46:29 Balancing Knowledge Transfer and Training
55:11 The Impact of Projects on Career Development
If you're all about the Aussie construction vibe, then you won't want to miss our latest episode featuring David Fisher. Dive into strategies tailored for thriving in retirement age within the construction industry. Gain insights on navigating transitions, leveraging experience, and embracing new opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode offers invaluable guidance for building a successful career path in construction.
Hope you enjoy the podcast!
The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and r

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Email us at [email protected]

Episode 3: How to BE a Property Developer Series: Talking with Steve Chandler About Feasibility and Financial Insights

The Building Talks Podcast

11/04/24 • 72 min

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Hey, Legends! Welcome back to The Building Talks Podcast, and Episode 3 of our special How to BE a Property Developer Series with me, Martin Preece, and our expert guest for all seven episodes, Steve Chandler.
This week, we’re tackling feasibility studies—one of the trickiest parts of property development! Last time, we covered acquisition; now we’re diving into the ins and outs of feasibility. Steve breaks down the three essential types of feasibility: the initial high-level look, the more detailed 'static feasibility', and the all-important 'cash flow analysis' that ultimately determines if a project’s worth pursuing. We also talk about the various consulting costs, insurances, and financial intricacies that come into play.
It’s a packed episode full of valuable insights into what it truly takes to turn a dream project into a reality—or to know when to walk away. So if you’re eager to learn the real costs and work involved in development, tune in!
Takeaways:

Due diligence is a must for the acquisition process.
Feasibility studies reveal if a project is worth pursuing.
Cash flow is key to avoiding financial slip-ups.
Knowing your contracts helps reduce risks.
Development plans need to meet market demand.
Option agreements can secure sites without upfront cash.
Right consultants lead to accurate feasibility outcomes.
Revenue is a game-changer in feasibility studies.
Every part of development connects and impacts the rest.
Good planning and risk management drive successful projects.

Hope you enjoy the podcast!
The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:
www.buildingenvirons.com.au
Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to The Building Talks podcast so you don't miss any updates.
Also, if you're considering a journey towards becoming a Property Developer, Steve is the go-to guy in this space - reach out to him at:
www.propertydevelopmentinstitute.com

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
Visit us on our website
Email us at [email protected]

Episode 4: How to BE a Property Developer Series: Talking with Steve Chandler about Navigating Authority Approvals and Building Key Relationships in Property Development

The Building Talks Podcast

11/18/24 • 59 min

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

Hey, Legends! Welcome back to The Building Talks Podcast! I’m Martin Preece, and this is Episode 4 of our special How to BE a Property Developer Series with the insightful Steve Chandler. This time, we’re getting into the real work behind managing authority approvals and handling the people side of property development—basically, how to keep everything on track without causing any friction!
Steve and I dig into the entire approvals process, covering way more than just that first permit. We look at everything from selecting the right representatives for your project to understanding the role of private certifiers. Plus, we dive into how to collaborate effectively with young but powerful council officers to keep projects moving forward smoothly.
Beyond the approvals, Steve reveals the true project management and effort it takes to make a successful development happen—because it's not all glamour and big wins!
Join us for Episode 4, packed with practical tips and insights. If you’re serious about getting the edge in property development, this is a must-listen! 🎧
Takeaways:

Acquisition is the developer’s version of window shopping.
Feasibility is all about checking if a project is doable.
Knowing the ins and outs of authorities helps with planning approvals.
Developers juggle relationships with heaps of stakeholders.
Time is money; delays add up fast.
Every approval stage means extra time and cost.
Good rapport with council planners can speed things up.
Certification is crucial to keep things compliant.
Choosing the right certifier makes approvals smoother.
Clear communication is key for keeping projects on track.

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

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Visit us on our website
Email us at [email protected]

Talking with Ralph Horne & Louise Dorignon About the Unintended Consequences of Creating a Carbon-Neutral Built Environment

The Building Talks Podcast

03/17/25 • 90 min

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Hey, Legends! Welcome back to The Building Talks Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into a fascinating and thought-provoking topic—Post Carbon Inclusion.
Our guests for this episode are Ralph Horne and Louise Dorignon from RMIT University in Melbourne. Ralph is the Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor at the College of Design and Social Context, while Louise serves as the Vice Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow. Together, along with others they’ve co-authored Post Carbon Inclusion (get your hands on a copy here), a book that explores the intersection of decarbonisation and inequality within the built environment.
This episode goes beyond the usual discussions of around project delivery, companies, design, Engineering or Architecture. Instead, we ask big-picture questions:

How do we ensure decarbonisation is delivered equitably? 🌏
What are the unintended consequences of creating a carbon-neutral built environment? 🚧
How do renewable energy initiatives and housing solutions factor into the broader social impact of decarbonisation? 🏡

Key Takeaways:

✅ Understanding the unintended consequences of Decarbonisation within the built environment
✅ Urban experiments often reveal hidden challenges and unintended impacts.
✅ Inclusivity is critical for sustainable urban planning and housing solutions.
✅ Housing should be viewed as essential social infrastructure, not just a commodity.
✅ Australia has room to improve housing standards compared to global leaders.
✅ Collaboration and understanding local contexts are vital for successful sustainability initiatives.

