Mindful Builder

“I’m not just a carpenter.”That’s the energy Sam Aitken brings to this episode, and it is exactly what the construction industry needs more of. Carpentry is not a fallback job. It is craft, problem-solving, and leadership on-site. Sam is also using social media to show what pride in the trade actually looks like, without turning it into a glossy performance.We sit down with Sam to talk about his journey from Carisbrook to completing his apprenticeship in Ballarat, and why he stayed working with the same boss who trained him. We also unpack what that kind of loyalty says about standards, mentorship, and doing things properly, especially in an industry where good guidance can make or break a career.Sam pushes back hard on the idea of being “just a carpenter”. Whether he is framing, finishing, or solving the tricky problems nobody else wants, he treats the work like it matters, because it does. We talk about how good carpenters understand sequencing, tolerances, and how their decisions affect every other trade on site, and why attention to detail lifts the standard of the whole build.We also get into the future of carpentry, including specialisation, better pathways, and what it takes to develop mastery instead of just speed. Sam shares why teaching apprentices the “why” matters, and his message to new tradies is simple. Take pride in the job, keep learning, challenge the norm, and do not shrink your ambition just because someone told you it is “just carpentry”.👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇00:00 Introduction03:13 Who Is Sam? Instagram, Confidence & Showing Up Uncurated05:03 Volume-Build Reality: Pride, Budgets & Doing Quality Work Anyway07:51 Sam’s Path: Apprenticeship, Small-Town Roots & Staying With One Boss11:06 Rethinking Carpentry: Specialisation, Trade Shortages & Micro-Certs17:15 Teaching Apprentices: The ‘Why’, Leadership Mistakes & Better Communication23:36 Firm vs Abusive: Feedback Culture, Praise, and Raising Standards28:18 Why Carpentry Matters: Craft Pride & ‘I’m Just a Carpenter’ Mindset32:25 Becoming a ‘Professional’ Carpenter: Why Mastery Takes a Decade+33:38 Staying Loyal vs Going Solo: Security, Mentors, and Motivation34:25 The Apprenticeship Problem: Competency Gaps, Licensing, and the Housing Shortage39:33 Social Media as a Side Hustle (Without Losing the Craft)41:35 Building Better: Sustainable Builds, Wraps, and Site Quality Control44:40 Should Carpenters Be Licensed? Respect, Standards, and Advocacy47:29 Calling Out ‘Get Rich’ Courses Targeting Apprentices (Appointment Setting & High-Ticket Sales)53:27 Mindful Moment: Must-Have Tools + Advice for New Apprentices59:09 Final Wrap: Consistency, Rite-of-Passage Stories, and Where to Follow SamLINKS:Connect with Sam:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sammy_aitken/Our Sponsors:Proclima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclimaMEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megtConnect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/Mentioned in this episode:Thanks to Proclima for sponsoring this podcastVisit www.proclima.com.au to find out more

High-performance building is not just about premium products. It is about the system. In this episode, we sit down with Sven Maxa from Maxa Design to unpack what Passive House building really looks like behind the scenes, from airtightness targets to the practical realities of delivering high-performance homes on site.This conversation flips the usual format, with Sven taking the lead and putting us (Hamish and Matt) in the hot seat. We get into the details that actually make or break a Passive House project, including airtightness testing, verification, contract clarity, and what happens when documentation looks great in renders but does not hold up on a building site.A major theme is collaboration between the architect, designer, builder, and trades. Passive House and building science only works when the whole team is aligned early, with transparent cost planning, clear communication, and strong documentation to avoid rework, delays, and budget blowouts.We wrap by looking at what needs to change in the Australian construction industry to lift standards at scale. Better legislation, better education, and a stronger baseline for residential construction.👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇00:00 Introduction02:18 Meet the Sponsors - Proclima03:05 Builder's Perspective on Passive House Contracts06:39 High Performance Homes: Products vs. Systems14:48 The Importance of Collaboration in Construction23:20 Challenges in Project Costing and Documentation36:51 Feasibility Studies and Square Meter Rates40:13 Site Inspections and Builder Reactions41:07 Quality Control on Site Visits41:57 Site Meeting Schedules and Coordination43:06 Importance of Passive House Principles44:50 Challenges in Australian Building Practices48:54 Air Tightness and Building Performance56:45 Biggest Mistakes and Lessons Learned01:03:38 Favourite Projects and Memorable Builds01:13:43 Future of Residential Construction01:20:46 Mindful Moments for ApprenticesLINKS:Connect with Sven:Maxa DesignOur Sponsors:Proclima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclimaMEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megtConnect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/Mentioned in this episode:Thanks to Proclima for sponsoring this podcastVisit www.proclima.com.au to find out more

