The MTDC Lounge

Matt Turner
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MTDC Lounge is a weekly podcast where we chat with designers, builders, and problem-solvers about the messy, honest side of getting things built. No fluff. Just real talk, dry laughs, and lessons from the jobsite and studio.

  1. 19 HRS AGO

    Finance for Builds: Buffers, Cashflow, and Avoiding Mid-Project Pain - Will Lucas, Braeside Wealth

    In this episode, Matt sits down with William Lucas from Braeside Wealth to talk about the real-world money side of building, renovating, investing, and family property decisionsBraeside Wealth (William Lucas):https://www.braesidewealth.com.au/meet-williamhttps://www.braesidewealth.com.au/MT Design Collective – Free consultation:https://mtdesign.com.au/consultation This is general information and does not take into account any person's individual situation. You should always do your own research, or seek professional advice to assist you in making an informed decision that suits your needs.

    54 min

  2. 16 MAR

    From One Loss to a Movement: Inside Talk2MeBro - Luke Connors, Talk2MeBro

    Listener care note: This episode includes discussion of mental health and suicide. Please listen with care, or skip if needed. If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7). Matt sits down with Luke Connors from Talk2MeBro to unpack how the movement started, why it’s grown so quickly, and what actually helps when someone’s doing it tough, especially in high-pressure industries where “just push through” is the default. Links + resources Talk2MeBro: https://www.talk2mebro.org.au Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): https://www.lifeline.org.au

    36 min

  3. 9 MAR

    The “48-Hour Rule” That Shuts Your Build Down

    DA approval isn’t permission to build. You need a Construction Certificate + PCA appointed, and you must allow the required notice period before a single thing is done to your home. Matt and Mitch break down Construction Certificates (CC) / certification plans, the final “handover point” where MT Design’s work becomes builder-ready documentation, and a certifier signs off that the project meets the National Construction Code. Book a free consult: https://mtdesign.com.au/consultation

    43 min

  4. 1 MAR

    This Is When Rate Rises Can Halt Your Building Plans... - Nick Jones, Aussie

    Matt sits down with Nick Jones (Aussie Home Loans) to unpack what’s happening with interest rates and, more importantly, how everyday homeowners can make better finance decisions before they commit to plans, builders, and construction timelines. Nick’s core theme is buffer + serviceability: rates can turn quickly, and the real danger is being “line-ball” on borrowing capacity while you’re mid-design or mid-approval. He explains how banks assess loans with an added buffer, why borrowing capacity can shrink fast after rate rises, and what practical moves people can make to reduce risk (without pretending anyone can predict the RBA). Nick Jones (Aussie Home Loans): https://www.aussie.com.au/mortgage-broker/nick-jones/MT Design Collective – Free consultation: https://mtdesign.com.au/consultation The information provided during this podcast is for general informational purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information, Aussie makes no guarantees, warranties, or representations regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information. While Aussie may refer to our products or services, such as finance or insurance options for you, you are under no obligation to take out any co-branded or referred products and services. Aussie does not provide financial or investment advice. The information in this podcast does not take account of your objectives, financial circumstances or needs. We recommend you seek independent financial, legal and taxation advice before making an investment decision. Credit activities provided by Lendi Group Distribution Pty Ltd ACN 105 265 861, Australian Credit Licence 246786.

    1 hr

  5. 22 FEB

    The Smart Home Trap: 50 Apps, Zero Integration - Jesse & Marcus, Custom Integration And Electrical

    Matt sits down with Jesse and Marcus from Custom Integration & Electrical to unpack what an integrated home actually means, not just smart lights, but a system where lighting, security, access control, networking, audio/visual, and automation all talk to each other (and don’t leave you juggling 50 separate apps). They break down how integrators fit into a build, why you want them in early, and the real-world difference between “Bunnings smart gear” and a properly designed system that’s tested, documented, and supported long-term. MT Design Collective – Free consultation:https://mtdesign.com.au/consultationCustom Integration & Electrical:https://www.customintegration.com.au/Phone: 0432 801 546Email: connect@customintegration.com.au

    1h 8m

  6. 15 FEB

    Build a Home 4× Faster & 25% Cheaper: The Gablok Building System Explained - James Stanton, Gablok Australia

    Matt sits down with James Stanton (Gablok Australia) to unpack a “block-by-block” building system James describes as adult LEGO, designed to make wall construction dramatically simpler for owner-builders and trades alike. Book a free consult with MT Design Collective: https://mtdesign.com.au/consultation Gablok Australia (James Stanton): https://gablokaustralia.com Contact James (from Gablok Australia): Email: james@gablokaustralia.com Phone: +61 (0) 410361 903

    57 min
  7. Retaining Walls: The Approval Trap No One Warns You About

    9 FEB

    Retaining Walls: The Approval Trap No One Warns You About

    You sent in the questions, Matt & Mitch pull zero punches. This episode is a rapid-fire Q&A covering the stuff homeowners actually get stuck on: load-bearing walls, owner-builder realities, build-cost “ballparks”, council gotchas, and why “just chuck it in” can become an expensive disaster. If you’re planning a reno, extension, granny flat, or a development and want to avoid the classic “we didn’t know that” surprises, book a consultation with MT Design Collective, we’ll help you map the path (design, approvals, constraints, and the real-world feasibility) before you burn cash on rework. Book in your no-obligation consultation here: www.mtdesign.com.au/consultation

    45 min

  8. 1 FEB

    “Just Add a Kitchen”… Famous Last Words - Client Consultation

    In this episode, Matt sits down with Jaynell, who’s trying to create a second liveable area at home (and future-proof the space), but keeps running into the kinds of “gotchas” that can blow out cost, compliance, and resale value. Liveable space isn’t just “looks good” — ceiling heights and what percentage of the room meets minimum height can determine whether a space is considered liveable (and valuable). The under-eaves problem: if you’re planning to enclose now or later, your eave height vs internal ceiling height can become the make-or-break detail. The “rent it out” slippery slope: once you start treating space like a separate rentable area, you can trigger dual occupancy implications and council contribution fees (Matt calls out ballpark figures that can sting). Kitchenette vs kitchen: the episode digs into the line between a “kitchenette” and what can escalate compliance requirements (including why adding an oven can change the classification of the dwelling). Approvals + plan changes: if you decide to stage the build (eg, do the roof later), you may be looking at construction certificate modifications and potentially further sign-offs depending on what changes and where the structure sits. If you’re trying to add a second liveable zone—especially anything that could become a rentable space—sort the compliance pathway early (heights, labels on plans, and what you’re actually building), or you risk turning a “simple add-on” into a costly rework. Book a free consult with us here: https://mtdesign.com.au/consultation

    49 min
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About

MTDC Lounge is a weekly podcast where we chat with designers, builders, and problem-solvers about the messy, honest side of getting things built. No fluff. Just real talk, dry laughs, and lessons from the jobsite and studio.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Turner
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Matt Turner
  • Show Website
    The MTDC Lounge

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