📚 Want to explore these ideas further? Grab a copy of Post Carbon Inclusion on Amazon or at your favourite bookstore, or check out this article about the book and topic!
The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:
www.buildingenvirons.com.au
Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instag

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
Visit us on our website
Email us at [email protected]

Unlocking Australian Property Development Challenges: In-Depth Discussion with Industry Expert Illan Samuel

The Building Talks Podcast

05/06/24 • 87 min

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

Hey Legends! Welcome back to The Building Talks Podcast! Join us for a captivating conversation with Illan Samuel, founder of Samuel Property, as we delve into the dynamic world of construction and property development in Australia, specifically in Victoria. Discover valuable insights into market conditions, challenges, and opportunities in today's landscape.
Key takeaways include the importance of finding opportunities, building relationships, and networking effectively in property development. Learn how experience, strategic approaches, and collaboration play vital roles in navigating the evolving industry.
Whether you're a professional in the field or simply interested in the property market, this episode offers thought-provoking discussions and potential solutions. Tune in now to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in the Australian construction scene!
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
10:03 The Evolution of Ilan Samuel's Development Projects
25:06 Avoiding Mistakes in Property Development
34:36 Challenges and Changes in the Property Development Landscape
43:41 The Role of Local Politicians and Qualified Professionals
54:34 Streamlining the Planning Process
01:01:29 The Potential for Growth in the Apartment Building Sector
Hope you enjoy the podcast!
The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:
www.buildingenvirons.com.au
Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to The Building Talks podcast so you don't miss any updates.
#BuildingTalksPodcast #Construction #PropertyDevelopment #Australia #Victoria #RealEstate #MarketInsights #SamuelProperty #HighEndProjects #PostCOVID #UrbanDevelopment #PolicyImpact #IndustryInsights #PropertyMarket

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Email us at [email protected]

Talking with Alice Hanna about the role of People & Culture in Australia's No1 Place to work (2022)

The Building Talks Podcast

08/23/22 • 60 min

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

In this podcast episode, we talked with Alice Hanna – People and Culture Manager at Kapitol Group. Alice has recently been nominated for Australian and HR Manager of the Year and has worked tirelessly to have helped Kapitol Group pick up #1 Best Places to Work in Australia for 2022! She knows her stuff!
Alice gives us her insights on the importance of the role of people and culture in the business, creating a good culture within a large builder and the steps needed to get there. We spoke about diversity and gender within construction, and discussed some of the steps Kapitol have taken to provide a bit more flexibility to their employees.

Alice also spoke about the positive benefits that any organization will get when it comes to talent acquisition when improving culture, and now this significantly aides staff retention and improves project outcomes across safety and quality.

Amongst other things, in this podcast we discussed:

Creating a positive workplace culture within the Construction sector
Providing Workplace Flexibility in a Construction Company setting
The positive outcomes gained from imbedding a successful culture in a large Construction business
The importance of feedback to the evolution of a great culture

If you work in the Built Environment sector - across building, construction, engineering, development or any sector related to it, this episode is well worth a listen and provide you an in-depth understanding of what it takes to create the best place to work, in Australia.

The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne. For an overview of our service, visit:
www.buildingenvirons.com.au
Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to The Building Talks podcast so you don't miss any updates in the Melbourne market.

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Visit us on our website
Email us at [email protected]

Solving Australia's Construction Labour Shortage: Insights from Robert Sobyra of BuildSkills Australia

The Building Talks Podcast

05/27/24 • 61 min

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

Hey, Legends! Welcome to this week's episode of the Building Talks podcast! We're excited to welcome back Robert Sobyra from BuildSkills Australia. You might remember Robert from when he was with the Australian Constructors Association. Now at BuildSkills Australia, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

In this episode, we dive into BuildSkills Australia, Robert's role, and tackle hot topics in the construction industry. We chat about apprenticeships, migration, and strategies to attract more people into trades in Australia. With a looming housing crisis, we explore solutions, the importance of training pathways, and how to get more people into modern apprenticeships in construction and property.

Robert backs up his insights with solid data and research, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of construction. We discuss the impending labour shortage, especially in trades, and what the industry needs to do to meet the upcoming demand for housing, infrastructure, and public projects. With major events like the Olympics in Southeast Queensland and various government initiatives, there's a lot on the horizon.
Key Takeaways:

The housing crisis is driven by factors like immigration, social housing, and infrastructure.
BuildSkills Australia focuses on training for construction and property.
Diverse strategies are needed to tackle labour shortages, including increased participation, retaining older workers, and migration.
Incentives are crucial to boost apprenticeships.
Changing industry culture to attract more women and create inclusivity is essential.
Female participation in construction is increasing, but gender parity is still far off.
Apprenticeships are vital to bringing more people into trades, but quality employers and supervisor support are needed.
Apprenticeship completion rates are similar to university degrees, allowing young people to explore various career paths.
Modern construction methods and prefabrication are key to meeting housing demands.