“Most Aussie homes still don’t meet today’s energy standards.” In this episode, we sit down with Tim Forcey, a former chemical engineer turned home energy advisor who has assessed and advised in 1,000+ homes across Melbourne and Victoria. Tim is also qualified to assess homes using the Victorian Residential Efficiency Scorecard and runs the “My Efficient Electric Home” community with 120,000+ members. This conversation focuses on practical home energy efficiency, comfort upgrades, and how to reduce energy bills in real Australian homes.We break down the high-impact steps that make the biggest difference fast, including roof insulation checks, draft proofing for older homes, and smarter window coverings to improve thermal comfort. Tim explains why these building envelope upgrades matter before you spend money on bigger systems, and how small changes can reduce heat loss in winter and overheating in summer.We also explore electrification and sustainable home upgrades, including switching from gas to efficient electric appliances like heat pump hot water systems and induction cooking. Tim shares simple tools like humidity monitors to support healthy homes and indoor air quality, plus how community knowledge can help homeowners make better decisions. If you’re renovating, retrofitting, or trying to create an efficient electric home, this episode will give you a clear starting point.LINKS:Tim Forcey:https://timforcey.com.au/My Efficient Electric Home Handbook:https://timforcey.com.au/my-efficient-electric-home-handbook/Our Sponsors:Proclima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclimaMEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megtConnect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/Mentioned in this episode:Thanks to Proclima for sponsoring this podcastVisit www.proclima.com.au to find out more

“Stop talking to everyone like they’re in the industry. Talk to them in ways that are going to evoke emotions and what’s important to them.”In this video, we sit down with Laura De Ridder from Sorted Digital Marketing to chat about why so much of the construction marketing we see misses the mark, and what builders and tradies can do instead to attract the right clients.We cover how to get clear on who you’re actually talking to, why storytelling builds trust faster than specs and spreadsheets, and how to use different platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for different jobs. Laura also explains why authenticity matters more than polished ads, and why SEO is non-negotiable if you want to be found when people are searching for a builder.If you’re tired of relying on referrals alone and want marketing that feels practical, honest, and aligned with the work you do, this conversation will help you sharpen your message and show your value in a way clients actually connect with.👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇0:00 - Introduction: Building Better Through Education1:07 - Meet Laura from Sorted Digital Marketing2:22 - Why High Performance Building Isn't Mainstream3:29 - Laura's Background: Starting a Digital Marketing Agency4:16 - Organic Social Media vs Paid Ads Explained5:52 - Working with Passive House & High Performance Builders8:42 - Stop Talking Numbers: Speak to Your Customer Avatar10:10 - The Problem with Builder Social Media Content10:55 - Content Pillars: Creating Diverse Marketing Strategy12:03 - Understanding Different Social Media Platforms15:32 - Instagram as a Search Engine: SEO & Keywords20:20 - Copywriting Tips: Avoid ChatGPT Mistakes22:03 - Hashtags in 2024: The New 3-Hashtag Rule25:07 - Using AI Tools for Authentic Content Creation25:28 - Passive House Marketing: Too Technical for Consumers26:00 - Blower Door Tests: Making Technical Content Engaging27:15 - Negative Hooks: Why They Work on Social Media28:07 - Attention Spans & Social Media Dopamine Hits29:51 - Technology, Patience & Frictionless Society33:14 - Essential Marketing Channels: Website, Social & More34:38 - AI Search & Website SEO Strategy36:12 - Website Essentials: What Every Builder Needs37:21 - High Quality Content vs Phone Content37:45 - Blogs & Newsletters: Building Your Database43:01 - Content Ideas: Health, Comfort & Cost of Living63:25 - Diversity in Content Strategy65:56 - 2026 Marketing Trends: Authenticity Over AI67:27 - Personal Touch: Phone Calls & Client Check-ins70:02 - Video Hooks: Visual & Audio Engagement72:14 - Self-Filming Tips: Be Punchy, Don't Waffle74:08 - ASMR Content: The Power of Sound77:48 - Mindful Moment: Apprentice Development GuideLINKS:Sorted Digital Marketing:https://sorteddigital.com.au/Sorted Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_sorted/Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/

