Mel Bright is the director of Studio Bright, a Melbourne-based practice known for creating enduring and responsive architecture for people and place. In this episode, Mel and Dave discussed: How she has translated her background in civic projects into the studio’s residential work, and the importance of investing in big ideas, even for small projects. The small steps she has taken toward different project typologies, such as social housing, and how she strategically over-invests in projects that have the most potential to lead to similar projects. The importance of creating a healthy and str ..read more

Anita Panov and Andrew Scott are the directors of Panov Scott, a Sydney-based practice known for their approach to ethical, sustainable and innovative architecture. In this episode, Anita, Andrew and Dave discussed: How crafting personalised books about each of their projects has allowed them to form deeper relationships with their clients, better communicate ideas and articulate their values. How being quiet on Instagram doesn’t translate to a quiet practice, and how they have spent the time off social media designing their business to suit their desired lifestyle. The importance of ensurin ..read more

Patrick Kennedy and Rachel Nolan are the directors of Kennedy Nolan, a Melbourne-based practice known for their approach to built form, contextual response and a close relationship with landscape. In this episode, Patrick, Rachel and Dave discussed: How they reject the negative associations around following design trends, and instead embrace the idea that their projects are reflective of their time and place, and will eventually date as tastes change. How having a strong workplace culture that encourages having a life outside of architecture gives them the energy and inspiration to come up w ..read more

Jemima Retallack and Mitchell Thompson are the directors of Retallack Thompson, a Sydney-based architecture practice seeking to create timeless and enduring architecture, interior and landscape design.  In this episode, Jemima, Mitchell and Dave discussed: How to make the most of every project opportunity in the early years of practice, from realising that briefs and budgets will often expand and change from what clients present during the first meeting, to taking on smaller projects as a way to explore ideas, develop relationships or refine internal processes. Why Jemima and Mitchell be ..read more

Lauren Li is the director of Sisällä, a Melbourne-based interior design practice known for their colourful, playful and liveable approach to residential interiors. Lauren is also a design educator, running workshops, courses and an online community geared towards emerging interior designers. Lauren writes a monthly column for The Design Files, and has just released her first book, The New French Look, with Thames & Hudson. In this episode, Lauren and I discussed: Why Lauren believes having diverse revenue streams can make studios more resilient during slowdowns in the residential construc ..read more

Katelin Butler is the Editorial Director of Architecture Media, Australia's leading publisher for the built environment and the home of well-known titles such as Architecture Australia, Houses Magazine, Artichoke and architectureau.com. Before taking on the role of Editorial Director, Katelin was the Editor of Houses Magazine from 2011 to 2019, and established the highly successful Houses Awards program. In this episode, Katelin and I discussed: How the Architecture Media editors decide which projects belong in their magazines, and how they look beyond imagery and aesthetics to highlight pro ..read more

Nick James and Michael Roper are the directors of Architecture Architecture, a 9-person Melbourne-based practice working on a mix of residential, education and social housing projects.  In this episode, Nick, Michael and Dave discussed: How the studio transitioned from the early days of word-of-mouth enquiries, where building trust and confidence was key, to attracting clients through their built work and how that has allowed them to concentrate their messaging on themes of physical and psychological comfort. Michael and Nick reflect on how a broader sense of uncertainty in society since ..read more

Jonathan Richards and Kirsten Stanisich are the directors of Richards Stanisich, a 20-person interior design and architecture practice based in Sydney. In this episode, Jonathan, Kirsten and Dave discussed: The journey of establishing the new Richards Stanisich brand after 15 years operating as SJB Interiors Sydney. The strategic challenge of designing a new brand that could convey a sense of experience, stability, maturity, and knowledge. The importance of a consistent and creative approach to project photography, emphasising depth, mood, and richness in their work. Their thoughts on foster ..read more

Liam Eastop is the director of Eastop Architects, an architecture and interiors practice based in Melbourne. Eastop Architects was founded by Liam Eastop in 2017 following his extensive practice experience working on award winning residential, commercial & urban design projects. Liam graduated with a Master of Architecture from Monash University, receiving the ‘Roderick Macdonald Scholarship’ for design excellence and has since spent several years teaching and presenting lectures at both Melbourne University and Monash University. In this episode, Liam and I discussed: His approach to pr ..read more

Hannah Tribe is the director of Tribe Studio Architects, a 20-year-old Sydney-based practice known for their playful and expressive approach to residential and community projects. In this episode, Hannah and I discussed: How she has designed her business to run efficiently and profitably, from a focus on gradual and sustainable growth to succession planning and delegation, and the hires she has made to help her focus her time on the studio's projects rather than administration. Hannah's insights into how residential clients experience the design journey, from their initial sense of overwhelm ..read more