Chapters:
00:00 Understanding the Factors Contributing to the Housing Crisis

03:03 The Role of BuildSkills Australia in Vocational Education and Training

06:35 Addressing Labour Shortages: A Mix of Strategies

11:33 The Importance of Demand-Side Incentives for Apprenticeships

28:37 The Shift in Female Participation in the Construction Industry

34:22 Selecting Quality Employers for Apprenticeships

36:05 Comparing Completion Rates for Apprenticeships and University Degrees

49:23 Increasing Productivity through Modern Methods of Construction
Hope you enjoy the podcast!
The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. Fo

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

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Visit us on our website
Email us at [email protected]

Unlocking Urban Potential: Exploring YIMBYism with Jonathan O'Brien

The Building Talks Podcast

07/08/24 • 69 min

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

Hey, Legends! Welcome to this week's episode of The Building Talks Podcast! Today, we're delving into the world of YIMBYism with Jonathan O'Brien, Lead Organiser of YIMBY Melbourne. YIMBY, or "Yes In My Backyard," offers proactive solutions to Australia's housing crisis, exploring planning regulations, heritage overlays, and the "missing middle" housing concept. Jonathan discusses how increasing urban density near CBDs can expand housing options.
We also explore ideological debates on urban development, from left-wing to right-wing perspectives, balancing progress and preservation. Jonathan's insights on city living and community planning make this episode essential for urban development enthusiasts. Join us for an engaging conversation on housing solutions and the future of our cities!

Key Takeaways from the conversation:

How the YIMBY movement aims to support more housing development in desirable areas
How zoning laws limit housing development, contributing to the affordable housing shortage.
How and why higher density is important for economic growth, social connections, and sustainable cities.
Understanding how heritage preservation can hinder housing development; regulations need to balance preservation and progress.
A shift in mindset and policy is needed to increase housing options and address affordability. Social and affordable housing provide safe homes for those in need.
Government funding and support are crucial for building social and affordable housing, but financing and labour challenges exist.
Policy changes should make it easier to build various types of housing and increase supply, including higher density near rail infrastructure and ending single-family zoning.
The YIMBY movement seeks to create a more inclusive and affordable housing market.

Chapters

The Impact of Zoning Regulations on Housing Development
The Importance of Density for Economic and Social Benefits
Rethinking Mindsets and Policies for Housing Affordability
Understanding Affordable Housing and the Housing Crisis
Challenges in Building and Funding Social and Affordable Housing
Policy Changes to Increase Housing Supply and Density
The YIMBY Movement: Advocating for More Housing Development
The Future of the Housing Crisis and the YIMBY Movement

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Talking with Mark Flynn, a sub-contractor's view of the risks and challenges within the construction industry

The Building Talks Podcast

05/22/23 • 71 min

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

In this podcast episode, I was joined by Mark Flynn, the Owner and Founder of the specialised brick, block and masonry subcontractor, Brickit. During this conversation, we talked a little bit about Mark's background, setting up a sub-contracting business, looking for good clients to partner with, and his view of successfully delivering works on a construction site.
Having worked on a couple of Seasons of Channel Nine's The Block, we touched upon those experiences and how over the last few years, he has added layers of reporting and risk management into his business operations to mitigate risk. In this episode, Mark gives us a look at the construction industry from a Sub-contractor's perspective.
Amongst other things, in this podcast we discussed

The challenges that make it difficult for subcontractors to be successful.
Finding good clients and head contractors
Managing risk
Building a strong brand

Hope you enjoy the podcast!
If you work in the built environment, then this episode will shed a light on the construction industry, from a specialist sub-contractors perspective - a view from the 'coal face' of the building industry!
The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne. For an overview of our service, visit:
www.buildingenvirons.com.au
Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to The Building Talks podcast so you don't miss any updates.

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
Visit us on our website
Email us at [email protected]

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FAQ

How many episodes does The Building Talks Podcast have?

The Building Talks Podcast currently has 86 episodes available.

What topics does The Building Talks Podcast cover?

The podcast is about Australia, Society & Culture, Architecture, Leadership, Construction, Property, Personal Journals, Design, Development, Podcasts, Melbourne, Project Management, Business, Coaching, Careers and Engineering.

What is the most popular episode on The Building Talks Podcast?

The episode title 'Talking with Phil Hendy about Revolutionising Construction with Lean Wisdom' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The Building Talks Podcast?

The average episode length on The Building Talks Podcast is 71 minutes.

How often are episodes of The Building Talks Podcast released?

Episodes of The Building Talks Podcast are typically released every 14 days.

When was the first episode of The Building Talks Podcast?

The first episode of The Building Talks Podcast was released on Sep 16, 2021.

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The Building Talks Podcast

Martin Preece

Top 10 The Building Talks Podcast Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does The Building Talks Podcast have?

What topics does The Building Talks Podcast cover?

What is the most popular episode on The Building Talks Podcast?

What is the average episode length on The Building Talks Podcast?

How often are episodes of The Building Talks Podcast released?

When was the first episode of The Building Talks Podcast?

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