“I remember crying, driving back to Geelong because it was just too much.” In this Mindful Builder Podcast episode, Devin Grant of Performance Membranes shares the real story behind building a successful construction business and what happens when the workload finally catches up with you.We talk burnout, six-day weeks, and the lessons Devin learned after starting Granted Constructions in 2013. Then we get into the practical side of Passive House building in Australia; why it’s not a “spaceship”, why it’s “just a house done right”, and what Devin’s learned from living in his own Passive House for 8+ years.We also unpack Devin’s work with Performance Membranes, training 2,500+ builders and trades in airtightness, weatherproofing, and building better-performing homes.👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇00:00 Introduction01:06 Meet Devin: A Journey in the Building Industry01:37 Early Career Challenges and Growth05:36 Transition to Commercial Projects08:35 Burnout and Rediscovery10:29 Discovering Passive House13:22 Living in a Passive House: Real Experiences21:31 Building Better: The Future of Construction27:06 The Origin of Performance Membranes29:19 Growth and Industry Impact30:08 Customer Retention and Training31:09 Product Sponsorship and Alignment31:48 The Evolution of Building Standards33:01 The Importance of Proper Membrane Use41:13 New Product Developments46:38 The Role of Industry Collaboration51:08 Supporting Apprentices and Future BuildersLINKS:https://proclima.com.au/Performance Membranes:https://membranes.buildInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/performancemembranesau/Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/

“We’re dumping energy to maintain comfort.”That’s how Andre Griffs from BINQ sums up what’s happening in far too many Australian homes. We crank the heater, blast the air con, and wonder why the house still feels off. Often, the culprit is simple. The windows are not performing.We sat down with Andre to unpack what’s going wrong with Australian windows, why it matters more than most people realise, and what BINQ is doing differently to lift the standard.Windows aren’t a finishing touch. They’re a performance decision.And if Australia wants healthier, more comfortable, more energy-efficient homes, we can’t keep treating windows like a commodity. Conversations like this, with people like Andre pushing the industry forward, are how standards lift.If you’re building or renovating and you’ve never thought deeply about your windows, we hope this episode helps you to think differently and do more research in the future.👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇00:00 Introduction01:06 Sponsorship Shoutout01:33 Guest Introduction: Andre's Story02:37 Andre's Early Career and Education09:55 The Birth of BINQ Windows14:32 Challenges and Innovations in the Window Industry28:07 The Cost of Thermal Bridge-Free Design29:28 UPVC vs. Aluminum: Sustainability and Performance30:19 Recycling and Environmental Impact of PVC32:23 Challenges and Benefits of High-Performance Windows37:44 Key Factors in Choosing Windows44:27 Market Trends and Innovations in Windows50:32 The Importance of Trades and ApprenticeshipsLINKS:Website:https://www.binq.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/binq_windows/Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/

