What happens when the business you're building almost ends before it really begins?Phil and Lina Strati, the husband-and-wife team behind L.P StratiCo Builders and Aesthetic Developments, share the real story behind their journey from secure corporate and construction careers to building businesses of their own.It wasn't a straight line. After quitting their jobs in the most unexpected way, they spent their early years taking on whatever work they could find, only to become caught in a builders worst nightmare, before their first project had barely started.But the conversation goes well beyond business.They talk openly about navigating fertility challenges, personal loss, the pressure behind a successful-looking business, and the shift from chasing growth to building something more intentional.In this episode:— Why they quit their jobs at the worst possible time— The scam that nearly ended their business— How one difficult project led to six thriving opportunities— The unexpected path into insurance and remediation— How they competed with 9 figure builders as a small company— Balancing stable, commercial work with creative development— Building a business as a couple— How grief changed Lina’s definition of successA conversation about resilience, partnership and what really happens behind a successful building business.------------------------Follow Phil and Lina Stratihttps://www.aestheticdevelopments.com.au/abouthttps://www.instagram.com/aestheticdevelopments_/https://www.instagram.com/lpstratico/https://www.lpstratico.com.au/Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/ Other resources:DHR Season 4 - Award Winning Homes: https://vimeo.com/1088921733/aed056c68e?share=copyFlorence i15 by Greenridge Publishing - Issuu: https://issuu.com/greenridgepublishing/docs/florence_i15Architecture & Design: https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/projects/houses/the-fairview-aesthetic-developmentsChapters 00:00 - The Risky Decision That Started Their Business02:47 - From Corporate Careers to Construction and Design06:19 - Why They Quit Their Jobs on Their Honeymoon12:42 - The Granny Flat Scam That Nearly Ended Their Business16:07 - Discovering the Construction Scam and Starting Over20:55 - How One Difficult Project Led to Six More Opportunities21:47 - How COVID Changed Their Construction Business23:37 - Finding Sustainable Revenue Through Insurance Work24:28 - Becoming One of 12 Builders on a Major Insurance Panel25:21 - Finding a Niche in Complex Insurance Claims30:33 - Returning to Luxury Property Development31:44 - The Fairview Project and Their First Major Development32:23 - Winning a Master Builders Award33:37 - Building a Brand Through Design and Storytelling35:04 - Grief, Mental Health, and Redefining SuccessKeywordsbuilding business Australiaconstruction business Australiaconstruction business ownersbuilder businessbuilding company Australiaproperty development Australialuxury home builderconstruction entrepreneurshipstarting a construction businessbuilding business journeyconstruction business growthproperty developmentgranny flat builderinsurance constructioninsurance remediationbusiness setbacksbusiness resiliencehusband and wife businessfamily businessconstruction industry Australialuxury property developmentbuilding industry Australiaentrepreneurship Australia
What actually makes a home luxurious? According to luxury builder James from Jakin Luxury Living, it has far less to do with expensive finishes and far more to do with how a home performs, feels and supports the way you live.In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with James, founder of Jakin Luxury Living, to unpack what really goes into building high-end residential homes and why the best projects are about so much more than beautiful finishes.We explore how the definition of luxury is changing. From home automation and high-performance glazing to saunas, ice baths, gyms and dedicated wellness spaces, today's luxury homes are increasingly designed around health, comfort, technology and the way families actually live.And beyond construction, James opens up about business growth, delegation, burnout and finding the balance between working in the business and working on it.In this episode, we also discuss:• What luxury really means beyond expensive finishes• Why a luxury home needs to perform, not just look beautiful• Why bigger isn't always better in business• How builders and designers can collaborate more effectively• Why communication can make or break a construction project• The importance of choosing the right trades and site manager• What to look for when comparing builders and building quotes• The growing importance of insulation and glazing• How James approaches forecasting, budgeting and project programming• Managing burnout in the construction and creative industries• Knowing when to delegate and stay in your lane• Why the story behind a finished project can be more interesting than the polished resultIf you're building, renovating or designing a luxury home, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, relationships and details that can ultimately determine whether a