Tall Stories

In this episode, we sit down with architects Emma Macann and Hannah Andrew to explore how relationships shape not just projects, but careers. Emma and Hannah share insights on building a ‘relationship-first’ culture both internally with teams and externally with clients and communities. They also reflect on the realities of returning to work after having children and how parenthood has informed their approach to leadership, empathy, and collaboration. With a focus on long-term thinking, community-centred projects, and practical habits that strengthen connections, this conversation offers lessons for emerging architects and industry leaders alike. Tune in to hear stories, strategies, and perspectives on creating meaningful work while balancing life, leadership, and relationships in New Zealand's built environment. Speakers: Emma Macann, Principal | Registered Architect, Designgroup Stapleton Elliott Hannah Andrew, Principal | Registered Architect, Designgroup Stapleton Elliott

In this episode of Tall Stories, host Jared Glue, Associate at RCP in Dunedin and member of the Institute’s Southern Region Committee (Dunedin branch), is joined by Jonathan Dutton, Senior BIM Manager at Southbase Construction, and Blair Collie, Senior Project Manager at RCP. They discuss their career journeys in construction and explore the growing role of digital construction and BIM in Aotearoa — from how these technologies are used in practice to the challenges of wider adoption and what excites them most about the future of the industry. The conversation also touches on career challenges, influential mentors, work–life balance, and advice for young people considering a career in construction. An engaging and practical discussion on building smarter, together.

In this episode of the Tall Stories Podcast, host Hayden Blucher, Engagement Lead at The Building Institute Aotearoa, sits down with Tuwhakaraua (Tu) Taute and Alice Carmody for a thoughtful kōrero about leadership, growth, and the changing landscape of Aotearoa’s construction sector. Tu, a foreperson at Naylor Love working on the Wellington Town Hall project and a Special Mention recipient in the Emerging Leader category at the 2024 Building People Awards, discusses the recognition of his leadership, the development of the Whakatupu Ā Mua programme, and the realities of contributing to a high-profile heritage project. Alice, a Quantity Surveyor at Choice Construction Group and an active supporter of BIA, NZIQS and NAWIC, shares her experiences across diverse projects, her commitment to industry organisations, and the value of mentorship and balance in a demanding profession. Together, they explore the changes they’d like to see in the construction industry, what authentic leadership looks like on site and in the office, and their advice for young people considering a future in construction.

Hosted by Jamie Summers — Project Director at The Building Intelligence Group in Tāmaki Auckland, Chair of the Institute’s Northern Region Committee, and a Stroke Survivor championing the Health-15 initiative with the Stroke Foundation — this episode features two standout guests: Derek Jannings, General Manager Digital, Infrastructure at KiwiRail, and Kierran Tuhi, Project Manager at Savory Construction and winner of the Under $10 Million Project Award at the 2024 Building People Awards. The conversation explores: • How their careers first took shape • Derek’s rapid rise through digital leadership at Beca and KiwiRail • Kierran’s award-winning approach and his “back yourself” mindset • Defining choices, turning points, and influential people • Projects that challenged them — and the ones that shaped them • Areas they are curious to explore next in construction • Their best advice for others navigating their own career journeys An inspiring, grounded kōrero filled with lived experience, practical insight, and stories that shape the built environment. Ngā mihi nui to Derek and Kierran for sharing their journeys with the Building Institute Aotearoa.

In this Tall Stories podcast, host Juliana Wilson speaks with Michael Richards, Customer Success Manager at Revizto, and Islam Khaled-Abbas, 2024 Next Gen Winner at the Building People Awards. Michael has carved out a career at the cutting edge of digital innovation. Known for his curiosity, collaborative spirit, and ability to communicate complex technologies in simple, engaging ways, he now helps teams across Aotearoa and beyond unlock the power of digital tools in construction. Islam represents the exciting future of the industry. Based in Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland, he is completing his carpentry apprenticeship with BCITO. His award-winning “big idea” calls for integrating counselling skills into the Licensed Building Practitioner programme, equipping site leaders with better tools to support mental health on construction sites. Alongside his training, he’s building experience with the goal of one day owning his own residential construction business. Their conversation explores: Starting out in the industry – two very different career journeys and what shaped them The role of technology in bridging gaps between digital natives and hands-on builders Big ideas that can shift culture, from digital innovation to mental health support Influential people and pivotal moments that shaped their careers The rewards and challenges of projects that make a real impact Advice for others starting their construction careers and looking for inspiration Full of insights, lived experience, and fresh perspectives, this kōrero is about embracing change, curiosity, and big-picture thinking. When recording Tall Stories, we travel around the motu to hear from our people across Aotearoa – this episode was recorded in Tāmaki Makaurau Listen for the full conversation.