"In Germany, you’d never see a timber frame left out in the rain." That’s just one of the eye-opening differences we uncovered with Daniel Jakobs, a master carpenter and construction engineer from Germany, on the Mindful Builder Podcast. Dan has spent over 20 years in high-performance, ecological construction, and now serves as Technical Sales Manager for pro clima® in Australia and New Zealand. If you’ve ever met him, you know he’s got a world-class hipster beard, a great sense of humour, and the rare ability to make building science fun.Dan shares what sets European building standards apart, from meticulous prefabrication and weatherproofing to the absolute importance of ventilation for healthy, durable homes.Discover why protecting timber, getting back to basics with tools, and prioritising proper airflow are non-negotiables for future-ready construction. Australia has the talent and the tools; now it’s about raising our standards. That means learning from the best of Europe, investing in better methods, and refusing to settle for more relaxed standards. For new apprentices and seasoned builders alike, it’s about being open to new ideas, looking after your craft, and building homes that are healthy, durable, and genuinely fit for the future.👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇00:00 Introduction 01:08 Special Offers and Promotions01:53 Exciting News and Announcements02:04 pro clima® Sponsorship05:12 The Future of Building05:47 Dan Jakobs Background and Journey06:15 Building Practices in Germany08:09 Challenges in Australian Building21:42 Treated Timber and Building Materials26:43 Challenges and Opportunities in Prefabrication28:03 Small Scale Prefab: A Practical Approach30:57 The Importance of Timber Quality and Sustainability32:06 Education and Training in Carpentry39:22 Innovations in Timber Products42:52 Addressing Mould and Moisture in Construction44:15 Encouraging Better Building Practices52:12 Tips for Apprentices and Industry Professionals58:43 ConclusionLINKS:https://proclima.com.au/Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram:  @sanctumhomesWebsite:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

"Is natural building just for green hippie owner-builders?" We sat down with Rachel from Natural Building Australia to tackle this question head-on. Rachel's academic background and hands-on experience reveal how natural building has evolved from 1990s counterculture to a professionalised industry attracting broader audiences. Thanks to hemp industry growth and increasing awareness of healthy building materials, natural building is becoming a legitimate mainstream option in Australian construction.Rachel discusses the challenges facing natural building - building codes that don't recognise materials used successfully for centuries, labour shortages, and higher costs for bespoke approaches. But she's optimistic about the future, highlighting community workshop builds that attract diverse participants, including architects wanting to get their hands dirty and more women changing the traditionally blokey building site culture.Natural building isn't just about sustainability - it's about health, community, skill building, and connection. Whether you're a builder, architect, or homeowner curious about alternatives to conventional construction, Rachel's insights demonstrate that natural building offers practical pathways for creating healthier homes and more connected communities.👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇00:00 Introduction to Natural Building03:10 Defining Natural Building04:53 Challenges and Misconceptions05:13 Historical Context and Evolution07:03 Mainstreaming Natural Building09:08 Regulatory Hurdles and Performance11:57 Labor and Cost Issues21:07 Straw Bale Construction24:59 Comfort and Performance in Natural Homes28:06 Innovative Cooling Techniques in Passive Design29:21 Balancing Comfort and Natural Building Methods30:10 Client Expectations and Building Regulations30:45 The Role of Architects and Builders in Sustainable Design32:00 Challenges and Misconceptions in Natural Building34:47 The Importance of Healthy Building Materials35:38 Encouraging Curiosity and Innovation in Building36:39 Resources and Community Support for Natural Building44:01 Hands-On Involvement and Learning Opportunities48:11 Integrating Natural Building into Apprenticeships52:35 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLINKS:Natural Building Australia: https://naturalbuildingaustralia.org/place/rachel-goldlust-natural-building-consultant/Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram:  @sanctumhomesWebsite:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

