In this episode of the Build Insite Podcast, Luke and Dean sit down with Andrew George, founder of Lou Projects, a high-end residential builder based on the Central Coast. From working across different trades to leading a fast-growing building company, Andrew shares his journey, his values, and the systems that have helped him build more than just homes he’s building a culture.

The episode tackles the modern builder’s reality: more admin, complex communication, and rising expectations. Andrew unpacks how pre-construction consulting, strong team mindset, and continuous learning can ease the pressure while still delivering high-quality work.

A standout segment is Andrew’s deep dive into Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) its sustainability benefits, technical challenges, and the way it’s reshaping residential construction. There’s also practical advice on handling client variations, scaling with intention, and why transparency in marketing matters more than ever.

If you're a builder aiming to lead with clarity, culture, and craftsmanship, this episode is a must-listen.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction and Purpose of the Episode

00:38 – Welcome to the Build Insite Podcast

01:00 – Meet Andrew George from Lou Projects

02:30 – Challenges Facing the Building Industry Today

06:37 – Andrew’s Career Journey into Building

11:03 – Building a Strong Team Culture and Mindset

17:06 – CLT Projects: Challenges and Opportunities

21:15 – Why Pre-Construction Consulting Matters

25:28 – Marketing, Education, and Industry Transparency

30:59 – The Reality of Managing Variations

35:37 – Closing Thoughts and Thank You

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