project simply looks impressive or genuinely feels exceptional.Follow Behind the Design for more conversations with the people shaping the architecture, interior design, construction and creative industries.Follow James Watkin and Jakin Luxury Livinghttps://jakin.com.au/about/https://www.instagram.com/jakin_luxury_living/https://www.instagram.com/james_r_watkin/Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/—------Chapters00:00 - What Really Makes a Luxury Home?01:45 - Inside Luxury Home Building03:15 - From Carpenter to Luxury Builder04:33 - Why Bigger Isn't Always Better13:06 - The Problem With Micromanaging15:43 - Builder & Designer Collaboration18:33 - Why Communication Makes or Breaks a Build27:25 - What Does Luxury Really Mean?30:51 - The Rise of Wellness Spaces at Home33:48 - The Future of Luxury Home Design35:07 - 3 Things to Look for in a Builder38:26 - Why the Cheapest Quote Can Cost More49:48 - Burnout in the Building & Creative IndustriesKeywordsluxury home builderluxury home buildingluxury homesluxury residential constructionbuilding a luxury homeluxury home designluxury home constructionhigh end home buildercustom home builderluxury residential builderchoosing a builderhow to choose a builderbuilder and designer collaborationluxury home trendshome automationwellness roomshome wellness spacessauna in luxury homeluxury home featuresluxury home renovationcustom home constructionresidential constructionbuilding a custom homeluxury property developmenthigh end residential construction
Lighting is often one of the last things considered in a project, but it can completely change how we experience a space, from the way materials and colours are perceived to how the room actually feels. In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with Jay and CJ, founders of Objects for Thought, to explore the thinking, process and business decisions behind their contemporary lighting brand.This is a conversation about much more than beautiful light fittings. Jay and CJ share how their very different backgrounds in design, art, finance and electrical work eventually led them to build a lighting company, and why they deliberately chose to focus on doing one thing exceptionally well.We talk about why lighting can make or break an interior, what happens when beautiful finishes are paired with poor-quality lighting, and the technical details that designers and homeowners often don't see.And most importantly, Jay and CJ share what they've learned about building a creative business without letting ego drive every decision.In this episode:• How Objects for Thought began and how Jay and CJ found their way into lighting• Why constructive criticism is central to their creative partnership• How they divide the business across Melbourne and Brisbane• Why good lighting is about more than aesthetics• How lighting quality affects colour, materials and finishes• What electricians and trades bring to the design process• Why Objects for Thought deliberately says no to some custom work• How direct relationships with designers create a valuable feedback loop• Why solving problems well can strengthen long-term client relationships• The importance of patience when building a product-based design businessFor architects, interior designers, builders and anyone interested in how thoughtful design actually comes together, this episode offers a look behind the finished product and into the decisions that make it work.Follow Behind the Design for more conversations with the people, businesses and creatives shaping the design industry.Follow Jay, CJ and Object for Thoughthttps://www.of-t.com/abouthttps://www.instagram.com/objectsforthought/https://www.instagram.com/jay_jermyn/https://www.instagram.com/cjand/Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_
When people think about preparing a home for sale, they usually picture the finished styling. What they don't see is everything happening behind the scenes to make that transformation possible.In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with Amy Smith, founder of Huntley + Co, a Sydney-based furniture hire business created specifically to support property stylists, interior designers and creative professionals.After spending more than a decade as a senior stylist, Amy recognised a growing gap in the industry. Independent stylists needed access to beautiful furniture, reliable logistics and an easier way to hire pieces without managing their own warehouse. That insight became Huntley + Co.We talk about the evolution of the property styling industry, what it takes to build a business that supports other creatives, and why furniture hire has become such an important part of preparing homes for sale.Whether you're a property stylist, interior designer, supplier or creative business owner, this conversation offers an honest look at what happens behind one of the industry's most essential businesses.In this episode we cover:· Why Amy founded Huntley + Co after 13 years in property styling· The difference between furniture hire and property styling· How Huntley + Co supports independent stylists and designers· Building a business around solving industry