A couple of years ago, we weren't sure if a podcast focused on thoughtful, evidence-based building would resonate with Australia's construction community. Turns out, builders, architects, and clients were hungry for exactly this kind of conversation - real talk about what works, what doesn't, mental health challenges, and how to navigate the shifting landscape of codes, client expectations, and new technologies.This year's conversations revealed clear themes: passive house principles are entering everyday builder vocabulary, communication between teams makes or breaks projects, and learning new techniques while unlearning old habits is essential for industry evolution. The Mindful Builder community proved that Australia's building industry is ready for deeper conversations about construction quality, performance, and collaboration. Here's to another year of building better, together - with honest conversations, practical insights, and a community committed to raising standards across Australian construction.👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇00:00 Introduction and Reflections on 202501:55 Sponsorship and Future Plans04:51 Personal and Professional Wins06:35 Challenges and Learnings13:09 Looking Ahead to 202616:51 Industry Trends and Predictions22:25 Upcoming Events and Series24:49 Closing Remarks and Holiday WishesLINKS:Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram:  @sanctumhomesWebsite:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

"Architects design things we can't actually build."We sat down with Saxon Hall, Principal Architect at Align Architecture, to tackle the age-old tension between architects and builders. Saxon's unique perspective as a carpenter's son gives him insight into both sides of this divide.In this episode, we explore why communication breaks down between architects and builders, and more importantly, how to fix it. Saxon shares his 'Align Build Collaboration' method that brings builders into projects from day one, the debate around tender vs negotiated contracts, and why energy-efficient design doesn't have to sacrifice aesthetics.Saxon's diverse experience across residential, heritage, and sustainable projects proves that when architects understand building practicalities and builders appreciate design intent, everyone wins.Key topics: • Why early builder involvement saves headaches • Tender processes vs negotiated contracts • The poetic nature of architecture meets practical building • Climate-adapted, sustainable design solutions • Balancing collaboration with contractual obligations👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇00:00 Introduction and Saxon's Background01:52 Unique Projects in Tasmania04:13 Path to Architecture05:54 Builder-Architect Relationship07:57 Early Contractor Involvement09:30 Negotiated vs. Tender Contracts16:03 Cost Estimation Challenges30:13 Understanding Builder Transparency31:45 The Importance of Real-Time Costing33:47 Educating the Broader Community34:08 Passive House Design Challenges36:57 The Poetic Nature of Architecture42:10 Collaborative Construction Processes47:53 Balancing Tradition and Innovation53:20 Engaging with Align BuildLINKS:Align Build:https://align.build/Connect with us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/  Connect with Hamish:Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

The conversation delves into the mould issues arising in bushfire zones, exploring how sealed environments contribute to the problem and the ongoing search for evidence to address these challenges.takeawaysThe mould issue in roof spaces began in bushfire zones.Sealing buildings to prevent embers can lead to mould problems.Cold, bushy areas are particularly susceptible to mould.There is a need for more evidence regarding mould issues.Sealed environments create significant risks for mould buildup.Using tools like Wufi can reveal disastrous conditions.Building practices need to be reconsidered in bushfire zones.Health risks associated with mould are a growing concern.Awareness of mould issues is still limited among the public.Addressing mould requires a collaborative effort among experts.

"The message that passive house is better, just isn't reaching people." We explore what actually happens when passive house ambitions meet the realities of Australian building sites - from the builder's perspective, the architect's challenges, and the client's concerns.Today we’re discussing what it means to design and build a passive house with Sven Maxa from Maxa Designs: the learning curves, cost considerations, and collaboration required to bridge the gap between high-performance building theory and practical execution. We break down what changes for builders tackling their first passive house spec, how architects balance performance with design, and what clients need to know before committing to passive house principles.This isn't about chasing certification badges - it's about understanding whether passive house standards can improve building performance without making life harder for everyone involved.Whether you're a builder considering your first passive house project, an architect integrating performance requirements, or a homeowner exploring energy-efficient building options, this conversation reveals the real-world challenges and opportunities of passive house construction in Australia.👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment01:54 Discussion on Passive House Adoption in Australia02:40 Maxa Design's Experience with Passive House03:19 Global Adoption of Passive House Standards05:36 Challenges in Marketing Passive House07:46 Cost Analysis and Financial Considerations14:55 Personal Experiences with Passive House26:00 The Importance of Certification and Quality Assurance29:39 Outdated Building Codes and Industry Challenges31:13 The Cost and Value of Certification32:56 Integrating Certification Without Client Awareness34:12 Design Documentation and Additional Costs38:55 Real-World Examples and Feasibility Challenges41:51 The Importance of Builder Engagement46:23 Sustainability and Passive House Certification51:26 Practical Advice for Aspiring Professionals55:02 Conclusion and Contact InformationLINKS:Maxa Designs:https://www.maxadesign.com.au/Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram:  @sanctumhomesWebsite:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

“I learned about discipline and resilience at a very young age, all because of this passion that I held. Those lessons have certainly translated into my adult life.”In this episode, we sit down with Sally former Matilda, now a carpenter and business owner, to explore what it’s really like to transition careers in the building and construction industry. Sally shares her story of moving from elite sport to the tools, overcoming injury, facing health challenges, and building a new path based on shifting values and a growth mindset.Whether you’re a mid-career tradie, thinking about a change, or just looking for inspiration, Sally’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start a new chapter.👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇00:00 – Introduction & Sally’s Early Sporting Life02:15 – Chasing the Dream: From Backyard to World Cup05:30 – The Pressure of Success & Early Retirement08:10 – Identity Shift: “What Now?” After Sport10:45 – Discovering Carpentry & Starting an Apprenticeship13:20 – Breaking Barriers: Women in Construction16:00 – Building Community & Handy Humans Collective18:30 – Facing Adversity: Health Challenges & Resilience21:00 – Redefining Success & Adapting to Change23:15 – Mentoring the Next Generation25:00 – Lessons for Tradespeople: Growth, Values & CommunityLINKS:Handy Humans:https://www.instagram.com/_handyhumans/Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram:  @sanctumhomesWebsite:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

"Even if you finish the build, it's not too late to certify." That's what Emilia Iacovino from Detail Green tells builders who've completed high-performance homes without formal Passive House certification. But should you wait that long? We sit down with Emilia, one of only five Passive House certifiers in Australia, to explore whether certification is just bureaucratic red tape or if it delivers genuine value for builders and clients.Emilia's unconventional path, from architecture aspirations through electrical engineering and automotive work in Japan, gives her unique insight into both the technical requirements and practical realities of achieving Passive House standards in Australian conditions. She reveals common pitfalls that trip up projects, from incorrect climate file selection to inadequate documentation and explains why early design reviews prevent expensive on-site corrections.This conversation unpacks why Passive House focuses on building fabric first rather than just adding solar panels, the adoption challenges facing Australia's building culture and why certification provides accountability that protects both builder reputations and client investments in high-performance homes.LINKS:Connect with Emilia:Website: https://www.detailgreen.com.au/ Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram:  @sanctumhomesWebsite:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

"I decided not to be the 'too busy' dad who missed seeing his kids grow up."That was the wake-up call for David Jenyns, founder of Systemology. For too long, he was trapped working 60+ hours a week in the business he built which is a common fate for many successful entrepreneurs. If your business cannot function for a week without you, you're not a business owner; you're an employee of a business you own.We recently sat down with systems expert Dave Jenyns to understand how entrepreneurs can transform struggle into structured, scalable success. The truth is, if you're stuck in the day-to-day grind, your business owns you. Ultimately, systematisation isn't just a business strategy; it's a commitment to personal freedom. You started your entrepreneurial journey to gain autonomy, not to become a prisoner to 60-hour weeks and constant crisis management. By implementing the insights of SYSTEMology and enlisting your Systems Champion, you gain the ability to step away, allowing your business to perform with consistency and precision. LINKS:Dave’s Website: https://www.systemology.com/Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram:  @sanctumhomesWebsite:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