pain points· Designing a furniture collection that balances timeless pieces with current trends· The role technology plays in simplifying furniture hire· Growing through uncertainty during COVID· Supporting creatives beyond furniture through the Style Minds community· Building long-term client relationships through reliability and trust· What success looks like after building a thriving creative businessIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Behind the Design for more conversations with the people shaping Australia's design industry.Follow Amy Smith and Huntley + Cohttps://huntleyandco.com.au/about-us/ https://www.instagram.com/huntley_and_co/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090875392637 Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ —------Chapters00:59 - Behind the Design with Amy Smith02:47 - The Evolution of Property Styling05:33 - Finding a Gap in the Property Styling Industry08:03 - The Reality of Starting a Creative Business11:07 - What a Furniture Hire Company Really Does15:00 - How Technology Is Changing Property Styling17:16 - Choosing Furniture That Appeals to Buyers20:42 - Design Trends vs Timeless Interiors22:47 - Building a Community Around Your Business25:36 - Using Social Media to Grow a Design Business29:07 - Why Trust Matters More Than Talent32:43 - The Biggest Challenge of Growing Huntley & Co35:04 - Redefining Success as a Business Owner36:50 - Quickfire Questions with Amy SmithKeywordsfurniture hirefurniture hire Australiafurniture hire SydneyHuntley + CoAmy Smith Huntley + Coproperty stylingproperty stylisthome staging Australiahome staging furnitureinterior styling businessinterior designers Australiaproperty styling businessfurniture rental for stylistsstyling homes for saleinterior design podcastBehind the Design PodcastCamilla Engelhome presentationstyling industrydesign business
Choosing natural stone is about far more than aesthetics.In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with Nathan Karpenko, co-owner of CAV'ART Designer Stone, to explore what really happens behind the scenes when selecting one of the most important materials in a home.Nathan shares his journey from working in luxury hotels to leading one of Australia's most respected natural stone suppliers. Along the way, we talk about the power of relationships, starting a business during COVID, the life-changing impact of a bowel cancer diagnosis, and why trust has become the foundation of everything he does.We also unpack some of the biggest misconceptions about natural stone, how designers and suppliers work together to create better outcomes, and why the best projects always start with honest conversations.Whether you're an interior designer, architect, builder or homeowner planning your next renovation, this episode offers practical insights into choosing the right materials while building stronger relationships throughout the design process.In this episode, we cover:• Nathan's unexpected path from hospitality into the natural stone industry• How a bowel cancer diagnosis changed his outlook on business and life• Starting CAV'ART during the uncertainty of COVID• Why trust matters more than selling products• The biggest misconceptions about marble, granite and quartzite• How designers and suppliers collaborate to achieve better project outcomes• Choosing the right stone for your lifestyle, not just the look• Why customer experience is just as important as the materials themselves• Building a business around quality, honesty and long-term relationshipsIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Behind the Design for more conversations with the people shaping Australia's design industry. We'd also love it if you left a review and shared this episode with someone planning their next project.Follow Nathan Karpenko and CAV'ART Designer Stonehttps://au.linkedin.com/in/nathan-karpenko-53350617https://www.instagram.com/nathankarpenko/https://au.linkedin.com/company/cav-art-designer-stone?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-companyhttps://cavart.com.au/Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ —------Chapters01:29 — Nathan Capon's Journey Into the Stone Industry05:46 — How a Cancer Diagnosis Changed Everything10:17 — Starting a Business During COVID15:16 — Building Trust Instead of Chasing Sales21:34 — Why Quality Matters More Than Quantity25:02 — How Designers and Stone Suppliers Work Together30:02 — Marble vs Quartzite: Choosing the Right Stone32:01 — Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing Stone34:18 — How to Choose the Perfect Stone Slab37:32 — Creating an Exceptional Customer Experience41:10 — Business Lessons on Leadership, Relationships & Growth45:12— Final Advice for Designers, Builders & HomeownersKeywordsNatural StoneStone SelectionKitchen BenchtopsMarble BenchtopsQuartzite BenchtopsInterior Design AustraliaInterior Design PodcastHome Renovation TipsKitchen RenovationBathroom RenovationStone Supplier AustraliaMarble vs QuartziteChoosing Natural StoneInterior Designers AustraliaBuilding Relationships in BusinessCava StoneCamilla IngallBehind the Design PodcastDesign IndustryResidential Design