"I had to sell personal belongings just to make payroll." Luke Davies isn't ashamed to admit the early struggles of his construction business. From a dairy farm in Sheffield, Tasmania, to running successful building and architecture enterprises, Luke's journey demonstrates what happens when resilience meets strategic learning. We sat down with Luke to understand how he transformed early failures into a thriving business model that's now helping other builders avoid the same mistakes.For builders facing the daunting 90% failure statistic, Luke's story offers practical lessons: admit what you don't know, invest in coaching and education, understand that building is about more than construction and recognise that homes profoundly impact the people living in them.Luke's evolution from struggling award-winner to successful business owner and industry educator proves that construction entrepreneurship requires more than technical skills. Understanding the deeper purpose of creating spaces that enhance wellbeing, combined with business acumen and community engagement, separates thriving businesses from those that become statistics.LINKS:Luke’s Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Dream-Home-building-sanctuary-healthy/dp/1781338779Davies Construction Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/daviesconstructiontasConnect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram:  @sanctumhomesWebsite:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

"You're wearing a tin foil hat if you think Passive House will work in Australia." That’s probably what Clare Perry would have heard back in 2011 when she co-founded the Australian Passive Haus Association. Fast forward to today, and while Passive House hasn't yet become mainstream, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Industry appetite has grown, more building professionals are actively exploring the concept, and even government is starting to take notice. We sat down with Clare to understand how this shift happened and what it means for Australian builders.For builders considering Passive House, the question isn't whether to adopt these standards but when. Early adopters gain competitive advantages as client awareness grows and regulations tighten. The industry is moving toward higher performance standards, whether individual builders choose to lead or follow.Clare's journey from "tin foil hat" advocate to government sustainability director demonstrates how persistence and proven results shift entire industries. The Passive House revolution isn't coming, it's already here. The only question is whether you'll be part of driving this change or catching up later.LINKS:Australian Passive Haus Association:https://www.passivhausassociation.com.au/Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram:  @sanctumhomesWebsite:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

Welcome to beer and building science chats, where we touch on some very complicated topics in the Australian construction sector. We look to bring the smartest people into these conversations to help educate everyone around healthy and durable buildings.In this engaging episode, our panel of experts dives deep into the debate between treated and standard pine battens. Join the Australian Beer and Building Science crew as they explore the pros and cons of each option, discussing moisture resistance, environmental impact, and practical applications. Whether you're a builder, architect, or DIY enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into making informed decisions for your next project. Tune in to discover which side of the fence you might land on!

 ”I'm just an average carpenter and builder a lost in a world of red tape”.  Joel Griffs from Heidi Build isn't exaggerating. The modern builder's reality involves navigating compliance mazes, managing cash flow crises, and maintaining a social media presence all while trying to actually construct buildings. We sat down with Joel to understand how the builder's role has transformed and what it takes to survive in 2025.For those entering or continuing in the building industry, Joel's story offers both warning and encouragement: the work is harder than ever, but with the right approach, it's still possible to build a sustainable business while maintaining your sanity.LINKS:Heidi Build:https://www.heidibuild.com.auConnect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram:  @sanctumhomesWebsite:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

Becoming a father changes everything - including how you run a construction business. Matt just welcomed his first child, while Hamish became a dad for the third time, adding a daughter to his two boys. These life changes forced a complete reassessment of priorities, work schedules, and business operations. But fatherhood isn't the only transformation happening - AI, rising costs, and trade dynamics are reshaping the entire construction landscape. In this episode, we talk through the trends we’re seeing right now and what they’ll potentially look like into the future.LINKS:Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram:  @sanctumhomesWebsite:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite:  www.carlandconstructions.com/